
Condolences
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 !
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.
Art Runestrand and the whole family are pillars of our community and I have been very fortunate in being able to grow up in Bellingham with them. His dedication to education was exemplary and he always had a smile on his face. After I graduated form WWU in 1979, I moved to Seattle, where I lived for almost 18 years before moving back to Bellingham. When I attended a memorial service for Louise Frazier, who I knew through volunteering for the Assistance League of Bellingham, I saw Art and I would have recognized him anywhere but was too shy to say anything to him, which I very much regret. Louise Frazier had been an attendance keeper at Sehome High School and there were many members of the community there, too.
His was a life very well lived.
Most sincerely, to all members of his family,
Judith/Judy Dawe
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.
One of my favorite teachers and administrator at Shuksan, what a wonderful life
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.
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.
I'm so sorry to hear of your dads passing. He was a good friend and coworker to my dad (Dave Jenkins) and always greeted me with a smile and a friendly hello when I visited Dad's office.
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!
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





