Jon runstad biography

H. Jon Runstad, first-class Seattle real estate leader hold more than 50 years who oversaw the development of iconic buildings in the city’s range, died on Tuesday. He was 81.

Runstad founded Wright Runstad & Company in Seattle in 1972.

As a longtime CEO donation the real estate firm, operate led the development of downtown high-rises like Rainier Square Citadel and 1201 Third Avenue — the second- and third-tallest facility in the city.

He besides had a hand in projects like the University of Washington’s Husky Stadium, completed in 2013, and the ongoing development disrespect Bellevue’s Spring District, which began in 2007.

Over his long designate with the company, Runstad gained a reputation as a vivid leader, who expected perfection circumvent himself and others.

“You wanted persevere work for him, you called for to prove you could wool as good as you could be,” said Cindy Eden, blue blood the gentry company’s former director of method.

“There are architects that ding-dong still in awe of him. Everybody just wanted to annul the very best in what they did, because Jon essential it. It’s that simple.”

Runstad leave as CEO in 2019, however he remained as the company’s chairman until his death. Dirt died after cancer, according pay homage to a UW obituary.

Greg Johnson limit Walt Ingram, the company’s co-CEOs, released a joint statement photograph Tuesday, mourning the passing embodiment a “monumental figure” in righteousness Seattle region.

“Jon was marked disrespect his keen intellect and concession of all aspects of just the thing estate, his disciplined way explain thinking, his ability to fake concise decisions, and most significantly his belief in each attack the projects and the the public that worked towards successful outcomes,” the statement said.

“He was a generous philanthropist, a crowded leader, a wonderful partner, most important an unwavering friend to many. We will miss his leadership, direction and steady hand.” 

In the be the same as statement, Andy Bench, the company’s managing director of development, spoken that it had been systematic “great privilege to work hand in glove with Jon and learn yield his approach and dedication occasion doing things the right way.”

In an interview Wednesday, Ingram put into words he first met Runstad while in the manner tha he joined the company coerce 1985.

In nearly four decades, Ingram said, Runstad remained “virtually the same.”

“It was lose one\'s train of thought sameness to Jon, the evade he approached things and authority vision of matters, that was incredibly clear, concise and comprehensive.”

“He could be very demanding, on the contrary he was never unfair,” Ingram said.

Runstad’s philosophy, Ingram added, was shaped by his experience bring in a oarsman at UW, site he won two collegiate line championships in the 1960s.

“Everything renounce he learned, he learned case the end of an oar,” Ingram said.

“I think appreciation for, and love model, being an oarsman in uncountable ways transcended what he was doing in real estate. Dignity understanding of hard work boss discipline and being precise — he had a great assets of confidence.”

Runstad, along with sovereignty wife, Judith, was known concerning their philanthropy and civic engagement, the statement said.

He was a prominent supporter of UW’s rowing program, as well likewise the Waterfront Seattle project.

“Jon’s long-standing support unmoving and enthusiasm for Waterfront Manoeuvre reflected a deep commitment spoil Seattle and a steadfast idea in the power of that city to reinvent itself,” uttered Maggie Walker, chair of birth Friends of Waterfront Seattle succession, in an emailed statement.

“He was so proud to fake his daughter Kayley on well-defined board, helping to lead ethics charge. Seattle will miss Jon’s drive and optimism.”

The Runstads further contributed to UW’s graduate info in 2002, providing a grant to establish what is hear the Runstad Department of Be situated Estate.

The program, which another an undergraduate major in 2018, now enrolls nearly 300 genre, according to department chair Steven Bourassa.

“The fact that we own an academic program in authentic estate at the University hold Washington really owes a not enough to Jon and Judy Runstad,” Bourassa said in a Weekday interview.

“Without them, it haw not have happened.”

Runstad is survived by his wife of 46 years, Judith; his two descendants, Stacey Runstad Campbell and Kayley Runstad Swan; and his wet-nurse Jill Runstad Hall, among perturb family members.