Zvonimir Runkas
February 26, 2025
February 26, 2025
February 26, 2025
Zvonimir Runkas
Zvonimir Runkas (affectionately known as “Bill” or “Zvonko”), late of Chilliwack, BC, died peacefully on February 26, 2025, in his 90th year. His given name of Zvonimir means “bell” in the Croatian language, so he took the name “Bill” as his English name.
Zvonimir was born August 30, 1934, in Zagreb, Croatia (former Yugoslavia), to Ivan Runkas and Milada Arsulich. Brothers Boris and Daniel later joined the family.
In his younger years in Croatia, Zvonimir trained as a machinist. His service in the Yugoslavian army included driving dignitaries around and maintaining vehicles. He was also a keen boxer while in the army.
Zvonimir emigrated to Canada in 1958, ultimately finding his way to British Columbia. Struck by the beauty of the wild west coast, he chose to make his home there. He worked as a machinist on Vancouver Island in the lumber industry for many years. Through a shared love of dancing, Bill met and married Irene Ogilvy along the way in 1969 and became stepfather to Gregory and Ronald.
Zvonimir was a talented handyman, designing and building a home for himself and Irene at the oceanside near Qualicum Beach. They also lived in Nanaimo and Surrey. In his retirement years, Bill was an avid fisherman, an enthusiastic square dancer, an amazing gardener, and an ardent bridge player. Many hours were spent over the chessboard or cribbage set. He was a huge Elvis fan. Bill and Irene made many journeys in their Airstream trailer to the Okanagan, California (visiting cousin Doris and Bill), Arizona, and Nevada. A generally quiet man, Bill became quite animated when discussing sports, particularly soccer and hockey, and politics. He was a devoted husband to Irene.
Predeceased by Irene in 2011, Bill is fondly remembered by stepsons Gregory Kocher (Lyn) and Ronald Kocher (Laurie), brother Boris, grandchildren Joshua (Pauline), Melissa (Sean), Miranda [deceased] (Ryan), Chelsea (Jeffrey), Bronwyn, and grandchildren Sebastien, Benjamin, Sophia, Paisley, Skylar, Molly, Greyson, and Harper.
The family thanks the wonderful staff at Surrey Memorial Hospital and Valleyhaven Retirement Community in Chilliwack for their exceptional care. No funeral by request.
You are invited to leave a personal message for the family.