Obituary from Morrison County Record posted on July 14, 2004

Randy W. Tribitt, a resident of Hilllman, formerly of South Dakota, died July 4, 2004.

Funeral services were held July 9 at First Congregational Church in Clear Lake, SD, with Rev. James Shea officiating. Burial was in the LaBolt Cemetery.

Randy was born March 15, 1950, in Clear Lake to the late Willard and Eunice (Marsh) Tribitt. He was raised in Revillo, SD. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, Randy returned to Revillo. He moved to Minnesota where he was involved in ranching, rodeo and trucking. He owned and operated Randy Tribitt, Inc., a structural steel company. Randy married Diane (Block) Varner on June 29, 2002, in LaBolt. The family resided on a ranch in Hillman. He enjoyed racing cars in his earlier years and was involved in competitive professional rodeos for the past 30 years. Randy worked the last several years as a “pick up man.” His last moments involved assisting a young bronc rider to safety. He was an avid reader, known for his great sense of humor and contagious laugh. Randy was a devoted husband and stepfather. He will be sadly missed by them and all who knew and loved him.

Randy is survived by his wife Diane Tribitt of Hillman; stepsons Scott Schaefer and wife Michelle and their children Payton and Bailey of Brandon, and Cody Varner of Hillman; stepdaughters JoLaine Varner and Brianna Varner, both of Hillman; one brother, Steve Tribitt and wife Laurie of South Dakota; and one sister, Gloria “Sam” Peiker and husband Doug of Revillo.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Karen Shackelford.

Casketbearers were Terry Kenyon, Roblee Johnson, Jerry Schake, Jesus Elizondo, Tom Marshik and Dustin Hoheisel.

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Tribute at http://www.usmwf.org/tributest.html

Randy Tribitt
Randy was killed in July 2004 while working at Little Britches Rodeo/Buffington Rodeo Co. in Hillman, Minnesota. He was killed when he was crushed while saving a 13 yr. old.

---- "NO MAN STANDS SO TALL AS WHEN HE STOOPS TO HELP A CHILD” This is a photo of my husband, Randy Tribitt, who died assisting a young bronc rider to safety at a Little Britches Rodeo in Elk River, MN on July 4, 2004. The bronc turned and crashed into them, causing Randy and his horse to crash into the arena ground. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The 13-year old bronc rider was uninjured. Randy was a volunteer pick-up man for the Buffington Rodeo Co. Randy has always been my hero. He was a true friend and soul mate. He made me laugh and taught me love. He is a true cowboy. I love him and miss him so much. Diane.

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