David Rand

David Rand Obituary
G. David Rand, 90, of Columbia, Connecticut, passed away on April 26, 2024, at Windham Hospital following a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born December 7, 1933 in Chester, New Hampshire.

Always positive and smiling, Dave lived a life marked by an unwavering optimism that was as infectious as it was inspiring. During his last week of life, he remained an active competitive golfer playing 18 holes of golf, gave a weekly reading lesson to his young neighbors, kept his social engagements with friends and visited his sister, Nancy, in the hospital. He could not have written a better script.

Dave Rand earned degrees from the University of New Hampshire and University of Connecticut and embarked on a rewarding career as a teacher and then a professor of Language Arts at Eastern Connecticut State University. He had a passion for teaching and was respected by his colleagues and students alike for his depth of knowledge and his ability to get students excited about learning.

As an outdoorsman, Dave passed his enthusiasm for fun in the New Hampshire mountains on to his family. He was the leader of outdoor family adventures whether it was forever looking for more challenging, steeper ski trails to conquer, annual ski hikes to Tuckerman’s Ravine, searching for powder in the Rocky Mountains or kayaking, hiking and biking to new destinations. He skied with the grace of a professional well into his eighties.

Golf however was his passion; as past president of the Windham Golf Course and member who routinely shot his age, Dave Rand played over 9,000 rounds of golf at Windham over 58 years which is the equivalent of walking one and one-half times around the earth.

Family holidays and gatherings always included smiles, strong handshakes, questions, laughter and “Grandfather” jokes. Dave’s devotion to the tender care of his wife, Jean, in her declining years reflected his deep love for her and capacity to help others.

Throughout the trials of his own illness Dave Rand remained positive and decided he would “play the cards he was dealt.” He worked hard to improve and regain his strength after every setback and found new hobbies in artwork and cooking. Family and friends were delighted to receive beautifully painted notecards, hand-crafted Christmas ornaments and delicious home-cooked meals.

There are not enough words to express how much Dave will be missed by so many people. He showed us how to keep an optimistic outlook for every day we are given and the courage to face our own challenges with a smile.

David Rand is predeceased by his beloved wife of 68 years, Jean Spaulding Rand. He is survived by his four brothers and sisters, Nancy Zimmer, Betty, John and Hobart Rand; his three daughters and their husbands Donna Rand and Jim Bidwell, Beverly and Bill Toner, Carol and Dave Eaton. Grandfather, (Dave) held a very special place in his heart for each of his grandchildren and their spouses: Ryan and Dao Toner, Jonathan Bidwell and Anmol Soni, David and Katy Bidwell, Christopher Toner, Rob and Eliza Eaton, Connor and Hannah Eaton and Amie Toner and Barry Spencer as well as great grandchildren Levi Eaton and George Bidwell. Dave also cherished the special relationships formed with his wonderful nieces and nephews, friends, neighbors and caregivers. His guidance and love shaped all of their lives profoundly.

The family has opted for a private celebration of Dave’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in David Rand’s memory to:

First Tee – A Connecticut youth development organization working to empower kids through the game of golf. Connecticut; 55 Golf Club Road, Cromwell, CT 06416 or

call 860-882-1660 https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/firstteeconnecticut .

Or continue Dave’s passion for youth literacy by making a memorial donation to “Connecticut Reach out and Read” an organization at:

https://give.reachoutandread.org/Remembering_Dave_Rand




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