Ryan Scott Runia

1982 ~ 2013
Ryan Scott Runia, our son, brother, husband, father, and friend passed away unexpectedly on November 11, 2013. Ryan leaves behind a devoted spouse, Cari, four young children, and a large and admiring family.
Ryan was born on April 18, 1982 in Provo, Utah to R. Scott and Tamara Wood Runia. He is the oldest of seven children and from his youth championed a happy home. His willingness to love and serve began early on in his life and has been magnified through adulthood. All who associated with Ryan remember the brightness and joy he exuded: the life of the party, yet quick to include all. Ryan never met a person he didn't like… unless, perhaps they were driving a bit too slow in the fast lane.
Ryan was an eagle scout. He played football at and graduated from Timpview High School. Ryan found great happiness serving a Spanish speaking mission in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. He received a bachelor's degree in Business Management and Digital Media from Utah Valley University. And for the past seven and a half years, he has worked for the Runia Group in Private Banking and Investments at Merrill Lynch. Ryan was dedicated to his role as the provider for his home and family, and was on business in Salt Lake City, Utah upon the event of his sudden passing.
Ryan married his dear wife Cari Nicole Wright on February 7, 2004. Ryan and Cari's unique and adoring union is and will continue to be admired by all associated with them. Their legacy of humor, light-heartedness, and grand conviction despite the wiles of life will forever be remembered. Together, Ryan and Cari have four darling children, Jaac Ryan 7, Grace Nicole 6, Piper Lucy 3, and Thys Raymond 14 months.
Ryan was the happiest when sharing the good news of the gospel and the joy it brings. He was a beautiful example of a person who lived true to his testimony of Jesus Christ.
Ryan loved sharing his hobbies with his family and his young kids. To us, he was like a big kid himself, finding joy in flying model and paper airplanes, rockets, skiing, boating, Lake Powell, and traveling. In fact, he searched far and wide in pursuit of the perfect Carnitas Taco, we are pretty sure he's finally found it!
Ryan is survived by his wife Cari Nicole Runia, son Jaac Ryan, daughters Grace Nicole, Piper Lucy, and son Thys Raymond, father R. Scott Runia, mother Tamara Wood Runia, his siblings Dane (Stacy), Carly (Eric) Red, Tanner (Joellen), Nolan, Pater, and Berkley Runia.
Viewing services will be held for Ryan on Friday, November 15, 2013 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Walker Sanderson funeral home, 646 E 800 N, Orem, Utah. On Saturday, November 16, 2013, Viewing services from 9:00-10:30 am and Funeral service at 11:00 am will be located at Ryan's Stake Center at 1674 N 200 W, Orem, Utah.
In lieu of flowers, Ryan would have suggested you add to your fast offering, donate to the LDS Humanitarian Aid, or The Food and Care Coalition.
Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.walkersanderson.com