It is with great regret and emotion that it is my sad duty to inform
the MMD readers of the passing of Dean Randall, last Sunday evening at
4:45 PM, in his Tacoma, Washington, home.  He passed peacefully amidst
his lovely collection of instruments, surrounded by friends.  Although
he was in a coma, friends provided music from some of Dean's favourite
rolls right to the end; it was his fervent wish not to expire in a
hospital, and thanks to the dedication of his dear friend, Ron Babb,
this became a reality.

Dean was a frequent contributor to MMDigest, and spent a lifetime
dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of automatic music of
all types.  Many knew Dean through his involvement with AMR [Automatic
Music Rolls] in Seattle.  He was responsible for spreading the gospel
of the Ampico to countless individuals, most of who became lifetime
devotees of reproducing piano music!

Dean was my close personal friend for over a quarter of a century.
His passing leaves a void in my heart that will be impossible to fill.

Tom Ahearn
Haverhill, Massachusetts