A version of this story initially appeared inMetro Magazine, School Bus Fleet’s sister publication.
PORTLAND, Ore. — John “Randy” Schetky, president and owner of Schetky Bus and Van Sales, passed away early on the morning of April 3. He was 69 years old.
Schetky died after his cancer diagnosis became unmanageable, said his sons David and Chase, who are VPs of the company, in a news release from Schetky Bus and Van Sales. They will now take Randy’s years of guidance, advice, and leadership to lead the company going forward.
Schetky graduated from Oregon State University in 1975 and began working full time for his father, John L., at Schetky that same year. In 1980, Randy launched the company’s commercial bus division and began selling to transit agencies throughout the Northwest. Randy grew the business from the top dealership in the Pacific Northwest, to one of the top bus and van suppliers nationwide.
Randy led Schetky to multiple industry awards and took great pride in after-the-sale support. He grew their service facilities from one shop to four within Oregon and Washington. Randy also opened their Arizona sales and service facility in 2017, which has seen exponential growth and is projected to become Arizona’s top dealership in the coming years.
Schetky also sells school buses and represents Collins Bus and Thomas Built Bus. In 1997, Randy purchased Larsen Bus Sales, and became the Thomas Bus dealer in Oregon and Washington. In 2017, Thomas Built Buses and Daimler Trucks North America certified Schetky Northwest Bus Sales as a Platinum Support Dealer. The dealer was also recognized by Thomas Built Buses with a President's Club Platinum award for providing outstanding service in 2016, 2017, and 2018. This award recognizes a dealer’s ability to provide customers with the best possible experience, communication, robust parts availability, and superb customer service.
In addition to David and Chase (wife Liana), Schetky is survived by his wife Linley, granddaughter Maya, and brother Steve (wife Chris).
The family said it is unable to plan Schetky’s funeral or celebration of life at this time, due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, but an announcement will follow as soon as arrangements can be made.
