Randy Boston died July 1 in Rogers Park. He was 56.
He was the eldest of six children and was preceded in death by his mother.
Randy grew on Chicago's South Side, in the Back of the Yards community. He graduated from Lane Tech High School in 1975, where he studied office administration. Randy was the fellowship coordinator and administrative assistant in the division of hematology/oncology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital during 1999 through 2011. Randy was so professional that he was the personal assistant for five physicians, exceeding the department normal assignment of three.
After high school, Randy resided in Chicago's Rogers Park, Lake View and Andersonville neighborhoods. Randy, like many members of the LGBTQ+ community, found acceptance and community at Horizonsa social-service agency that later became known as the Center on Halsted. While at Horizons, he first was an active member in Horizons' youth program. Later, he volunteered on Horizons' gay and lesbian helpline and HIV/AIDS hotline; he also was an assistant to agency staff and was a team member on the organization's volleyball team.
Also, Randy was very knowledgeable and well-read in the arts and cuisine. He was a member of the Usual Suspects Book Club.
Randy is fondly remembered by family and many loving friends. He was a valued, cherished, thoughtful, sensitive, funny and good and supportive friend to many. Randy often, selflessly and tirelessly, offered his help and assistance to all of his friends and co-workers.
He was a good travel companion and once, while visiting New York City, he casually met actor Neil Patrick Harris and, without pretense, shared his delightful encounter with those traveling with him. His wonderful and loving presence will be longed missed and remembered by many. We all loved him dearly.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, Aug. 24, 4-7 p.m., at Francesca's on Bryn Mawr, 1039 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. in the Verona Room ( phone: 773-506-9261 ). Immediately after services, all are welcomed to join in for refreshments, in loving memory and celebration, of our dear friend Randy Boston.
Courtesy of Armando Smith