Obituary - Randolph D. Aigner

Randolph D. Aigner, 72, of Varina, Virginia passed away November 15th following a short illness.

He is predeceased by his sons, Brian and Christopher; his parents, Emily (Burke) and Louis C. Aigner; sister Betty Helmick (Bruce) and brother Richard W. Aigner (Edith), all of Varina, Virginia. He is survived by his brothers, Norman L. (Rosa), Dee (Linda), Lyne B. (Jean), and sister Dorothy (Mike); grandchildren Hunter, Luke and Emily, dear friend Nancy Bowery and many nieces, nephews and life-long friends.

A 1970 graduate of Varina High School, Randolph went on to become a master carpenter, building homes around the region for many years. Although he could build or repair nearly anything, Randolph had a special talent with wood. The restoration of Farmer's Rest, a neighboring property built in 1835, owes much to his skill. He was a farmer at heart though, returning to manage the Aigner family acreage up until this spring. He loved to watch things grow and thrive. He was one of the original members of the Virginia Small Grain Growers Association and more recently became a member of the Virginia Vineyards Association. He grew soybeans and wheat, winning local, state and national awards for wheat yield. He came 2nd in the nation in the National Wheat Growers Association yield competition several times. He received a Virginia state merit award for conservation and the Bay-Friendly Clean Water Farm Award.

Randolph had a scientific mind and an inquisitive nature; he enjoyed experimenting. He worked closely over many years with Virginia Cooperative Extension on improving wheat yields. He was a pioneer in no-till wheat production. Randolph was ahead of his time in soybean management systems, and in particular, early planting. He also worked with the VCE on methods to control barley yellow dwarf virus through treatment of the seeds prior to planting rather than spraying the plants after infection. Together with the VCE, Randolph was among the first in Virginia to undertake planting of pumpkins into an annual winter cover crop, significantly increasing yield and quality. He was responsible for thousands of the Halloween pumpkins sold locally every fall.

Randolph was a perfectionist: anything he did, he did well, from preparation through execution. He preferred the finishing part of carpentry, which requires both great skill and patience. He brewed beer - with outstanding results. He cooked and made sourdough bread with his sons when they were small. He loved kale and raised several varieties. Randolph became expert in viticulture, partnering on a small vineyard at Farmer's Rest. He followed the news and current events closely, and enjoyed documentaries, football and nature programs. He was an excellent storyteller and a patient teacher. Randolph had a gentle, yet pointed wit. He could discuss any topic, either from a position of knowledge or to learn more about it.

Randolph lived a life of service to others. He was always finding ways to help people, quietly and without regard to any inconvenience to himself. He will be remembered fondly and greatly missed.

A graveside service will be held Friday, November 22nd at 11:00 a.m. at Four Mile Creek Cemetery in Varina. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Randolph's memory to a cancer-related charity or one of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at nelsenrichmond.com.