East County remembers beloved Realtor, friend

Former Lakewood Ranch resident and Realtor Randy Huartson died May 18, in his San Diego home, surrounded by family, after a battle with colorectal cancer.

A memorial service was held June 2, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, in Del Mar, Calif.

“He was a great friend, (business) partner, brother-in-law,” says Huartson’s sister-in-law Donna Soda, who co-owns the luxury real-estate company, the Jim Soda Group, with her husband, Jim. “He always thought of everybody else. He was unselfish, kind and generous — such a help to all of us in every way. He loved life and his family.”

Mr. Huartson and his wife, Toni, were business partners with the Sodas in the Jim Soda Group from 2004 to 2006, and again from 2007 to 2010.

“He was always just a sweetheart; he had the warmest heart,” said longtime friend and East County Realtor Beth Barnett. “We all loved Randy. It’s hard to believe he’s gone. He was an encouragement (to all of us).”

Mr. Huartson is survived by his wife, Toni; daughters, Gianna, of San Diego, and Brittany, of Los Angeles; his mother; two brothers; and brother- and sister-in-law, Jim and Donna Soda, of Lakewood Ranch.