Winthrop – Richard John Randall, 65, of Winthrop, died at home on May 31, after a two-year battle with esophageal cancer.

He was born on Feb. 17, 1943, in Ashland, Pa., son of Ralph and Doris Randall.

Richard received a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Art at University of Maine (Orono) where he met Mary Elisabeth.

He and Mary Elisabeth came to University of Maine at Augusta in 1967. Their partnership and passion for the university spanned 40 years where he served in many capacities; professor, dean and vice president.

His career culminated when he was installed as UMA’s 10th president. He received many honors from the University that included Professor Emeritus of Sociology and Human Services. In 2004, the University bestowed him with an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters. In addition to his dedication to UMA, he was committed to community service.

He served on the Augusta Board of Trade, board of directors of the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce, Maine Higher Education Partnership, licensing board for alcohol and drug counselors, Augusta Family Violence Project, United Way of Kennebec Valley, Kennebec Valley YMCA, State of Maine Family Planning Board, Kennebec Valley Comprehensive Alcohol Treatment Program, board of directors for Sarah’s Place and the Governor’s task force to plan for higher education in the Kennebec Valley.

In January 2007, he received a special service award from the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce. During commencement exercises this spring it was announced that the student technology center on the University campus will be named in his honor.

Although he worked hard, he also knew how to play. He was an avid golfer and a longtime member of the Augusta Country Club. The golf course was a place he loved and shared his joy in playing with family and friends.

He played on many a course, tested the turf of many a mile, kept the ball in the fairway, or when in the rough he smiled. He was warm and gentle, kind and caring, selfless and humble. He taught many lessons and warmed many hearts.

He was proud of and deeply loved his family.

Richard struggled with two battles in his life, the alcoholism that could have taken his life and the cancer that inevitably did.

He spent time in the halls of Alcoholics Anonymous for 27 years where he learned and shared experience, strength, and hope with true friends and family.

He carried that strength through his battle with cancer where he struggled but never faltered. The compassionate and unwavering support of Dr. Donald Magioncalda, Dr. Jennifer McConnell and the staff of the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care led Richard to live strong through this fight. He took with him the dignity that he so deserved.

He is survived by his wife and lifetime partner of 44 years, Mary Elisabeth (Dudley) Randall; and their children, Matthew Wade and wife Linda, Adam Michael and Melanie Erin; siblings, Robert Randall and wife Ellen, Beth Randall, Laura Randall and Sharon Randall; grandchildren, Derek Randall and wife, Nicole, Ashley Lachance and fiancé, Brandon Maguire, Amy Yankum and partner, Kevin Ballard, Ashlee Francis and husband, Cody, Laura Lachance and Zachary Randall; great-grandchildren, Abigail, Trystan, Sara, Jordan and Ashton.

He was predeceased by his parents; and brother, Lewis Randall.