Randy Ervin Bye

Randy Ervin Bye, age 65 of Brainerd, MN passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 26, 2024 in Duluth, MN. He was surrounded by his family and passed peacefully.  A Celebration of Life and visitation will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby, MN from 2:00-5:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Randy Ervin Bye was born in October of 1959 to Marvin and June (Jorde) Bye in Michigan, ND. He graduated from McVille High School in McVille, ND; then, received his B.S. degree at the University of MN- Crookston in Crookston, MN.  After graduation, he delved right into the food industry, starting his career in food sales with Upper Lakes Food out of Cloquet, MN. His sales brought him throughout the northeastern territory of MN settling in Brainerd, MN. He met Pamela Sienko while sitting in the dental chair getting his teeth cleaned by her! Randy was united in marriage to Pamela in October of 1984 in Brainerd, MN. Together they raised two children, Jason and Jessica. In 1990, Pam and Randy purchased the Chaparral Bar and Restaurant in Brainerd. Together they built the business to include the Bunkhouse Hotel and Timbermist Banquet and Catering Hall. After twenty-six years of marriage, Randy lost his wife, Pam to her battle with cancer in 2010. Randy and his close friends and family continued to manage the businesses until 2014 when he eventually sold them. Randy continued to share his passion for the hospitality industry and cooking through many businesses in the Brainerd Lakes Area. In 2019, he had the opportunity to meet Jay Miller from a mutual friend. In September of 2023, they united their friendship to marriage. Together they shared the responsibility of mutually raising Jay’s young daughter, Brooklyn.

Randy always shared his love through his cooking. Sharing new recipes along with the family favorited staples. As a result, he turned so many friends to chosen family. Some of our best memories were sitting around a table sharing stories from the days scheduled work, patrons escapades at the bar, making quick witted or off-the-cuff comments; and of course, way too full of bellies!

When he wasn’t in the kitchen making creations, he loved listening to music and watching movies; collecting prints, vases, and steins; traveling with family and friends; playing cards and dice; sitting around campfires, and enjoying company of his dog, Mick, and the cats. He will be remembered for his welcoming, fun, and sweet personality; then, his dedication and work ethic.

He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Survivors include his spouse, Jay; son, Jason (Laura) Bye; daughter, Jessica (Dean) Longhurst; step daughter, Brooklyn; His grandchildren, Lucas and Cole Bye, and Milly Longhurst; His siblings, Allen (Julie) Jorde, Wayne (Vangie) Jorde, Gail (Ron) Dockter, Donavon (Marie) Bye, and JoAnne (Special Friend Joey) Davis; and the many nieces and nephews!

Preceding him in death are his parents, Marvin and June; and his wife, Pamela Bye.

The family wishes to give thanks for the many visits and phone calls from relatives and friends. Also, a special thanks to the Essentia Health- Saint Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN for the wonderful care they provided to Randy as he ended his journey.