Randall Saiter

Randall Gene “Randy” Saiter, of Bladensburg, OH, died September 21, 2016 at Altercare in Millersburg. Randy was born in Marion, OH March 1, 1953 to Arthur E. and Violet S. (Sisson) Saiter, grew up in Columbus, and graduated Northland High School in 1971. He received an Associate’s degree from Columbus State in 1995. He and his wife, Edna “Sue” (Bauman) Saiter, met in December of 1981 and were married in May of 1984. He lived in Hilliard from 1978 to 2001.

Randy loved the outdoors and rural Eastern Ohio landscape. He bought 12 acres in south-eastern Knox County for a weekend retreat in 1985 and built a home there where he has resided for 25 years. In addition to the wildlife on the property, he enjoyed camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and backpacking with his wife. As an accomplished and agile archer, he culled nuisance fish with a bow and arrow while standing in a canoe.

Among his passions beginning in the 1970s, Randy enjoyed power cycling (bicycle) and cycle-camping. He and a friend rode from Columbus, OH to Bar Harbor, ME. As a lifetime member of Columbus Outdoor Pursuits, he participated in group rides TSRV, GOBA, and other sanctioned rides. He also rode a Bike VA tour. For years he rode 50 to 100 miles per day for exercise and took many lone cycle camping trips throughout OH state parks.

Randy enjoyed Hocking Hills, Mohican area, Yosemite, The big trees, Lake Tahoe and Yellowstone as well as the Smokies and Shenandoah Mountains. More recently his outdoor activities included cutting and splitting wood on the property and walking the challenging hike on Creek Road from Jug Run to Warren Rd and back nearly every day.

Randy has worked several jobs over the years including The Wine Cellar, Buckeye Mart, SEARS and Thirty-one Gifts. His dream job was at the Woodcraft Store in Hilliard selling high-end tools and exotic wood. He was an active member of the Columbus Woodchippers Club for several years and displayed his carvings at their annual expositions. He has hand carved several sculptures of realistic, fantastic and abstract natures, beginning with the family dog, birds, native Americans and wildlife before moving on to dragons and snakes. He created carved jewel boxes for co-workers, heirloom quality rocking horses for family and friends, kitchen cabinetry in the first home he owned, and most of the furniture in his current home. He was fastidious about order, structure, and efficiency as anyone who has seen his workspace can attest.

Another of his interests includes trains, particularly steam engines. Recent outings include a ride through the Cuyahoga River Valley, two visits to the Age of Steam Round House, and a visit to the Museum Depot in Dennison. Less recently he enjoyed day trips in Nelsonville and on vintage trains in the WV Mountains and in 2017 a scenic Am Trac ride from San Franciso to Chicago. His favorite was the Cass Railroad in WV.

One aspect of his life that he was most proud of was his years of service to the Red Cross. He had donated more than 10 gallons of whole blood and gave platelets whenever he could.

Randy loved his role as the cool uncle while the nieces and nephews were growing up. Adults could always count on Randy to stir up the energy, for better or worse, at every family gathering. For years he entertained his nieces Wendy and Rachel and nephew Brent, at Grandma and Grampa’s house. Sue’s nieces and nephews couldn’t wait for Uncle Randy to get out of the car and start teasing them when they were kids. He and one great nephew, Adam, traded a gag gift lump of coal with each other during the family gift exchange for a few years at Christmas. Angie, Jessi, Keenyn, Meghann, Shealyn, Matt, Sarah, and Tonya instigated many games of “Evil Twit” with Randy. Luke and Abby got a taste when they stayed the night in Hilliard for a July 4 picnic. Hosting Leeam and Harley was a treat, especially taking them to Wright Patterson Air Force Museum and Olentangy Caverns. On another Sunday he might have wrestled with Kayles and Molly. More than once a child in line at the grocery would engage him in a game of peek-a-boo or face-making. He exuded a sense of fun and orneriness.

Animals were also easily attracted to him. A neighbor had a stubborn colt and a mean cow that she struggled to manage, but the young horse would do Randy’s bidding, and the cow sought him out for ear scratches and nuzzling. Dogs warmed up to him quickly as well. Throughout his life Randy’s pets included 13 dogs, 5 cats, and a large number of chickens.

Along with his wife of 42 years, Randy is survived by brothers Greg (Sheila) of Delaware, OH, Mike (Sharon) of Cincinnati, OH, and Terry, Columbus, OH, Aunt Lea Saiter of Mt. Gilead, numerous nieces and nephews, grand and great grand nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Randy’s life will be held at 1 pm on October 11, 2026 at the Bladensburg Community Center, 25821 New Guilford Rd, Bladensburg, OH 43005.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Bladensburg Community Center, a local animal shelter, the Alzheimer’s Association or Epilepsy Foundation. 

A memorial video will be postyed when complete.