Randall Henry Tost, 67, of Ford City, passed from this world into eternal life Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013. His final days were spent peacefully in the comfort of his country home, in the care of his children, surrounded by photographs and tokens of the family and friends who love him. Randall was born March 29, 1946, in Indiana, Pa., son of Henry and Emma Lou (McClarren) Tost. He graduated from Shannock Valley High School in 1964 and then received his bachelor's degree in 1968 and his master's degree in education in 1972, from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. A passionate educator, he began his 32-year teaching career at Purchase Line School District (1968) and then returned to Shannock Valley High School (1971) to teach special education. His devotion to his students extended outside the walls of his classroom, and it was not uncommon for him to meet a student before school for fishing instruction or to stay after class to mentor a struggling youth. He retired in 2000, loved and respected by students and faculty alike. "Faith, family and friends," he was known to say, "This is what matters in life." Randall's deep Christian faith began in the Lutheran church of his youth and was nurtured in the cabins and campfire circles of Camp Lutherlyn, where he worked summers on the grounds crew. In adulthood, he found a home in Emmanuel (Heilman) Lutheran Church, where he served as a leader and teacher, passing on his faith and love of God's creation to his six children and, eventually, 10 grandchildren. He is remembered as a selfless father, devoted husband and true friend to all who knew him. Randall was an avid outdoorsman, who found his greatest peace in the rambling hills and creeks of the woods he affectionately called "Tost Acres." He loved to hunt, hike and photograph the natural world. In his later years, he grew into a prolific writer, recording stories of whitetail hunts and tracking turkey alongside reflections on faith and family. He was a member of the National Rifle Association. His legacy of love and devotion will endure in his sons, Jason Norris Tost and wife, Tanya, of Plum, Jeremy Randall Tost and wife, Rebeccah, of Valdosta, Ga., Seth Andrew Tost and wife, Lydia, of Burlington, Wis., and Benjamin Jacob Tost and wife, Allison, of Erie; daughters, Amanda Susan Wolfe and husband, Michael, and Samantha Ann Brown and husband, Andrew, all of Ford City; and 10 grandchildren, Zachary Michael Wolfe, Cameron Jacob Wolfe, Gavin Robert Tost, River John Tost, Olivia Frances Tost, Naomi Susanna Tost, Joanna Christine Tost, Owen Lucas Brown, Isaac Joseph Brown and Avah Pearl Tost. He was preceded in death by his parents and is reunited with his loving wife, Emily Susan (Norris) Tost, whom he married July 1, 1972, and who died Jan. 31, 2000. The family will welcome friends from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, at Emmanuel (Heilman) Lutheran Church, 854 Garretts Run Road, Ford City, with the Rev. William Chamberlin officiating. Arrangements are being handled by BAUER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES INC. Memorial contributions may be made in Randall's name to Camp Lutherlyn, P.O. Box 355, Prospect, PA 16052. To leave an online condolence for Randall's family or to view a video tribute honoring his life, visit http://www.bauerfuneral.com.

(Pittsburgh Tribune Review 12/10/2013)