Dennis Ray Runyan

Dennis Ray Runyan, 68, was born in Modesto, CA on February 14, 1953 to Lorena Foust Runyan and Elbert Ray Runyan. Dennis peacefully transitioned into the heavenly realm on May 2, 2021 while home in Valley Springs, CA.

Hunting, fishing and camping were extremely important to Dennis and his brother John. These experiences created strong bonds with the rest of his family members and close friends. Dennis also enjoyed golfing and he mentored and encouraged son Jesse and his friends during their high school days. He continued to impact those boys throughout the years.

Dennis graduated from Davis High and attended Modesto J.C. until his uncles encouraged him and his brother to join the Boilermakers Union. Dennis quickly excelled at each level of his development and earned the respect and trust of his co-workers and employers. Besides being an excellent welder, he was able to grasp the engineering concepts of the construction jobs on which he worked and continued to move into positions of higher responsibility after being hired by Babcock and Wilcox Construction Company, Inc. (B&W). Dennis had some very talented mentors along his journey and he became a skilled negotiator, bidder and scheduler who saved the company millions of dollars over his 37 year career. It was in the late 80’s that he became involved with the development and installation of pollution control on fossil fuel power plants throughout California and Nevada. He was extremely proud of his accomplishments with the help of his trusted employees including his brother, and their loyal friend Allan Reynon – The Three Amigos. Dennis loved his career and chose to continue to work as a Consultant to B&W after his retirement, until he became disabled in 2010.

Dennis met the love of his life and married Eleanor Pasko in a tiny chapel in Carson City, NV in 1978. They moved to Winnemucca, NV for work on a project in Valmy and met many lifelong friends there. They welcomed their son Jesse in 1981. Jesse was the ultimate achievement for Dennis and he expended his energy to bring happiness and security to his family. They settled in Valley Springs in 1986.

Dennis had an amazing effect on people who interacted with him. They were drawn to his charisma, wittiness, and inspiring words. Dennis was a protector of those in distress and would offer comfort and encouragement to soothe them. He also spoke against injustice and led by example in his community and on the job. In his later years, he proved to be a warrior in his battle with debilitating pain. Never complaining, Dennis carried his burden of ailments with dignity.

Dennis is survived by his devoted wife Elle, beloved son Jesse of Patterson, and loving sister-in-law Debie Runyan of Valley Springs. A service will be held at Lakewood Memorial Park Chapel, 900 Santa Fe Avenue, Hughson, CA at 1:00 p.m. on May 18, 2021. Viewing begins at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dennis would be welcomed by the Friends of Calaveras Animal Services: focasweb.com or the Proactive Parkinson’s Project, P.O. Box 645, Altaville, CA 95221