Randall Jay Hartman

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Mentor

December 6, 1954- July 23, 2025

Randall Jay Hartman, a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, wrestling referee, and respected educator, passed away peacefully in Escondido, CA, on July 23rd at the age of 70. A man of deep faith, quiet strength, and lifelong curiosity, Randy’s legacy is one of service, wisdom, and love.

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Randy dedicated his professional life to building and guiding- both as a Civil Engineer, Certified Construction Manager, and later as a professor at National University. Known for his meticulous mind and steady leadership, he mentored countless students and colleagues throughout his career. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He followed that with a Master’s degree in Engineering Management at the University of Tulsa in 1979.

Randy’s lifetime passion for wrestling extended beyond the mat, serving as a collegiate and high school wrestling referee for 45 years. His commitment to the sport reflected his belief in fairness, discipline, and perseverance- values he upheld in every aspect of life. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame California Chapter in Stillwater, Oklahoma in 2018. He officiated many NCAA Division 1 Wrestling Championships, post-season tournaments for the Big Ten, the Big 12, the Pac 12, and some of the biggest college dual meets in the country. Randy was ranked as one of the top ten college wrestling officials in the United States. Additionally, he officiated dozens of CIF State Championships and CIF Masters Tournaments.

Randy was a crossword puzzle guru and authored seven crossword puzzle books, delighting readers with his clever wit and love for language. Solving and creating puzzles was not just a pastime- it was a reflection of his ever-curious mind and intellect. He had thousands of crosswords published in publications such as the New York Times, USA Today, and the Washington Post.

Above all, Randy was a family man. He was the cherished husband of Vicki Hartman for 50 beautiful years- a partnership marked by unwavering love, faith, and companionship. They were high school sweethearts at Broomfield High School in Colorado. They enjoyed watching sports, traveling, reading, and saw many great rock bands during their marriage.

Randy was a devoted father to Micah Cummings and her husband PJ, and Lynnae Hartman. He was proud Grandpa to Caden, Adelaide, Cambria, and Vivienne Cummings. He was older brother to Karl (Loretta), Matt, and Clay (Gail) Hartman. He was the son of the late Jay and Anna Lee Hartman. He was brother-in-law to Charlie and Linda Eaton.

Randy was a faithful Christian whose life reflected his beliefs through compassion, humility, and integrity. His legacy will continue in the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

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