Randy was a terrific fisherman. Everyone who fishes will be saddened by the news. He was larger than life, big in body and in spirit. His stories made you laugh out loud. His last boat the LUAL was named for his mom and dad, I believe. He also owned and fished the Resolute for a number of years. He kept the boat in New Bedford but fished wherever the fish were running, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, Middle bank or the Atlantic Ocean. Conch, scallop, fluke, squid and flounder, if it was edible he caught them. He was a fisherman's fisherman. Caught the most in the least time, was always back at the dock first. As the guys would say, "Just ask him." Randy helped others whenever, wherever and whatever the situation. He remained at Dave's side one hot summer day when Dave suffered from heat exhaustion (dehydration, sun and overworked). Randy gave him water, cooled him off with wet towels, stayed at his side until Dave was better. Then another time he helped a fellow fishermen with an engine. Drove a trailer to the boat, helped take the engine out, helped take it to a mechanic and then helped put it back in. Not his boat, but a friend's boat, for no pay, just the reward of helping out a buddy. Dave tells me that when a fellow fisherman, Tom was injured and couldn't get up because his knee twisted and gave out while fishing, it was Randy who called for help. His reassuring voice was heard on the airwaves by all until the Coast Guard was on scene to assist. I'm sure there are many more memories of Randy Moniz. He was a buddy, a friend, and a fellow fisherman who left this world at 53 years of age. There will be stories told about him for generations to come. And no one can fill his boots. Rest in Peace, Randy.
"Sunset and evening star, and one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar, when I put out to sea."
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