Sierra Senior Providers chief dies

Randy Hunsaker, a long-time Tuolumne County senior services leader, died over the weekend in an apparent drowning accident.

Hunsaker, 68, of Columbia, was reported missing by family members about 9:30 p.m. Saturday, after he failed to return from a fishing trip  on the Calaveras River below New Hogan Dam, according to the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department.
 

Deputies responded to the area as the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team was mobilized, said sheriff’s spokesman Dave Seawell.

Hunsaker’s fishing equipment was found near the river’s edge.

Search dogs and air support from the California Highway Patrol were also deployed as was a swift-water rescue team comprised of Ebbetts Pass Fire Department and the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team members.

The CalaverasCountySheriff’s Office Dive Team searched for Hunsaker again on Sunday and, about 6 p.m., found his body in the water directly downstream from where his equipment was found.

For several years, Hunsaker was chief executive officer of Sierra Senior Providers, which provides Meals on Wheels food delivery to seniors, and also oversaw the Tuolumne County Senior Center in Sonora.

“Under Randy’s leadership, the organization was able to institute a number of changes that ultimately led to moving from a long-time deficit position to one of minor profitability,” Gail Witzlsteiner, a member of the Sierra Senior Providers Board of Directors, wrote in a statement Monday. “We want to assure the many clients who participate in the Meals on Wheels, and Senior Center congregate dining programs, that our services will continue thanks to our excellent staff and volunteers and the leadership of Randy Hunsaker.”