Hank Runne

[csh-2z]

For those that may not know, we found out last week that my father's cancer has spread to his brain. The doctors best guess is that he has 1-3 months. He is at peace with his fate. He is currently in a rehab in Allentown PA. and will be there for the remainder of the week. Then as always he is going to Lock Haven to be with our immediate family and just as importantly all of you, his extended family for 70 years.

Very often, when people pass, we hear or say, I wish I knew or I wish I had seen him one more time. It's always sad to lose a good friend or loved one. I can tell you unequivocally, he loves all the people the sport of boat racing has brought into his life. He always reminded us of how grateful he has always been and how important it is to him to have his family together at the races. It has been a bond that can't be broken. He and my mother will always be with us, right where they've always been, at the boat races.

Those of you that are going to Lock Haven, please make sure to stop by and see him.

Thank you all, John

[crfabbro2F]

Sorry to hear that John. My son and I had the pleasure of having dinner next to him at the lodge in Hinton and got to hear many great stories!

[Jack Stotts]

John, I'm so sorry to see this news.I've always enjoyed visiting with your Dad. Sorry I will not make it to Lock Haven. Please pass on that I said hello. God bless! Jack

[Racerkyle20]

Sorry to hear John. Best regards from Meghan, Pat, Christine, and I. Always loved hearing Hank stories, hope you all have a great time at Lock Haven! He sure started one hell of a racing family!

[wrath of cron]

so sorry to hear.....

[PopPop]

John, Thanks for keeping us informed. Your dad is one of the great people that I have known. I am sure he will be happy to be in Lock Haven among his family and friends. Family and friends are what racing was always about for him.
Our fondest thoughts, Ray Hastings and Phil Doerle.

[jtower118P]

John, Hank was the one and only one to start all of the good times with his racing family and his extended racing family. Our prayers are with Hank and your family.=

[csh-2z]

Phil, Will we see you and Ray at Lock Haven? Jim, any chance you'll make it? I'm sure we'd like to see you all there.

[PopPop]

John, I won't be able to make Lock Haven (minor health issue). However Greg and his family, along with Beth. will be there. Greg is going to put some throttle time in whatever Worm has lined up for him.
Good luck to you and your crew.

[Flyer]

John,
I think your dad was the first person I met from N.J. and has always a good friend. Your mom and dad were so good to my kids { Erin And Craig] at the boat races and will never forget them.
Cathy and I are trying to make it to Lock heaven one day to see Hank.
Worm,Sled And Farmer our family will be thinking of you and Hank.
Furnal Flyer,
Leigh,

[csh-2z]

Thanks Leigh, I hope to see you and Cathy at Lock Haven. It's been too long. Many fond memories with my greatest competition and good friend.

"Furnal and Runne, side by side going into the last turn. It's 2-N & 2-J, this is for the National High Point Championship! Here they come, neck and neck, and the winner is......................? "

[bcause]

John, your dad was one of my mentors when I began racing CSR back in the 70's. Without his willing to help fellow racers competing against him our sport would have not been the same. Many times he gave me that help and advice and sometimes I beat him with it. I still have very fond memories of your dad and please give him my best. Barry Byers

[csh-2z]

Barry Byers. I haven't heard your name in years. Nice to see you still following the sport. Good to hear from you and thank you for the kind words. I'll let him know you're thinking of him.

[mike ross]

Hank Runne is an ambassador to boat racing. Every one of his siblings lives and breathes racing. I have been racing for over 40 years and have never meet a family that is nicer and willing to help anyone enjoy our great sport. Thank you to all the Runne's you are the epitome of what people in America should strive to be. See ya at the races Mikey!!!

[csh-2z]

Thanks Mike, I'll let Hank know you're thinking of him.

[Matt Dagostino]

Always look forward to talking with Hank at all races!! Tommy 'The Admiral' Barrett will be there (he called me this week) and we will of course swap old stories as usual with Hank. I don't think i ever remember over the last 40 years Hank having nothing but a smile on his face at a boat race.

[csh-2z]

He sure didn't have a smile on his face when the first patch I did on his boat (at 14 yrs. old) blew out. It was on the outside rear chine of his Seajay CSR. Quite a learning experience for both of us. He asked me if I was an idiot and all I could think of saying was "I'm an idiot? Who let a 14 yr. old fix your boat in the first place?"

[Robert M Keogler]

In my short racing career I had the pleasure of meeting many exceptional people. But of all the people, I had the pleasure of meeting, Hank is one of the special ones. One thing I can remember is that Hank always had a extra Magneto every time I took a bath. Hank, I will not be able to make it to Lock Haven, but I want you to know that I will keep you in my prayers.

Your friend,

[Jeff5P]

So sorry to hear this. I hadn't planned on attending Lock Haven this year - did chemo today. But will try to make it over the weekend .

Jeff

[Moon child]

Mr. Hank is always a pleasure to talk and listen to in the pits. Hank sat with the kids and I at the lodge in Hinton for breakfast and Hank focused on talking with the kids more than anything else. Before we finished up he made sure to let me know that they are our future. Hank will have a seat waiting for him in our pit and we will be sure to cherish any time we get to spend with such a special member of the racing family.

[roperz111]

I am also very sorry to hear of Hank's diagnosis. He always treated me so well, and this year at Hinton was no different. I kidded him a lot about all the West Virginia ladies up there he had in stiches. One of the nights at Pipestem we had a fire alarm go off, so the entire lodge evacuated out to the front. Well, we had been out there for at least 15 minutes when I looked and here came Hank with a personal escort, one of the more fetching ladies that worked there. She said she wanted to make sure he got out ok and went to find him. The waitresses and the girls behind the front desk all loved him, as that's exactly what they told me. Hank, you are one of a kind, extremely friendly and cordial with a wit none can match. It was such a pleasure to see you again there. I hope I can see you again sooner than later.
Chris Johnson 111-Z

[L. Allen]

John,
Love to you, Hank, and all the Runne's.
See you at Lock Haven.
XOXOXOXOXOXO
Laurie

[deverhart1]

John so sorry to hear about your father. Since I haven't been to many stock mod races I don't know him. All I can say is I miss my father very much. He raced in 50s and passed before I got involved. I wish he could have given me his advice. It is a treasure to have an extended family at the races. I have always felt welcome and included no matter where or what type of racing category venue. I will say a prayer for your family. Thanks again for the boat
David Everhart S52