By Brianna Pitts
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Randy Girod, a respected community member and politician, died suddenly on Friday, Sept. 22, in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Randy Girod

According to current Kosciusko County Republican Party Chair Mike Ragan, Girod was very involved in the Kosciusko community and took on several different roles in his life.

Some of these roles included being elected as Kosciusko County Prosecutor in the early 1990s, serving for one term. He was the GOP chair for seven years and four months before he resigned to care for his sick mother. Ragan spoke of how Girod handpicked him for the position after he resigned and spoke on his behalf at the caucus. At the time of his passing, Girod was an active member of the election board and a precinct committeeman in Kosciusko County.

“He was a great friend and mentor. He was an active member of the party, known well throughout the state, and was a great help to this community, said Ragan. “He will be sorely missed. This is truly a tragic loss for our community.”

Former Kosciusko County GOP Chair Jean Northenor had only positive things to say about Girod.

“Whenever I came in contact with him, it was a wonderful event. I am 91 years old so you know I have known many people in my life, but I have never known anyone kinder or more thoughtful than Randy. He always put other people first no matter what. Sometimes that would get him into some trouble and he would come to me and say, ‘Oops, Jean what do I do?”‘ said Northenor. “You couldn’t help but like that young man.”

The other side of the political aisle feels the loss as well.

“The Kosciusko Democrat leadership are also heartbroken. Randy most recently served on the Election Board with my husband, Bill. They spent many car rides together delivering machines and attending meetings. He was such a kind and caring person. Definitely would consider him a friend,” Vicki Morton, chair of the Kosciusko County Democratic Party, said.

“I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Randy Girod. Randy was a dedicated member of the County Election Board. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Randy’s family and loved ones during this very difficult time as we remember the remarkable person he was. Randy was a tireless advocate for the democratic process and the integrity of our elections. He was not only a colleague but also a friend to many of us.” Bill Morton, Democrat board member of the County Election Board, said. “His contributions to the community will be remembered and cherished. Randy’s absence will be profoundly felt as we continue our work to ensure free and fair elections for the people of Kosciusko County. In honor of Randy Girod’s memory, we reaffirm our dedication to the democratic ideals that brought us together. Randy leaves behind a legacy of integrity and service that will inspire us as we carry on the important work of the County Election Board.”