Thys Runia

We miss him, miss his visits! Every time he came to the Netherlands he called us and came over for a visit!
I knew Thijs from my youth, the big boys (he and Gerrit) of the neighbours of my parents' friends, living at the Holleweg in Heiloo.
Across that house is the graveyard where my parents are resting now, and everytime Robert and I come there, we remember Thijs and also Gerrit, and we have a look at that house.
They both were older than me, so the big boys next...

Whenever I saw Thijs, a smile would automatically appear on my face. He was perpetually happy and positive with a funny story at hand for any occasion. I fully understand why my parents enjoyed spending time with him as part of the "Dutch Group" here in SLC. Thank you Thijs, for making my parents time here more enjoyable and uplifting everyone you came in contact with.

Uncle Thys (we called him that even though he was my mother's cousin) was one of my favorite Dutch relatives. I had very fond memories of playing with my second cousins when they were small and he and Christine coming to visit us in California. Thys' sense of humor was one of the reasons I loved him so much. He was always making me laugh. Even when my sister and I went to visit him at the Seville, in his later years, he still was cracking jokes and making us laugh. I adored him.
I send...

A shock for us to hear Thijs has passed away...
We both have best memories of Thijs.
See our pictures which were from his visit to the Netherlands, in Heiloo.
He was a very friendly man and we had nice talks about the past, when I (Mary) was about 10 years old and Thijs, Gerrit and their parents left for the USA/Utah around 1950...
Condolences for his children and family from us both, Robert and Mary Sanstra.

I am sorry for your loss. He was a spunky and funny man. We all would love when he came into the credit union. He will be missed.

Scott, So sorry for the loss of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Thys was a very pleasant and kind person, always being a good example in life. He will be remembered for his love and friendship toward his fellow man.

What won't we miss about this gentle giant? We, as "the other side of the family," have SUCH wonderful memories of Thijs! From attending a milestone anniversary bash of his mother Erna's and Stephanus Flink's, to associating with him on so many occasions! At the anniversary bash, Thijs and his brother Gerrit, were the life of the party, as they performed "Dat is die kleine man" with their strong Amsterdam-type accents. Thijs was always so cheerful and a joy to be around! He was thoughtful...