With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of Roger Wayne Runnels, who left this world on June 20, 2026, in Linden, Alberta, at the age of 73.

Roger was born on February 8, 1953, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to his cherished parents, Millard and Thelma Runnels. From the very beginning, he carried a story that would stay with him for life. When he was born, the doctor placed him in his mother’s arms and said, “Here’s your Tadpole.” From that moment on, he was lovingly known as “Tadpole,” later shortened to “Tad” by family and friends, and eventually becoming “Papa Pole” to his grandchildren—a name spoken with love, laughter, and admiration.

At a young age, Roger moved with his family to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he grew up and later graduated from Central High School in Central, Louisiana. Roger’s career was built on hard work, skill, and an entrepreneurial spirit. He began as a brick mason, working with his cousin at Ray Runnels Masonry, before partnering with his father to create Way South Contractor—a venture rooted in family pride and craftsmanship. Later, he moved to Nevada, where he served as a Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Henderson and shared his expertise as a part-time home inspection instructor.

After meeting his wife, Renae, Roger’s journey brought him to Calgary, Alberta, where together they founded Inspection Time Inc. and Inspection Time Private Career College, helping others learn and succeed in the field of home inspections. His expertise even took him abroad, traveling to Saudi Arabia twice to teach home inspection courses. Roger and Renae eventually settled in Linden, Alberta, where he worked as a Pipeline Field Supervisor for RK Group until his passing.

Roger was a man who embraced life fully. He had a deep love for LSU football, and in his later years, he could often be found enjoying a game and sharing drinks with friends in Roger's Roadhouse. A cowboy at heart, Roger was rarely seen without his hat and boots, and he held a lifelong love for horses. He truly came alive on the dance floor, two-stepping with a smile that never faded, bringing joy to those around him. The community of Linden held a special place in his heart, welcoming him warmly and allowing him to live out his cowboy dreams.

Roger also carried a deep connection to his roots—especially when it came to Louisiana food—and he was well known for his sweet tooth. His children will fondly remember how he would always try to sneak treats to the grandchildren when no one was looking.

Roger is lovingly remembered by his wife Renae Franche; his children, son Roger Runnels II, and his daughters Monica (James) Barletta, Kyla (Ben) Saldivar, and Rusti (Raymond) Lee; eight grandchildren Gabriela (Ray) Funez, Adriana Runnels, Sandra and Vivian Barletta, Chloe and Raven Saldivar, and Raymond "Tre" III and Raylynn Lee; and two great grandsons, Jayden and Aven Funez. He will also be deeply missed by his stepchildren, Andrea Gonzales, Jennifer Johnson and her children, Madison and Ian, Brad Johnson, Madisson McCay, and Kelsey McCay (Evan Ives) and their sons, Bodie and Everett Ives.

He is also remembered with love by his siblings, Andy, Dean, and Twyla Runnels, along with extended family, dear friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. at the Linden Alliance Church. 

If family and friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Roger's family here.