Forty-eight years ago in 1973, I had the privilege of meeting one of the most extraordinarily gifted, talented, energetic, passionate and authentic Christian men I’ve ever encountered. He introduced himself as Randy Swanson. He was a UCLA graduate with an energy I’d seldom experienced, an amazingly gifted trumpet player, and a Continental Singers director. Little did I know that Randy would become not only a deeply-loved, treasured and valued friend, but also a tremendously important influence on my life and the ministry of CELEBRANT SINGERS.
Paul Stilwell, Jon Stemkoski & Randy Swanson
Randy wore so many hats, and possessed so many amazing qualities, it’s nearly impossible to enumerate them all. He played a major role in his long tenure with Continental Singers to be sure, and was a dedicated, committed and loving husband and father. He was, in all the years we had the privilege of knowing him, deeply involved in all manner of Christian activities and pursuits as well. Upon earning his law degree he became an extremely valuable counselor for, and exerted great influence on, a myriad of Christian ministries. As a personal friend, confidant and legal counsel to numerous prominent Christian leaders and organizations, Randy soon became the “go to” guy for many in the service of Christ. In all of these roles and a plethora of others, Randy was highly respected, deeply-loved and appreciated.
Among the many individuals and ministries he faithfully served were: Cam Floria and Continental Singers, Chuck Fromm and Maranatha Music, Dr. Robert Schuller and the Crystal Cathedral, Rev. Chuck Smith and Calvary Chapels, Rev. John Wimber and the Vineyard Christian Fellowships, Significant Living, Samantha Landy Ministries (a ministry he shared with his loving wife, Samantha) and many, many others too numerous to mention.
Randy & his wife Samantha
Through all the years we remained close. Upon starting CELEBRANT SINGERS in 1977, Randy contributed the first $100.00 to our fledgling ministry and often proudly said, “Receipt #001 to Celebrant Singers is one of my most prized possessions.”
I even finished my book “Here’s One” in Randy and Samantha’s home in St. George, Utah. The following day we submitted it to a Salt Lake City printer who turned it around in 48 hours. Whereupon, knowing we needed it in California for our 40thAnniversary Homecoming Celebration, Randy promptly drove to Salt Lake City, loaded his van to the gunnels with books, and personally drove them the nearly 800 miles to California so we’d have them just in time for our event. That was so typical of Randy…always ready to help, to serve, to invest his life, time, energy and finances into ministry.
In 2019, after decades of treasured friendship, we invited Randy to join the Board of Director’s of STONE MINISTRIES, INC./CELEBRANT SINGERS where he served with great distinction. He was always so encouraging, full of vision, passion and creativity, and ready to put his substantial gifts and talents to work on our behalf. His contribution to CELEBRANT SINGERS and to all of our lives personally, is deeply profound. Only eternity will reveal the whole.
Randy at our 40th Anniversary Homecoming Celebration
The news of his passing earlier this month, was and is inestimably sad to all in the CS family. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Samantha…a magnificent lady and also our dear friend… precious children, Jordan and Charity, and innumerable friends and associates.
Love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control…the entire list of the fruit of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life…were all in abundant evidence in the sterling character and well-lived life of our dear brother, Randy Swanson.
Well done thou good and faithful servant. Enter into your reward. Thanks for showing us all, in such an extraordinary way, how to faithfully and authentically follow the Master. Our lives have been greatly enriched for having known you.
