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
Mary Anne Price Mead says:
September 19, 2017
So sorry to hear of your loss. I knew Mr. Runestrand from St. James Church and the Bellingham Theater Guild. His love and caring showed so clearly to me in every thing I saw. And his portrayal of Teddy Brewster in “Arsenic and Old Lace” put that play at the top of my list. Perfect.
I pray for God’s Shalom to cover all of you; in your grief, I pray you can rejoice in love for his life and all the memories you share.
Kristen Whitehead says:
September 19, 2017
Dear Runestrand family and all of you in Art’s life!
Thinking of you and know you are all in our hearts and prayers. He was a dear man, a true doll to all! He was an example of what we all should aspire and led many to know the way…he will be internalized, and eternalized by many and I will never forget his sweet smile, shake, laugh and love of life here and beyond! How lucky I was to know him …and you all…each of you offspring are extensions of dear Art !
Trudy Hope says:
September 19, 2017
One of my favorite teachers and administrator at Shuksan, what a wonderful life
Susie Berker (Walstrom). says:
September 19, 2017
Mr, Runestrand was my all-time favorite teacher. He was my teacher when I attended Fairhaven. He made learning interesting and easy. He was highly respected by both students and staff for his supportive role in everyone’s life. He was kind and caring. Even after I was married and had children we communicated every so often. I had lunch with him one day and I imagine it was the last time I saw him. He was a person you always remember because he made you feel valued. I am so sorry for your loss. May you know the comfort our Lord offers.
Marilyn and John Moullen says:
September 19, 2017
My own dad did not know how to give warm hugs, so getting one from Art always made me want to linger. He was always so welcoming and encouraging to each of us in our little family. What a gift from our Heavenly Father!Just think of the wondrous things Joe is showing him in Glory!
We love you, Runestrand Families, God bless your mama and each of your sweet hearts.