Message from Mayor David O’Neal:
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of former Mayor Bob Runde. Bob moved to Tega Cay with his family from NY in the 70’s. Back then, Tega Cay was a very small gated neighborhood along the shores of Lake Wylie with a guard shack and gate where the Memorial Gardens now stand and a winding dirt road that was eventually replaced by the tree lined Tega Cay Dr. He was a passionate man. He was passionate about his family, he was passionate about his Pepsi, and he was passionate about all things Tega Cay. Recreation in Tega Cay was one of his biggest passions. He was instrumental in getting some of the very first youth leagues started here. Our original athletic fields are named after him as he convinced the developer to give up that spot of land next to what is now Fire Station #2, giving “the kids of Tega Cay a place to play”. Bob basically entered public service long before he became our Mayor in 2002. He was involved with the former Property Owners Association until its very last day. He always saw it as a way he could work to make his City better. He served for many years on the City’s Parks & Recreation Committee and was part of the committee that hired the City’s first Parks & Recreation Director. This move allowed the City to start that department. He served the Tega Cay Lions with that same passion for decades. In 2001 he cast his hat into the political arena and ran for Mayor. He took office on July 4, 2002, and faithfully served our City until 2009. Tega Cay took many great strides while he was in office and our City is eternally grateful.
To his wife, Ceil, to his sons, Donald, David & Rob, and all his grandkids and family:
Thank you for sharing Bob with us. Thank you for all the love and support you gave him throughout the years. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Bob definitely ran the good race and fought the good fight to leave a lasting legacy in you and in his City the he loved so dearly. May God bless each of you and comfort you during this time of sorrow.