SFBA - In Memory

home

In Memory of Jay Runge

The windsurfing and kitesurfing community is mourning the loss of Jay Runge, known to many as the Mayor of Third Avenue. He will be sorely missed because of his good cheer and his incredible generosity. Jay dedicated the majority of his time and energy to helping others stay safe and to improving the sailing site that he loved so much. He was usually the first to welcome a newcomer and was always quick with help or advice. Since we have learned of his passing, scores of people have come forward to talk about the time that Jay rescued them on the Bay or waited into the night to make sure that they returned to shore or returned gear they had lost. Many people knew that Jay had served as their guardian angel, but few realized just how many people he had assisted. If you visited the Third Avenue launch site more than a few times, then you probably saw Jay working on the ramp or operating the lost and found out of the back of his van or scanning the Bay with his binoculars. Jay was lost after going back into the Bay to try and recover his kite which had gotten away from him. Unfortunately, it was some time before it became clear that Jay was missing. Once it was clear that Jay hadn’t make it back to shore, friends of Jay mobilized to search for him and ultimately found him along the shores of the Bay.

Many in our community feel the need to honor Jay and his spirit of generosity by creating a lasting memorial, whether that be a bench, a viewing tower, or a rescue craft. Any memorial that reminds us of Jay and his generosity will inspire people to carry Jay's spirit forward. No one can ever replace Jay, but an entire community following Jay’s example can honor Jay by caring for his favorite site and watching over the comrades, old and new, that he cared for so well.

You can make a contribution for a Third Avenue memorial in honor of Jay by clicking the link below. The San Francisco Boardsailing Association will hold the funds for the purpose of funding a memorial to Jay. A local committee, consisting of Third Avenue locals who knew Jay well, will authorize any use of the funds and determine what would happen to any extra funds (e.g. fund a 3rd Avenue clean up/site improvement fund or to a charity of the family's choice).

The family also asks that contributions in Runge's honor be sent to the Homeless Cat Network at homelesscatnetwork.com. Jay was dedicated to helping feral cats by getting them spayed/neutered, finding homes for homeless kittens, and feeding feral cats. Homeless Cat Network is dedicated to this same mission, and by donating to them, it helps keeps Jay’s legacy of kindness to animals alive.