Arthur James Runestrand
August 08, 1927 - September 19, 2017
- Share:
Arthur James Runestrand
August 08, 1927 - September 19, 2017
Obituary
Arthur James Runestrand, beloved husband of Meredith Runestrand, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, entered into the presence and glory of the Lord on September 19, 2017. Born August 8th, 1927 in Bellingham WA to Andrew and Mary Runestrand. Our father grew up with his older sister, Carmen, in a loving, open home that welcomed and housed many friends and family. From a young age dad prayed for a large and loving family of his own. A prayer that God answered beyond our father’s imagination.
After honorable service in the US Navy at the conclusion of WW II, our father attended Western Washington State College on the GI Bill, graduating with a degree in Education. It was on Western’s campus that dad first set eyes on our beautiful mother, Meredith Hess. Dad said it was “love at first sight” and he courted her with fervor. Romance and love ensued and they were married in 1949. Our father also attended the University of Washington and earned his Master’s in Business.
Dad obtained employment with the Bellingham School District as a teacher and taught at both Fairhaven and Shuksan Middle Schools. Dad made lifelong friends of both fellow teachers and students and he would call this his favorite career. After serving also as vice-principal, dad left teaching to become a safety instructor at Georgia Pacific. Dad was later promoted to Personnel Manager, a position he held until his retirement.
Upon retirement, our father continued to serve his community on many boards and service organizations. His was a life of service. His greatest joy was his wife and his family. He taught us by words and deeds how to live, love and serve. We would very often sing together as a family. One of dad’s favorites was The Doxology, “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow.” Dad believed this with all his heart.
Arthur Runestrand is preceded in death by his daughter-in-law Janice Kay Runestrand & his grandson Joseph Paul Nuckolls. He is survived by wife Meredith, children: Mike & Rachel Runestrand, Mary & Russ Nuckolls, Elizabeth & Doug Adelstein, Kathy & Eric Anderson, Kris & Sally Runestrand, and Heidi & Mark Lann, and by Randy & Barb Kruger, whom dad loved and claimed as his own. Dad is also survived by forty-three grandchildren, twenty-nine great grandchildren, and two nephews, Jim & John Barriball.
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday September 30th at 3:00pm at Immanuel Bible Church, 2000 W North Street, Bellingham WA.
Memorial Service
- Date & Time: September 30, 2017 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: Immanuel Bible Church
- Location: 2000 W North St Bellingham, WA 98225 - (Get Directions)
13 responses to Arthur James Runestrand
Barbara (Dunkak) Mills DeSpain says:
September 19, 2017
Dear Runestrand family,I wanted to extend my thoughts and prayers to all of you. Your Dad was such a wonderful man. He was always so kind, and I believe he “counseled” one or two of my sisters when they were trying to figure life out after high school while he was working at GP. Our Dad thought the world of yours- all of us do.
Mary, Kathy & Heidi, I hope to make it to the service on Saturday, but will be coming back from eastern WA. I’m sure his service will be honoring to your Dad’s life and legacy and to the Lord he loved and served. Praying for you all, and for your lovely Mom.
Barb
Bonnie (Finlayson) Lancaster says:
September 19, 2017
Mike and Mary, I am very sorry for your loss. Your Dad was such a nice man and he always had a smile and a wave for us “kids” when visiting Carmen’s family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this difficult time.
Sandra (Jeffers) Frost says:
September 19, 2017
Art will be greatly missed by friends and family alike. I have so many dear and cherished memories of much of my childhood spent across the street, playing at the Runestrand house, and loving the warmth and love and goodness that I experienced there. Art lived a beautiful life, and no one could have done it better. Husband, father, friend, neighbor; Art excelled at them all and more. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, dear friends.
Sandra
Julie Wardrop Marchiori says:
September 19, 2017
Mr. Runestrad was one of my favorite teachers. He was the vice principal and also my home room teacher at Shuksan Jr. High from 1961-64. He was always so nice and caring to everyone. I learned a great deal from him and I will always remember him fondly. He was one of the best!
Ron Markwood says:
September 19, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of Arts passing but his family can be at peace knowing he is now with his lord that he loved so much. I’m pleased to have had the honor to know him and so enjoyed the many years we worked together at Georgia Pacific. Rest in peace my dear friend, you will be missed.