Steve Runyan, a longtime jeweler, businessman and civic leader, died Thursday night due to complications from pneumonia, according to his family. He was 77.
The Runyan name may ring familiar to anyone who has gone jewelry shopping in Clark County since 1917, when W.L. Runyan opened up a watch repair shop. From it grew Runyan’s Jewelers, selling and repairing jewelry with a Runyan behind the counter.
“Every generation of this company has left a mark of personalization,” wrote Erik Runyan, Steve’s son, in an email. “Tomorrow and the rest of time have been declared a celebration.”
Steve Runyan was the third generation after his father, Gerald Runyan, stepped down. He took over at a time when downtown business swelled, but a rash of break-ins in the 1980s prompted a move to the Vancouver Mall. The shop returned to downtown Vancouver in 1991 to its current location at 900 Washington St.
In addition to running the jewelry shop, Steve Runyan was a noted volunteer. He was active with the Lunch Buddy mentoring program, where grown-ups serve as role models and eat lunch with students at low-income schools.
“He, at every opportunity, gave to the community,” said Erik Runyan, 50, in an interview with The Columbian. “The schools appreciated him as a member of the community who validated the program. And it really encouraged others to also take part — to join in on the cause.”
Other organizations Runyan supported include the Rotary Club of Vancouver, the Miss Washington Pageant and the Junior Chamber of Commerce, according to friends.
“He was one to strike up a conversation with anyone and loved cars,” said Dick Hannah, owner of Dick Hannah Car Dealerships. “He will be missed by all of us.”
As it approaches its 100th birthday, the jewelry store is also set to relocate to the Hudson Building at 101 Sixth St., Vancouver.
Runyan is survived by his wife, Penny, daughters Jill and Julie, son Erik, and five grandchildren. Erik Runyan said his father barely missed the birth of his first great-grandchild, who is expected to be born in the next week.
