— by Brian Ehrmantraut —
Randy Gaylord, in addition to his other roles, in our small county serves as our County’s coroner and medical examiner. In a small community such as ours, this is a difficult and emotional role, and requires care and empathy to carry out well.
I have been on-scene with Randy, as a first responder, and observed first-hand his attention to detail, his honoring of, and sensitivity to, the circumstances and the deceased, and his supportive attitude towards family members and first responders.
I have seen Randy diligently and respectfully perform this role in quite trying circumstances, over and over, and he has my trust and respect.
I encourage you to lend him your support.
You simply MUST be kidding…
Merry: This is real. It is not a matter to kid about.
In the fall of 2001 my dad was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an inoperable brain cancer. He elected to spend his final weeks of hospice in a hospital bed in the living room of my house on Waldron. He wanted to be in the place he thought of as Home, where he could be visited by old friends and family and look out at the water, the mountains and Mt. Baker. It wasn’t easy, but we honored his wishes, and the time was good.
When a person dies at home, the death must be certified (is that the right word?) by someone in authority. If the person is in hospice, the paperwork can be set up in advance so that a simple viewing by the Coroner in the role as Medical Examiner will suffice; a medical professional need not view the body.
My father died on an April evening in 2002. Randy Gaylord came to my house in his own boat before 9 the next morning. It was on a weekend. So yes: I among many others am thankful that we have had a compassionate, diligent and respectful Coroner.