12/03/2024
We regret to share that Randy Cline, a Scouter and long-time Friend, has gone home. Condolences to his family and friends.
Good afternoon,
I am saddened to report that our friend and fellow Executive Board, Randy Cline, passed away on Sunday, December 1. Randy had been in the ICU for the past two weeks after emergency surgery, and he passed away quietly with his family with him.
As I write this message, arrangements are not yet final, but I know that a celebration of Randy's life is being planned.
Randy's remarkable Scouting career includes recognition as a Distinguished Eagle Scout for his numerous contributions to influencing the lives of young people with both the BSA and the Girl Scouts of the USA.
If you didn't know all that Randy accomplished in his Scouting career, I wanted to share the text from our Board meeting on January 20, 2015, when we announced that Randy would receive the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.
"Randall K. Cline became an Eagle Scout in Centerville, OH on September 28, 1964. Randy has distinguished himself and brought honor to the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the USA with his warmth and care as a visible public figure and his career achievements. He is a role model for all Scouts — and all Eagle Scouts.
Randy devoted over 30 years to a career as a Chief Executive Officer for three different Girl Scouts Councils covering territory in four States, culminating as CEO of the Hemlock Girl Scout Council, retiring in 2005. After retirement, Randy was again employed by the Girl Scouts, this time as a strategic realignment consultant to assist in the mergers of more than 30 Councils across the Nation.
For his exceptional professional service as CEO of the Hemlock Council, he was awarded "The Frank R. Grady Outstanding Professional Award” in 2001. It is awarded by the United Way of the Capital Region to a person who exemplifies qualities in the key areas of commitment, leadership, creativity and accomplishments." In 2005, he was further honored with "The THANKS BADGE for ongoing commitment, leadership, and service having an exceptional, measurable impact on meeting the mission-delivery goals and priorities of the entire Council or the entire Girl Scout Movement.”
Success and recognition as a Girl Scout professional were never enough for Randy. The Boy Scouts of America, clearly his other passion, have awarded Randy the Silver Beaver, Antelope and Buffalo awards, the Vigil Honor Member of the OA, the OA Distinguished Service and Founder’s Awards, and so many others for his devoted service to youth over more than 55 years of as an outstanding Boy Scout volunteer.
Currently serving as the Northeast Region Commissioner, Randy also served as Chairman of the first BSA National Strategic Plan and as a design team member for Wood Badge for the Twenty-First Century, where he authored several of the program’s more impactful and memorable elements.
As in many other professional and volunteer endeavors, Randy employed his considerable skill and creativity in the theater arts to bring about some of the finest theatrical productions the Boy Scouts have seen. He has staffed six National Jamborees and directed the 1989 National Jamboree opening show. Randy has served as a member of the National OA Committee for 26 years, including two terms as Vice Chairman, and produced and directed countless shows for OA conferences."
Yours in Scouting,
Ronald Gardner
Scout Executive
New Birth of Freedom Council
