The Nor Cal guiding community lost one of its own on Monday when Randy Buffington of American River Guide Service in Sacramento passed away from congestive heart failure at the entirely too young age of 40.
After being diagnosed with a degenerative heart condition in 1989, Buffington received a transplanted heart from a young California Highway Patrol officer who died in the Loma Prieta earthquake.
After spending time in the hospital, he made a full recovery and, eventually, started American River Guide Service.
Randy guiding some dudes on the American in Dec. 2008.
I just learned of Randy’s passing Saturday and wanted to extend my condolences to his family. His red Jeep and red driftboat have been a fixture on the gravel bars around here for many years and he will be missed. Hope the fishing’s good on the big river in the clouds, Randy!
Survived by: Wife, Kat of Sacramento; son, Ted of Sacramento; daughter, Nicole of Sacramento; father, Robert of Sacramento; and brother, Matt of Washington, D.C.
Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday at Ancil Hoffman Park, 6700 Tarshes Drive, Carmichael
In memory: Donations may be made to Sutter Memorial Hospital in care of Sutter Transplant Services, 5151 F St., Sacramento, CA 95819.
Randy Buffington says
Sorry for the loss of ur Family and friend,,,, I am also a Buffington,, a Randy from Nederland Texas,,, I also enjoy the outdoors and hunting and fishing . He will greatly be missed as all of Gods creatures are ! May Gos bless his soul, so Randy may rest in PEACE ! I’ll get to meet you one day Randy !
Randy Buffington says
Sorry for my blonde spelling ,,,May God bless you ,,,,my prayers to the Family !
chris says
although he poached my baits the man taught me alot about fishing the AR. he will be missed by all the boys at gristmill.
D.A. says
Thank you for your kind words and beautiful pictures of my friend.