Mark John Ream

MARK JOHN REAM January 12, 1956 - August 11, 2007 Mark John Ream, 51, beloved and respected by family and friends, alike, soared into God's waiting arms, on an early morning, following a horrific vehicular accident. This closed the human life of a strong and delightful man, who had faced several adversities with determination and trust. Born in Bowling Green, Ohio, but raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Mark was the first born of Robert and Jan Ream, and elder sibling of Anne Cody Ream (Wendy), Paul Robert Ream, and Jane Kristen Ream Gordon (Ben). Mark had an amazing early vocabulary: two words, one each for his first two years: "cowboy" and "Mickey Mouse"! His first collection: Hats! Any model, any kind, worn daily. Mark was educated primarily at All Saints' Episcopal Day School, and from which church he was confirmed. He was a 1974 graduate of Paradise Valley High School, where he was active in football and track. His schooling continued as a Navy seaman, stationed on the maiden voyage and world tour of the nuclear carrier, USS Eisenhower. Mark's love for the US Navy continued with serving in the Seabees, and Phoenix duty with the US Naval Reserve, where he was an instructor. He was proud to be a third generation Navy man! His comrades became wonderful friends, throughout his 28 years of service. His adult vocation included 17 years as director of Rainbow Acres, a ranch for mentally handicapped adults, in Camp Verde, AZ. He was extremely active in the community, serving 5 years as a Volunteer Firefighter/EMT for the Camp Verde Fire Department, volunteer coach for the Camp Verde HS football program for four years, and volunteer umpire and coach for Little League for many years. Mark's Christian life matured through his local church service, Cursillo, Promise Keepers, and in later years, completed training as a Stephen Minister, and served as a children's Sunday School teacher. Only a severe fall with multiple injuries in 2005 slowed down his opportunity to serve others. In his most recent position, he was a fully trained and dedicated caregiver to paraplegic patient, David Treat. Though divorced in 2004, Mark continued his growing and solid relationship with his young adult children, Mary Kohl, of Tucson, Brandon (Christine) and Brian Ream. All knew they were deeply loved. He had great respect for the mothers who were partners in raising the children, Kathy Treadway, Tucson, and Carol Bullard, Camp Verde. His kindness to others brought many friends into his life, and an extended family, including his longtime schoolmates from All Saints', Navy veterans, and special friends from coast to coast. He loved his parents, and siblings, and was grateful for his brother and sisters. He is predeceased by his treasured grandparents, Robert and Kay Crouch, retired Scottsdale Realtors. In addition to his parents Robert and Janice Ream of Phoenix, and his siblings and children, Mark is survived by his grandchildren Jake and Tristen and his nephews Spencer, Dylan and Gabriel. MEMORIAL SERVICES will be held at All Saints' Episcopal Church, 6300 North Central, Phoenix, at 10 AM, on Friday, August 17, with Fr. Don Monson officiating, assisted by Fr. Eric Tellez, pastor of St. Patrick's Catholic Community, Mark's brother in Christ. There will be a private service to inter the ashes in early September, at the All Saints' Close. In lieu of flowers, the Ream family would wish you to consider donating to two causes Mark strongly supported...animals, like the many who "followed him home", at BEST FRIENDS Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd., Kanab, UT 84741-5000, or in service to those in need, at Phoenix Rescue Mission, 1801 S. 35th Ave., Phoenix, 85009, in memory of Mark Ream. Like spiritual "track man", St. Paul, our Mark has fought the good fight, and completed his race. May He enjoy the love of God forever. How deeply he is already missed!

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