Randy was born Jan.19, 1959, a Capricorn.

He arrived in San Diego in the early 1990s and started bartending at Pecs in 1995.

Sonny, the owner of the Eagle, stole him away to work at the Eagle.

Randy continued as a well-loved bartender at the same location for 13 years, through several changes of ownership: from The Eagle to The Arena (1998) to The Zone (1999) then The San Diego Eagle (2002).

During the Christmas holiday season in 1996, Randy and Wayne Dietz did a fundraiser at The Eagle for children with parents that have AIDS. They raised $150, bought cameras and other gifts and received letters from the families thanking them—this helped feed the desire to continue raising funds.

Randy served as Mr. San Diego Eagle 1997-1998, was a contestant at International Mr. Leather 27 in 1998 and continued to attend in later years with his good friend, Ben.

After competing at IML in 1998, he felt the need to come back to San Diego and become involved in local community events. He worked on fundraisers for the Scott Carlson Thanksgiving Dinner and Ordinary Miracles. He was very excited and pleased to be asked to judge the Ms San Diego Leather contest in 1998.

At the Mr. San Diego Leather 2000 Contest, Randy was awarded a Leather Pride Achievement Award.

In 2001, Randy became Crown Prince for Life to “Papa” Ricky Alves, the Golden Crown Unicorn Emperor XX of the Imperial Court de San Diego.

San Diego Leather Pride 2002, February 28 to March 3 2002, was produced by Randy Vidal and became the most successful event in San Diego’s Leather Community history, raising over $15,000 for Special Delivery. Over six hundred people attended the Mr. San Diego Leather contest held at The Hole in Point Loma. The attendance made it the largest leather contest ever conducted in San Diego.

An avid world traveler, Randy organized many trips and cruises and, during a Caribbean cruise in 2004, Randy was adopted into the “House of Asia” (by Wayne).

Randy hosted the “Friends’ Christmas” for over 10 years where the dress code was “Tits and Ties”... an opportunity to celebrate the holidays in dressy style.

Randy stopped working at the Eagle in 2008, worked at Pecs, Redwing and Cheers and was still considered a fill-in employee of Cheers until he fell and was hospitalized.

Randy passed away at San Diego Hospice, Friday Feb 26th, 2010 around 1430 at the age of 51, smiling with long time good friend Ben, his hairdresser, former partner and very dear friend. Randy’s sister was by his side as well.

The Leather History Project is extremely grateful to Wayne Dietz and Mickey for their help in gathering and compiling information. Many photos from Papa Tony and much thanks to all who contributed photos and information.

A celebration of life for Randy Vidal will take place on Monday, March 22, at the San Diego LGBT Community Center with food starting a 6:30 p.m. and the celebration at 7 p.m.