Category: Uncategorized

With profound sorrow, the Padres join our community in mourning the loss of our beloved left-hander, Randy Jones. A cornerstone of our franchise, Randy was not only a Cy Young Award winner and Padres Hall of Famer, but also a warm and generous presence whose impact extended far beyond the baseball field. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him.

To us at Home of Guiding Hands, Randy was more than a sports legend—he was a tireless advocate, a cherished partner, and a true champion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His relationship with HGH spanned decades, beginning in our earliest years and continuing as our organization grew into the broad network of services we offer today. Throughout this journey, Randy stood beside us, uplifting our mission with unwavering enthusiasm and compassion.

His contributions were countless. Through the annual Randy Jones Run/Walk, he helped raise essential funds that strengthened our programs and supported the families we serve. Just as meaningful was the time he gave so freely—listening, encouraging, and making every person he met feel valued. Randy’s kindness was genuine and constant, and his presence brought inspiration to staff, clients, and community members alike.

Our hearts are with his wife, Marie, and the entire Jones family during this difficult time. We are deeply grateful for the love, dedication, and light Randy brought to our community. His legacy will continue to guide us, and he will forever remain part of the Home of Guiding Hands family. Thank you, Randy. You will be profoundly missed.

Troy Koster of Eagan, Minnesota, is remembered as a dedicated professional, a devoted family man, and a valued member of both his community and his workplace at Thomson Reuters. Throughout his life, Troy was defined by integrity, a steady work ethic, and genuine kindness—qualities that shaped his relationships and guided his approach to every responsibility. At Thomson Reuters, he built a respected career rooted in reliability, technical skill, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. His calm, thoughtful manner made him a trusted problem-solver, and his patience elevated the entire team. Colleagues recall him as someone whose presence brought positivity, stability, and collaboration to the workplace.

Troy’s strong educational foundation in technology and business supported his professional excellence, and he continually sought opportunities to grow, contribute, and support the people around him. Outside of work, he was anchored by his deep love for family. He devoted his time and energy to those closest to him—sharing quiet moments, taking on meaningful projects, and showing up unfailingly for important milestones. His warm personality, subtle humor, and steady demeanor made him someone others naturally gravitated toward.

Troy also embraced practical creativity, finding fulfillment in hands-on tasks, problem-solving, and the simple work that brought both comfort and purpose. Friends and family remember him as dependable, grounded, and always ready to help. His passing, the result of a tragic accident, leaves a profound sense of loss. Troy will be remembered for his character, dedication, and the quiet, lasting impact he made on those fortunate enough to know him. (250 words)

It is with deep sadness that the family, colleagues, and friends of Blaine Johnson announce her passing. Blaine was the co-founder and partner of Chicago’s respected design firm JP Interiors, admired for its refined and timeless approach to residential design. In 1991, she and her business partner, Karen Pearson, transformed their shared passion for antiques and sophisticated interiors into a full-service studio serving clients across multiple states. Over the next three decades, Blaine helped shape the firm’s signature aesthetic—sourcing vintage furnishings, textiles, and artwork, and guiding complex home renovations known for custom millwork, layered materials, and exceptional craftsmanship.

Blaine began her career in the antiques world, developing the discerning eye that became central to her work. Colleagues and clients remember her for her elegant design sensibility, her dedication to quality, and her ability to create interiors that were both beautifully curated and genuinely livable. She approached every project with care and sensitivity, ensuring each home reflected the lives and aspirations of the people who would inhabit it.

Beyond her professional achievements, Blaine leaves behind a legacy defined by meaningful relationships—with clients, artisans, vendors, and the talented team she helped build at JP Interiors. Through her collaborative leadership, the firm formed lasting partnerships with skilled craftspeople, resulting in homes celebrated for their detail, integrity, and warmth. Information regarding memorial services, surviving family, and charitable initiatives in her honor will be shared at a later time. Today, Chicago’s design community mourns a creative leader whose influence will endure for years to come.