Aaron Norman Runolfson

1966 - 2021

Aaron Norman Runolfson
September 22, 1966 - April 29, 2021
Resident of Castro Valley, CA
Aaron Runolfson passed away suddenly on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at the age of 54. Aaron touched countless lives with his giving, empathetic, and selfless nature, along with his unique sense of humor. Aaron was a friend to everyone he met and will be missed more than words can describe.
Aaron served in the United States Marine Corps, was stationed overseas in Okinawa, Japan, and was honorably discharged after four years of service.
Aaron also had an accomplished 24-year career in law enforcement. Aaron started his career at California State University, East Bay (then, California State University, Hayward), first as a dispatcher and later became a police officer. During his time at the college, Aaron was awarded the "Avoid the 21" pin, which was a rare accomplishment for an officer in that capacity.
In November of 2014, Aaron transferred to the Hayward Police Department where he worked as a patrol officer, narcotics officer, and was assigned to the Alameda County Narcotics Task Force. During his assignment with the Task Force, Aaron was awarded as the "ACNTF Officer of the Year" three years in a row and received recognition for his achievements from the Alameda County District Attorney's Office with an "outstanding work" award. Aaron returned to patrol and was then selected to be a District Command Officer and was heavily involved in community policing efforts. As a result of his work in this assignment, Aaron was awarded as the Hayward Chamber of Commerce Officer of the Year in 2015. In December of 2017, Aaron retired from the Hayward Police Department.
After his retirement from law enforcement, Aaron worked as a detention officer for a private security company that contracts with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Aaron enjoyed fishing, boating, RVing camping, working on cars, riding his motorcycles, eating amazing food (especially good barbeque), drinking a good bottle of red wine, working on his home, and spending time with his family, and friends. He was a collector of many things, including cars, firearms, coins, bobble heads, antiques, and all things related to fishing. Aaron truly was a "jack of all trades" and could accomplish any task in front of him with ease.
Aaron is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Regina, his two children, Erika Runolfson and Ross Runolfson of Castro Valley and his two stepchildren, Sebastian Maceira and Sophia Maceira of Castro Valley. Aaron is also survived by his mother, Antoinette (Toni) Runolfson of Castro Valley, sister and brother-in-law Andrea and Chris Wilson of Los Angeles and brother and sister-in-law Erik and Heidi Runolfson of Santa Clara and their children, Kyle and Denise Runolfson, Beau and Olivia Wagoner, Baylee Wagoner and Melissa Runolfson. Aaron is predeceased by his father, Merle Runolfson. Aaron had a large family including dozens of aunts, uncles, cousins, and other extended family members.
Friends and family are invited to a visitation service on Monday, May 10, 2021 from 4PM-8PM (4PM-5PM is for family only, 5PM-8PM is open to all) and a funeral service on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 10:00AM at Jess C. Spencer Mortuary, 21228 Redwood Rd in Castro Valley. Burial to follow at Lone Tree Cemetery, 24591 Fairview Ave, Hayward, followed by a Celebration of Life reception at the Veteran's Hall, 22737 Main St, Hayward.


View the online memorial for Aaron Norman Runolfson