Randall Mcconnell

Randall "Rand" McConnell, age 64 of Fort Collins, Colorado died July 21, 2010 at Poudre Valley Hospital. A memorial service will be held at 4:30 PM Tuesday, July 27th in the Chapel at First United Methodist Church, 1005 Stover St., Ft. Collins. Randall Scott Sypien was born September 20, 1945 in Chicago, IL to Michael and Estelle Sypien. He grew up in Chicago, California and Hawaii, and then lived for many years in Denver prior to moving to Fort Collins in 1987. During a brief first marriage, Rand worked as a rancher in Utah with his father-in-law, and had a daughter, Megan. He later became an investigator with the Department of Education in Denver and then became an institutional stock trader. Rand married Nancy Morphew on July 25, 1987 at First United Methodist Church in Fort Collins. They had a daughter Seana and he became a stay-at-home dad. Soon came his son Randall and he and Nancy traded jobs. Shortly thereafter, another daughter, Keilani was born. He worked as a carpenter and soon turned his interest in computers into a career working for Sykes, at their call center in Greeley, and later as a systems administrator with IBM in Boulder. Due to poor health, Rand retired early, but continued to do private consulting in the stock market and in computers. His family enjoyed music together with all three children participating in instrumental and vocal performances over the years. Rand enjoyed attending their many concerts. He made the best Chinese stir fry. He enjoyed reading, story telling, photography and watching nature; honoring his Native American heritage; and continuing to educate himself in mathematics and physics among other interests. Rand's family always had several pets and he made sure they were spoiled, even the neighborhood squirrels. His Facebook page lists himself as a "generalist with specific talents". Rand is survived by his wife, Nancy; and four children, Seana, Randall, Keilani and Megan. He was preceded in death by his brother Don and his son's dog Growlythe (who died the day before he did).