Eldon Dunford Ream was born in Albany, California, on June 2, 1939. He was the 5th child of George Douglas Ream and Lucile Charlotte Krogue. He passed away on March 23, 2017, in the hospital in Oakland, CA, following surgery to remove cancer that had spread widely within his body.

Eldon lived with his family in Berkeley, California, and graduated from Berkeley High School in 1957. He attended Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, obtaining a bachelor degree in Germanic studies. He interrupted his studies for a 2 year period to serve in Germany as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Following his college graduation, he enrolled in the School of Optometry of the University of California, Berkeley, graduating in 1971 with the Doctor of Optometry degree. He was a practicing optometrist for many years at various Kaiser clinics in the San Francisco Bay Area.

From an early age Eldon was an avid athlete. He excelled at gymnastics, push-ups, chin-ups, distance running, and individual strength training. He enjoyed water sports, and during his years at Berkeley was a Team Manager for the University of California Crew. Eldon also kept a kayak at the Berkeley Aquatic Park that he used regularly all his life. His love of bicycling continued well into his retirement when he rode a bicycle for most of his travel around the Bay Area. He was an excellent photographer and craftsman. He made many articles of jewelry for family and friends from common items such as coins.

For many years he was a frequent traveler to the far parts of the world. He spent one year in Salzburg, Austria, on a university “study abroad” program. While his parents were living, he often accompanied them on trips, giving them the help that made it possible for them to travel in their later years.

Perhaps Eldon is best known for giving service to others. He was quick to identify and respond to the needs of elderly or handicapped neighbors, day or night. Many knew they could phone him at any time for help, including a ride to a doctor’s appointment, transportation to the airport, or to fix a plumbing leak. He and his sister, Marilyn, were familiar early morning figures in the neighborhood, walking a daily route putting the morning newspapers on the porches of homes that were a long climb from the street.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Lt. Col. Forrest Douglas Ream, of Palos Verdes Estates, California. He is survived by his Sister, Marilyn Ream Hunt of Berkeley, Sister, Leanore Robinson of Provo, Utah, and Brother, David W. Ream of Virginia. Eldon also is survived by numerous nieces and nephews who will remember him for his love and care for them, his teasing, and many excursions around his beloved San Francisco Bay area.

His funeral will be held in the Berkeley Ward Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1501 Walnut St., Berkeley, on Saturday, April 8, at 11:00 a.m. It will be preceded by an opportunity to pay respects and to visit with the family 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the same location.

He will be sorely missed by his family and by his many friends.

In lieu of flowers, mourners are encouraged to donate to the cancer research program of their choice.