BBC presenter John Randall's funeral takes place

A funeral has been held for BBC Radio Guernsey presenter John Randall.

His broadcasting career began in 1988 when he first appeared on Offshore Radio. He helped establish Island FM, and then joined BBC Radio Guernsey in 2000 to present the station's first dedicated local afternoon show.

David Earl, senior journalist team manager at the station, who read a eulogy at his funeral, said: "He was a loveable maverick who did what he wanted to, when he wanted to."

Randall died in January at the age of 68 following a short illness. His funeral service took place at the Dave Ferguson Hall, Beau Sejour.

Earl said in his eulogy: "If you could call The Randalizer your friend, you were friends with one of the kindest, funniest, and most supportive blokes I know."

He said on several visits to see him in hospital, Randall had talked about his desire to go home.

"He wanted to be with his family and much loved doggos more than anything else.

"I'm pleased to say a few weeks ago doctors told him he could spend a day at home, something I know he absolutely loved.

"But it's worth noting that he asked to make a short detour on the way home… he came to the station. Why did he do it? He loved his job, his listeners, and his colleagues.

"He didn't stay long, but he really wanted to be there and to see his friends."

In recent times, Randall presented an evening show on Mondays and Fridays, as well as a Sunday afternoon show across Guernsey and Jersey.

Reflecting on his 25 years of service with the BBC in June, Randall said his work had brought him closer to the community.

"I like going out and doing all the fun bits, like the Donkey Derby," he said.

"I love raising money for charities. I love helping people, I really do.

"I give up my own time to do it and it's fun. It's meeting people as well and putting smiles on faces, which is what I enjoy doing."

BBC Guernsey executive producer Michelle Daniel said Randall was "one of a kind".

"At work he embraced the role of being our ambassador in the community. He loved BBC Guernsey and the people that work here and we loved him back."

During his life, he helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities, including BBC Children in Need.

He regularly supported other local causes hosting major island events, often acting as an auctioneer.

Stephanie Marshall, senior head of content production for the West, South West and Channel Islands, said Randall was a "kind and generous man, who would light up any room".

She continued: "For more than a quarter of a century, John's voice has been heard across the region, and it's hard to imagine anyone on the Channel Islands who wouldn't recognise his distinctive style.

"He will be deeply missed."

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