2017 Luc Robert Runyan

LUC ROBERT RUNYAN

Tissue and Cornea Donor

Age 12 ~ Parker, Colorado

Donated on 5/27/06

Honored by onelegacy.org

On a family vacation in the beautiful mountains of Panguitch Lake, Utah, the Runyan family lost their son, Luc Robert Runyan, in a tragic ATV accident. During the darkest hours of his devastated family’s life, the decision was made to use their tragedy to help others improve and save their lives. Luc’s corneas allowed a 24-year-old blind man to see, and skin and bone grafts helped numerous others. Luc was a special young man that touched many lives, and he was passionate about hockey, music and hanging out with friends and family. Luc is sorely missed by his loved ones, but they find peace in their hearts knowing that a part of him lives on and his donations have improved the lives of others.

Luc’s Story

On a family vacation in the beautiful mountains of Panguitch Lake, Utah, the Runyan family lost their son, Luc Robert Runyan, in a tragic ATV accident. He was enjoying one of his favorite pastimes in a place he loved. When this accident occurred, without hesitation, during the darkest hours of his devastated family’s life, the decision was made to use their tragedy to help others improve or save their lives. Luc’s corneas allowed a 24-year-old blind man to see and skin and bone grafts helped numerous others.

Luc was a special young man that touched more lives than the family can even recall. His passions were many, but hockey and hanging out with friends and family were what he cherished most. Growing up in Parker, Colorado, his circle of friends was large and the bond with his teammates was strong. He was an amazing son and brother. Respectful and doting towards his mother, the right hand man of his father, a great friend of his sisters and a relentless mentor of his little brother, which has set him off to an elite hockey career that’s still developing today.

During elementary school before the accident, Luc attended a field trip to the traveling exhibit called “Body Works 2.” This visit inspired him, setting off the deep conversation that ended up convincing the entire family to further support organ and tissue donation. Just another example of the giving nature of this special young man.

Luc was known for his smile that would light up the room. He was passionate about music and even asked to have his hair dyed black to look more like his favorite rock star, Billy Joe Armstrong, of the band Green Day. He could often be heard singing the lyrics from iconic songs such as “Good Riddance” around the house. This song was then used as the highlight of the video during his memorial service.

Luc is sorely missed by his family and friends, but they find peace in our hearts knowing that a part of him lives on as his donations have improved the lives of others.