Michael (Mike) Henry Runyan of Medina and Vashon Island, 68, died on Saturday December 19th, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. He and his fraternal twin, John Jr. were born on August 8th, l947 to June and John Runyan Sr. He grew up in St. Joseph, Michigan, graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1965 and went on to the University of Michigan, majoring in Economics. He was drafted into the army during the Vietnam War and served at Fort Lewis in Washington State where he came to love the Pacific Northwest. Returning to the University of Michigan, Mike earned his law degree in 1975.

Mike married Lucinda Phillips in 1973 and raised two children, Bruin and Lyndsey. He inspired in his children a thoughtful passion for arguing for what they believe and a deep care for the plight of others. Mike love golf, was an avid reader, a music enthusiast, and a yard and house "tinkerer".

Mike began his professional career as a law clerk for United States District judge Talbot Smith, who sat by designation in the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. In 1976 he joined the law firm of Lane Powell where he practiced for 34 years. At both Lane Powell and in the Pacific Northwest legal community, he built a reputation for his good nature, kindness, leadership, with, and impeccable ethics and civility. Mike loved the profession of the law and said that all he ever wanted to be was a trial attorney. Mike was a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He earned many professional accolades throughout his career including the Jack P. Schofield Outstanding Achievement Award by the Washington Defense Trial Lawyers (WDTL) where he served as president in 1992 and continued as a devoted board member until 2015. In 2005 Mike thoughtfully cofounded the Foundation for the Washington Courts addressing the neglected needs of courthouses across the state.

Mike was an avid sports fan, cheering for the Mariners since their founding year in Seattle in 1977. He never lost his love for the University of Michigan Wolverines following their football and basketball teams through their ups and downs over many years. He served as president of the Michigan club in Seattle.

Mike also supported his children's early sports careers, faithfully attending many soccer games and swim meets.

During the five years of his illness, Mike maintained his humor, zest for life and his amazing resilience. Even in his last days, Mike gave much love and gentle humor to his friends and family.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Lucinda of Vashon; son Bruin (Morgen Pilon) of Plainfield, VT; daughter Lyndsey (Liz Turner) of Portland Oregon; brother John(Ann) of Lathrup Village, Michigan; sister Betsy Geise (Jack) of Kensington, Maryland; sister-in-law Christine Hall (Terry) of Sammamish, WA; his nieces and nephews; and many devoted friends and colleagues.

A memorial gathering will be held at the University Unitarian Church on February 6th, at 3:00 p.m.

Donations in Mike's memory can be made to the Northwest Parkinson's Foundation, The Lewy Body Foundation and the Foundation for the Washington State Courts.