Gregory Brian Runcie

Gregory Brian Runcie

July 30, 1956 – December 23, 2019  Age 63

Gregory Brian Runcie was born in Inglewood California, on July 30, 1956.  He was the last born of Norma and Richard Runcie, in a family of three boys, Greg’s oldest brother Kim, and second eldest Rick.

Greg grew up in that era when being outside and running free was what most boys did all day long, after doing chores and schoolwork.  He kept this mentality his entire life, loving the outdoors including all sports, fishing and camping, but always putting responsibility first.  Greg was always active and very competitive, which is what made him such an exceptional athlete, especially on the Volleyball Courts.  Many say he could have been on the pro tour. But, as it was, there was no pro tour at that time, and at the ripe old age of 25 he decided it was time to grow up and get a career, so Volleyball had to take the back burner.  He was hired as a Firefighter on the Boeing (Hughes at that time) Fire Department in El Segundo, California and stayed with them for Thirty-three years.  He retired in 2014, and made a home in the Mountains, a retirement dream of his, in Big Bear California.

Greg and Felicia were married in 2008.  Even though they were only married 11 years, it was a lifetime love. They met in 1980 and dated 2 years. Felicia said for her it was love at first sight, and Greg later confided that he had been in love with her too, but neither of them said it out loud and they drifted apart. Both moved on to get married and were happy for a long time in their marriages. Although they loved their spouses, there was something burned into their hearts for each other. When they saw each other at tournaments or leagues, they would smile and pat their chest with their hand, the silent I Love You was still there. By 2005 both marriages had ended. They hadn’t seen or spoken to each other in over 4 years, but when Felicia heard that Greg’s marriage had ended her heart jumped. She got in touch with him, his heart jumped, and the real romance began, 26 years later!

Greg’s personal life was always full of friends and full of fun.  He continued playing Volleyball on the beach and Indoors into his late 50’s, always with the top players and with the winning teams.  He also played in basketball leagues, and even started running after he was struck with Cancer, to keep up his endurance.  He hated running, but if he made up his mind about doing something, he was going to do it rain, shine, sick or tired. (Stubborn much?? ). He enjoyed watching Boxing, and he and his first wife Micki were known to have the Best Fight Night Parties in town.  Greg loved music, mostly classic rock and went to many concerts throughout his life.  He loved history and trains, which is why he and Felicia were married in Virginia City, Nevada, on an Early 1900’s train!  He accomplished another retirement dream a few years ago, which was to own a Road King Harley Davidson, and he took rides as often as he could on His Beautiful Mountain and around His Beautiful Lake.

He was an awesome Step-Father to Felicia’s boys, Robert, James and Brendan.  He was always there to support them to help them succeed in life.  With God’s grace and timing,  they were able to express their gratitude to him, and he was able to express how proud he was of each of them, before he left for Heaven.

He told Rob, our Friend and Pastor, “I had a Golden Life”.  He was very happy, excited and ready to meet his Lord and loved ones in Heaven.  He had no doubts and no fear of death. He was tired and in pain, it was time to go. On the evening of December 23, he passed away at home, calm and peaceful, in Felicia’s arms.

There will be a viewing held at Big Bear Mortuary on Saturday, January 18, 2020 from 1 – 5 pm.

Memorial Service and Internment will be sometime after March, when the grounds of Big Bear Cemetery have dried up.  This is all depending on the weather this year, so Felicia will keep all informed as plans are made.  There will also be a Beach Celebration Memorial Party sometime in Late Spring, at Knob Hill in Redondo Beach, as this was Greg’s “Home” Court.  Again, this will depend on the weather and Felicia will keep all informed.

In Lieu of Flowers, Greg wanted any donations to be sent to The Journey Church in Big Bear City California.  https://thejourneychurchbigbear.com/

The Journey Church has been Greg’s home church since he’s been in Big Bear, and he knows they will use the donations to help the church grow and send donations to the many missions they support. Greg’s hope is that these donations help the church spread the word so that others feel the same Love and Comfort that came to him since knowing God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit!

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