John Robert Runkle

John Robert Runkle was born to Mary Ann and Bobby Runkle in Carlsbad, New Mexico on September 26th, 1954.
In a family full of girls, he was the first-born boy, and a very welcome addition. His Auntie Susie called him a 'Gift from God'. Growing up, everyone called him Johnny.
John grew up in Black River, New Mexico, a small town of 25 people and Carlsbad, New Mexico where he served as the Chapter President of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). He went to earn the title of District President, representing his community in the national convention. John graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1972.
John always wanted to visit Canada and marry and Indian woman. In 1978, John started on his first series of life adventures, where he bypassed Canada and found himself in Eagle River, Alaska.
One year later, in 1979, John traveled to the native village of Nikolai, in Athabascan Country, as a construction worker. It was there he met and fell in love with the Love of his life and wife of 44 years, Marty. Together, they were a life force, building their homestead next to Bumble Bee Lake where they raised their three children Sharon, Andrew, and Phil. John cherished his time with his grandchildren, Joseph, Cloe, Desiree', Anavay, and Lillian. John was so blessed with a great grandson Thomas Joseph (TJ), son of Desiree'.
John was a pillar in his community, always willing to give a helping hand, offer advice, teach the younger generation, have a friendly chat , or joke around. He served on the local school board, city council, and as a reader in the Saint Peter the Apostle Russian Orthodox Church. John was also a Godfather to 14 godchildren. John helped build the community of Nikolai; a new school, road projects, establishing water and sewer system, HUD homes projects, church repair and maintenance. John was truly a jack of all trades.
During his lifetime, John surpassed many with is accomplishments and talents. He was a certified welder, and a damn good one too, a construction worker, a heavy equipment operator, a wildland fire fighter, working with his wife Marty for one season. One of John's biggest accomplishments was becoming an Alaskan Registered Master Guide (#206) and operating Runkles Alaskan Outdoor Adventures, where he guided clients on Bison hunts in the Farewell Burn and multiple specie hunts such as moose, caribou, black bear, brown bear, Dall sheep, and wolf at Silvertip Camp in the Alaska Range. John taught his boys ow to guide and they operated the business with him along with Marty and other family members. John and Marty also operated Runkle's Outdoor Supply Store.
John was well known and respected in the in the Iditarod community where he served as a volunteer for the Last Great Race since 1980. John also had a his fair share of dog mushing adventures, participating in many local races and owning a dog kennel with up to 29 dogs. John shared his love of dogs and mushing with his family, teaching his children and grandchildren how to mush.
Like a true Alaska, John lived off the grid and off the land. He lived a subsistence lifestyle with his family which included hunting, fishing, and trapping. John enjoyed harvesting their garden and jarring his latest catch while coming up with fun and crazy concoctions of jarred salmon. John never sat still, he was always busy working on a project, building something, or helping someone. In addition to all his hard work, John could shake a leg like no other and loved to dance with is Honey any chance they got.
Everyone who knew John knew him to be kinds, honest, patient, humble, hardworking, caring, dependable, funny, adventurous, generous, gentle, and loving.
Friend and family have described him as: an Automatic Lead Man, a mentor, selfless, valued, incredible, extraordinary man, staple in the community, a real gentleman, dear friend, a Great Man, best of his kind, positive impact to many, a hell of a man, left a good mark on this world, a guide, cheerful, generous host, good and faithful son, an epic hunter and outdoorsman, a kind light in this world, one of the good ones, a good friend, a kind man, wise man who accomplished so many things, Salt of the Earth, left some pretty big shoes to fill, counselor, Mountain Man, amazing man, always so happy and kind, source of wisdom, wonderful and caring, Hero, Servant of God, forgiving, his heart has no limit, his legacy will one , a Giant among men, an Alaskan Icon.
John is survived in death by his wife, Marty, their children Sharon, Andrew, and Phil, Son and Daughters in Law; Joe, Jade, and Natalia, Grandchildren Joseph, Cloe, Desiree', Anavay, Lillian, Great grandson TJ, Mother-in-Law Dora Esai, Brother-in-Law Daniel Esai, Sister-in-Law Jacqueline Esai, Brother Bill Runkle, Sisters Beth, and Sharon Lynn.
John is preceded in death by his grandparents John and Ruth Martin, Everett and Pauline Lakey, and parents Bobby and Mary Ann Runkle.

Heaven has gained an a amazing Angel and we have lost a precious soul far too soon. John is up there now busying himself, getting Heaven ready for the rest of us. John will live on in our hearts forever as we find a way through this life without him. John lived his life to the fullest and as Marty says, he lived life the way he wanted. Soar High! Memory Eternal.