Obituary of Robert Runyon

Bob Runyon lived in the Carriage Square area of Walnut Creek most of his life. At the age of 89, he passed away peacefully Saturday, November 5, surrounded by family. After years of hospice and palliative care, he succumbed to COVID symptoms despite being vaxxed and partially boosted. That said, it was time. Despite many limitations brought on by declining health for many years, Bob maintained a sweet demeaner, consistently thanked his care givers and adjusted with grace to the many changes that came his way. He was a faithful friend who maintained relationships relentlessly and was beloved by many because of his ability to listen, demonstrate kindness and openness to everyone. Bob spent half his career as a Young Life staffer and the other as a psychotherapist. He attended study groups and participated in centering prayer, leading prayers at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Walnut Creek and exploring creative, non-traditional forms of worship. For a period, he produced recordings under the label Discovery Records which often featured Marj Snyder. Bob earned his bachelor’s degree from Westmont College, his Master of Divinity from California Baptist Theological Seminary and his Master’s in psychology and counseling certification from JFK University. He was an ordained American Baptist minister, attended St. Paul’s Episcopal Church as well as Shell Ridge Community Church and practiced centering prayer at Christ the King Catholic Church in Pleasant Hill. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Mary Runyon of Nipomo and his son and his husband, Chad Runyon and Jody Black of Danville. Memorial donations can be made to Trinity Center, homeless services in Walnut Creek. A memorial will be held Friday. November 18, 1:00pm at Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church (LOPC) in Lafayette. Graveside will be Saturday, November 19, 11:00am at Oakmont Memorial Park in Lafayette.