Memorial service set for Cotati runner

<p>Kathy Van Riper, the runner, mom and radiant life force who inspired people around the world with the way she thrived in defiance of cancer, gave some thought to her memorial service before she let go on Feb. 5.</p><p>Quite a bit of thought, actually.</p><p>"She was very clear that she wanted it to be a big party," said Marc, her husband and the father of Jillian, 13, and Ian, 10.</p><p>Kathy didn't think the venue would have to be very big but Marc and other relatives think a lot of people will want to be there, so they've reserved the Wells Fargo Center for 11:30 a.m. Saturday.</p><p>Kathy asked that the only flowers be daffodils, so her family hopes the stage will become a daffodil field.</p><p>The speakers and musicians will be old friends who know Kathy didn't want them to go on too long.</p><p>So that the celebration will fulfill a greater purpose, Kathy asked that guests bring along used but usable athletic shoes for donation to Haitians and others who share her love of a good, hard run.</p>