Tim Jon Runner–who was quick to point out that Tim is not short for Timothy–was born on August 19, 1943 in Riverside, CA to Ernestine Stockton and Lyle Wenzlaff. After Tim’s father was killed in World War II, Ernestine remarried to Ted Runner, who became Tim’s adopted father, and the pair had daughter Susie (Lindeburg). Tim attended Redlands High School and studied mathematics and physics at the University of Southern California and the University of California, Riverside. During college, Tim married Jeannie Walker and they had two daughters, Toshia and Trista (Portugal). Tim later remarried to Deborah Wilson and had two daughters, Kimberly and Amanda (Belkin). Tim took pride in teaching his daughters how to throw a football, how to drive a stick shift car, and how to beat someone up in self defense.

Tim was passionate about science, cars, and life itself. His diverse array of professions matched his inquisitive nature. He started in cattle investing, changed his career to testing automobile engines, then started his own business producing automotive tradeshows nation-wide. Tim later started Awesome Specialities Incorporated that marketed products to small retailers. He ultimately found his calling as a Child Advocate, representing children with special needs, and he was able to impact many lives. In his spare time, Tim wrote a column in several automotive magazines. He wrote a book titled Cattle Investing in 1970, and he regretted that he did not get a chance to pen his book The Businesses I Have Failed.

Tim passed away in his sleep at home in Murrieta, CA. He is survived by his daughters Trista, Kimmi, and Mandy, and grandchildren Luke, Hadley, and Ava. He was predeceased by his oldest daughter, Toshia Leone Runner (Nov. 1966 - Oct. 1990). His children take comfort knowing it is now Toshia’s turn to spend time with their Father.

A celebration of Tim’s life will be held on October 13 2024 at the Temecula Community Center. In lieu of flowers, donations toward an inscripted bench in his favorite city of Lahaina, Hawaii as part of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation can be made via Everloved.

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