Every love story begins somewhere, and for Randy and Char, that somewhere was Ricks College. Their blind date became blind devotion, extending from their shared love of the Lord to a love for each other and the life they would build.

James Randolf Garn (09/06/1974) grew up in Sugar City, Idaho, the son of two very busy people. His father, Nyle, taught high school and coached football. His mother, Joan, drilled students in English, sponsored the debate club, and coached the girls’ drill team. They also ran a cattle ranch, lost their house to the Teton Dam flood, and presided over a family of four rowdy boys and two angelic daughters.

After a successful high school career, which included a stint as the captain of the football team, Randy served in the Bagio Philippines mission and then attended Ricks College where his clever campaign as “The Little Man with the Big Plan” caught the fancy of enough students to get elected student body president under the watchful eye of President David A. Bednar, then president of the college.  

About the same time, Char Asay (04/07/1979) was growing up in Farmington, Utah, the oldest daughter of James and Toni Asay. Her father spent his career in publishing, first at Deseret Book where he managed stores in Boise, Centerville, and Layton, Utah, and then as owner of a publishing company. Raising Char and her five siblings was her mother’s primary occupation until her desire to finish her BA in English led to a PhD and a university teaching position.  

Char, whose inclination is to surround herself with good people, began this habit in high school. She participated in choir, served on Seminary Council, was senior class president, and started her lifelong friendships.  

The pair were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple by Char’s grandfather, Elder Carlos E. Asay, who was then serving as the temple President. They transferred to BYU and finished their degrees – Randy in International Studies and Global Economics and Char in Community Health. (Randy subsequently attended the Harvard Business School to complete its Owner/President Management program.)

Randy is happiest in the mountains, the wilderness, and on the fly-fishing stream. He’s a competitive athlete who enjoys skiing, hiking, golfing, and Iron Man triathlons. Char, like millions of others, loves pickleball, but finds her daily, saving grace in early morning yoga.

As a family, they love adventures, traveling, and visiting new wards on vacation. But Home gather people who may be looking for answers, who may be lonely, or who are searching for acceptance. They provide a place where people can feel the love of God and the power that comes from a loving family. Char is the gatherer, who provides the space, the food, the comfort, and surrounds them with love. Randy is the “rally-er”, who rallies their spirits and gives the confidence to anchor their souls in Christ. This echoes Elder Bednar’s admonition to “gather together in one all things in Christ” (Ephesians 1:10).

To date, Randy has served in the Young Men’s organization, and as a Bishop and High Council member. Char’s church service has been in the Primary and Young Women auxiliaries and in the temple.

At 15, Randy had a powerful spiritual experience with four of his friends that affirmed that God lives, that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and that Jesus is the Christ. All received the affirmation and all have remained faithful.

Char has always known that the Church was true. She has been blessed with what Elder Rasband calls “believing blood.” She grew up watching her parents and grandparents “go and do without questioning.” She has never doubted.