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Ronald Eiji Furukawa
Ronald Eiji Furukawa
Obituary
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Ronald Furukawa Obituary
April 4, 1949 Sept. 26, 2003
FAIRFIELD < Ronald Eiji Furukawa was born April 4, 1949 in Tokyo, Japan. He lived and practiced optometry in Fairfield for 25 years. He passed away on Friday, Sept. 26, 2003.
Ron was a graduate and assistant clinical professor of the U.C. Berkeley School of Optometry. He was an accomplished photographer, cook and scuba diver.
He is loved and will be missed by his children, Erin and Eric Furukawa; his mother, Eiko Ogawa Furukawa; his sister, brother-in-law and niece, Kris, Dave and Keani DiBerardino; and Sheila Flynn Furukawa, his wife of 24 years.
No formal funeral service will be held at this time and disposition is private. Services under the direction of Bryan-Braker Funeral Home.
Visit our guestbook at www.dailyrepublic.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Keith Strange
September 24, 2024
Ron it's been 21 years, and we still miss you on our dive trips I hope your enjoying watching from a far
Terry Osner
September 24, 2024
Ron was a special person and friend. As my classmate at Yamato, he always was positive, cheerful, and willing to help others. I regret that I did not know Ron in his adult life - we took different paths. I've learned that its best to spend quality time when I'm with my friends - life is precious and all to short.
Keith Strange
September 24, 2023
I taught Ron and Erin and Eric how to scuba dive and enjoyed many hours at many locations worldwide showing them the wonders of the underwater world. Ron was a good friend and will always be missed.
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Keith Strange
September 24, 2020
Ron I can’t believe it’s been 16 years since your passing Your still missed I’m off to La Paz next month and would love to have you along as you were so many wonderful times in the past
Great memories my friend Rest in piece
Pamela Glass
October 16, 2003
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Furukawa's passing. As a long time patient, I have many good memories of his kindness and caring. He will be greatly missed.
Beth Teicheira
October 13, 2003
Ron was a man of great character, and talented in many fields. Above all, he never judged a book by its cover, for he treated everyone as his equal. Thank you for my favorite scuba picture. I'm going to miss you Ron.
Earl & Susan Handa
October 12, 2003
With deepest sympathy and fond memories of Ron and his family, ever since we first met when his son Eric and our son Scott were on a soccer team that Earl coached. It was a wonderful experience for our families. We are saddened by your loss. Sincerely, Earl, Sue, Scott & Heather Handa
Andrea Olivarez
October 11, 2003
A Gentleman,True Friend, Heart of Gold... These are just a few key words that describe Ron. My thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends. Ron was a thoughtful, caring and loving man...a man of many talents. Our dive trips will never be the same. I have so many memories of Ron...all of them happy and full of laughter. I will always remember his glowing smile,thoughtfulness, and genuine concern for me as his friend. Our trips to La Paz have endless memories that will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to Ron and his family. Ron will always reamin near and dear to my heart.
Kelly Emmens
October 8, 2003
Mrs. Furukawa~ My condolences to you and your family. If there is anything you need, know me and my family are here for you. Bailey misses you and is looking forward to your return to school. Your'e in our thoughts and prayers. ~Kelly Emmens
Sharon Lanza
October 8, 2003
Dear Furakawa Family:
I first met Dr. F while representing Richmond Optical Co. We became friends and it was always a pleasure to see him. Loved talking about his hobbies and family. His love was deep and his heart was bigger. He will be missed by all. We loved him. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Cyrena Zarucchi (Harris)
October 8, 2003
I remember all of the beautiful photos around his office and how his care helped me to see them clearly. My thoughts and prayers to his family. My family mourns with you.
Lloud & Betty Wiley
October 7, 2003
We have many memories of Ron thru the years that we knew him as a scuba diver and photographer. He was always a pleasure to have around. We wish Ron could read all the wonderful messages recorded by friends and people whose lives he touched. He would smile in his quiet way, and be very pleased. Rest in peace Ron!
Dave Blazer
October 5, 2003
I was very sad to hear of Dr. Furukawa's passing. I met him in the early 80s and was a patient for a long time. He always showed a very genuine interest in the people he worked with, and I will always remember him for his wonderful enthusiasm for life and people. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, students and patients.
Don Spears
October 5, 2003
I salute you Ron.
You were always there when fellow
Warriors needed you.
Everyone who knew you will miss
you. I will never forget you.
Mike Skidmore
October 4, 2003
I met Ron at the Yamato High Reunion in las vegas , we were both taking pictures. we spent some time chating about Mr Hirosi a teacher at yamato. i missed him at yamato i was in the 69 class. He will be missed.
Cheryl Goodman
October 4, 2003
What a horrible loss for everyone who loved Ron. My deepest sympathy to his family. Ron was a true friend to everyone he knew. He touched so many lives with his photos and sweet personality. He will be missed on dive trips. It won't be the same without Ron jumping in the water without his dive fins and his camera taking up all the seats on the boat. We had wonderful times in the hot tub! We will miss him.
Sharon Hansel
October 3, 2003
Dr. Furukawa has treated just about every one of my husband's family (including me), and we all liked him very much. Our hearts go out to his wife and family. We will miss him very much! God bless you, you are in our prayers.
Bob Mutu
October 3, 2003
I am deeply saddened to hear that Ron has passed away. He was a very good friend at Yamato. On the wall in my den, I have two 8X10 photos of myself and Mike Jerman running a mile relay race at Tachi in 1966. Ron took those photos and gave them to me. I have cherished them for all these years. Ron was the only reason I passed photgraphy class! I really enjoyed talking with him at the last reunion. He will be missed!
Josephine Moore
October 3, 2003
To the Furukawa Family,
My deepest sympathy to you at this
sad time. I was a patient of Dr.
Furukawa for more than fifteen years. He was a kind and caring
person. He will be missed.
Josephine Moore
Betsy Stouffer Rock
October 3, 2003
My sincere sympathies to the family of Ron Furukawa. I was a class behind him @ Yamato High School in Japan and remember his great energy, his positive, out-going personality, and his love of photography. It is obvious from the guestbook entries that his energy and love of people continued throughout his life.
Jan Magdaleno
October 3, 2003
My heart is heavy for us all. Ron touched so many lives. A talented, intelligent, friendly person he really was. The town of Fairfield has lost a well known doctor, his employees - a boss, his many acquaintances - a loyal friend, his sister, Kris - a brother, his mother - a son, his fellow Yamato schoolmates - a real Warrior, and most of all his children - a father. My deepest sympathy to all. We will surely miss that dynamite smile!!
rose navarro
October 3, 2003
My family and I are saddened to hear of the death of Dr. Furukawa. We were his patients for the last 7 years. Our thoughts and prayers to his family. We will truly miss him.
The Navarro Family
Diana Perry
October 2, 2003
My deepest sympathy that he is no longer here with us. I am in pain just as everyone else. He will truly be missed, I will miss his great adventures he always shared with me. Very caring soul, may GOD bless him in his final resting place. I will miss him.
Vonnie (Hoops) Beattie
October 2, 2003
I met Ron for the first time at our Yamato High School reunion in 2001. I initially contacted Ron, to ask if he would take class pictures at our reunion, and he accepted without hesitation. Following that....we exchanged a few e-mails, and that is when I learned about his many hobbies....his passion for scuba diving....and his wonderful sense of humor.
I am in the process of completing a memory book for our Yamato High School Association, and Ron filled out one of our memory sheets. If anyone would like to have a copy of this sheet....filled out in his own words....I will be more than happy to send it to you. My name is Vonnie (Hoops) Beattie, and I graduated from Yamato High School in 1960. On our Yamato High School website are several guest book postings from our alumni, expressing how they felt abut Ron.
I only knew Ron for a brief moment, but he left a lasting impression on me. My condolences to his family & friends.
Tom Honn
October 2, 2003
I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to Ron's family. My sister, Susan, was a classmate of Ron's and fellow Yamato graduate (1967). She was also deeply saddened to hear of Ron's passing as she thought very highly of him and mentioned him often whenever we rememebered earlier times. I remember Ron and his positive impact on me and so many others at Yamato H.S. even though I was two years behind(1969). Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and for Ron.
Danny & Mary Zalameda
October 2, 2003
Thank you Ron for your unconditional services to me & my family for so many years. Our family for sure will really miss you.
Danny Zalameda
October 2, 2003
Thank you Ron for your unconditional services to me & my family for so many years. Our family for sure will really miss you.
Steven & Kathleen Brock
October 2, 2003
To the Furukawa Family,
May we express our deepest condolences during your time of sorrow. We looked forward each year to our visits with him and the stories and pictures he shared with us of his family. He always wanted to know how our family was doing and truly cared. We will miss him.
Mike Randolph
October 2, 2003
Ron was a friend, a fellow diver and photographer, and my eye Doctor. I always enjoyed seeing Ron because he would always greet me with a smile and a handshake. He was never to busy to stop and talk, and was always ready and willing to show off his new underwater pictures that he may have taken on a recent trip. Ron's presence, personality, friendship, and professionalism will be greatly missed. Ron was a good friend!
Mary Garrett
October 2, 2003
I knew Ron to be such a sweet person. I pray that his family will be comforted a little in knowing that his fellow schoolmates at Yamato High School will miss him greatly.
Sheila Furukawa
October 2, 2003
Dear Friends,
I just read your kind words and want you to know how much they mean to me and the kids . We gain strength from your support. Ron was cremated yesterday morning. His cremains will be inurned sometime this month in Rockville Cemetary under the gazebo. It is a beautiful location overlooking an orchard.
"Take the love that you are given, and return it with care. Have faith that when needed, it will always be there." My family's love goes out to you, Ron's patients and friends. Sincerely, Sheila Furukawa
Fred Price
October 2, 2003
As a fellow Yamato Warrior and former class mate of Ron I would like to send best wishes to Ron's family. He was a indeed a great Warrior and will be missed by the Warrior family too.
Fred Price Class of 1968 Yamato HS
RAY MARTINET
October 1, 2003
MY DAUGHTER AND I WILL MISS RON AND HIS GREAT PHOTOS AT THE DIVE CLUB MEETINGS. OUR HARTS ARE HEAVY TONIGHT. AND OUR THOUGHT GO TO HIS FAMILY FOR THIS SAD EVENT.
Rosemary Martinez
October 1, 2003
Our whole family was saddened by the news of Dr. Furukawa's untimely departure. He has been our optometrist for close to 20 yrs. He was always asking about the members of our family and was proud to share his adventures in diving, his wonderful photos and was extremely proud of his children. He will be missed.
Mary Ann Harris
October 1, 2003
As a long time patient of Dr. Furukawa, I wanted to express my deep sense of loss when I read of his passing. He was professional, yet warm and kind. I will miss him. I extend my sympathy to his family.
SHIRLEY HATTON
October 1, 2003
Dr. was always a great man at all of my eye appointments. He was never to busy to just visit for awhile. He will be greatly missed. My sincere sympathy goes to all the family.
Micael Carney, OD
October 1, 2003
I was shocked and sadden to hear of Ron's passing. A great optometrist and an interesting personality. As his peer in private practice for all these years, we often chatted at meetings and Cal educational seminars. He will be missed.
If I can help in any way please call me 448-3451.
Margaret & David Howerton
October 1, 2003
Wasabi! Ron, we will never forget your penchant for the very freshest sushi that you loved to bring up from a dive and eat right there onboard the dive boat with your soy sauce and wasabi. Getting your toenails painted with dive flags (I have photographic proof) and dancing on the Don Carlo in Mexico. You were such fun. And an excellent, even award-winning photographer. Our stories about you are endless and we will miss so much sharing our time with you. We wish you many adventures ahead in your journey beyond this life. We offer our deepest sympathies to your family.
Terry Osner
October 1, 2003
I wish to express my deep sympathy for you in your loss. Ron and I shared many adventures at Yamato High School, and I learned much from him during that time. He will be missed by all those who knew him - he touched their hearts with his kindness, generosity and humanity.
Sharon Steele
October 1, 2003
To Dr. Furukawa's family:
Dr. F. will be greatly missed. Not only as a doctor (the very best) but also as a great person and member of the community. I can't tell you how much his family meant to him - he always started out my office visits by showing me the latest photos of the children. On my last visit he told me about the great Green Tortoise trip and shared his love of the work he was doing in other areas outside the US. Please know that he will be missed by many -- he touched so many lives. May wonderful memories help heal your heavy heart. My deepest sympathies to all of you.
Terri Canova
October 1, 2003
TO THE FURUKAWA FAMILY:
I WAS SO SORRY TO LEARN OF RON'S PASSING. KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN OUR
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. HIS PASSING IS A HUGH LOSS TO THIS COMMUNITY. I KNOW THAT GOD IS SURROUNDING YOU
WITH HIS LOVING LIGHT, AND KNOW THAT
IN THAT LIGHT YOU WILL FIND RON.
Rory Whitehead
October 1, 2003
To the Family,Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you. He will be missed by so many in the community.
Julie White
September 30, 2003
Ron, you will be missed. Your sparkling eyes, your playful smile, your charismatic personality, ever ready to give of yourself unto others. A man of many talents and many friends. A fun dive buddy. A phenominal underwater photographer, able to catch marine life at its most endearing and beautiful moments. The sushi king, the scallop and clam predator, the spagetti master, we loved your cooking! You were one of the girls, joining with our female banter. Getting busted, naked in the hot tub with the girls. We had a hoot with you.
You were a good friend, you were loved,
Julie
Anita Hara
September 30, 2003
I am so sorry to hear that Dr.Furukawa has passed away. He has been my optometrist for some years now. I always enjoyed looking at the awesome pictures that he had taken underwater and pictures of his
lovely family. He was always very
pleasant and made me feel very comfortable. My thoughts and prayers
go out to his wife and children.
Anita Hara
Dean & Eleanore Rewerts
September 30, 2003
We are so sorry to hear of Ron's death. He was a good friend and great to be around.
Keith Strange
September 30, 2003
Dear Shelia,Erin,& Eric, Terri & I wish to express our heart felt sympathy for you in your loss. Ron we had so many more adventures for you to share and so many memories to recall from adventures past. All the best in your future travels
Paradise Adventures
Michael Tessier
September 30, 2003
Our deepest sympathies to Ron's family. My wife Cindy and I had the pleasure of traveling and diving wonderful and exotic places with Ron. His photography both under the water and on land are memories that we have with us for the rest of our lives. His smile, friendliness and adventerous attitude are a memories we will cherish. We will miss you Ron.
Linda Beasley
September 30, 2003
Dr Furukawa will be greatly missed. I was so suprised to hear of his passing.
Carol Cates
September 30, 2003
Our community has lost a wonderful man, an honorable citizen and an outstanding doctor of optometry.
I feel truly blessed to have known this special human being.
Chris Osgood
September 30, 2003
In memory of a man who shared a love of life with others
Sandra Henrikson
September 30, 2003
Dear Dr. Furukawa and Family:
I was extremely sad to hear of your passing. You were a wondeful doctor and loved by many. I will miss your gentle kindness and friendly smile. My daughter Candace was one of your patients, and she always said you were her favorite doctor. I will miss talking with you regarding your many talents and beautiful photographs. You were a man of beauty as well as substance you will be greatly missed. I wish you well in the next stage of your life and hope that you will be well received. For those you have left behind I send you my deepest sympathy.
Your friend,
Sandra Henrikson
Ken & Dorothy Holsapple
September 30, 2003
You are in our thoughts and prayers. With our deepest sympathy.
Katherine Floyd
September 30, 2003
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
May God hold and strengthen you during your time of sorrow.
Malidna & Gordon Petersen
September 30, 2003
Ron will be missed. He was a good friend. We always enjoyed his company. We were lucky enough to enjoy his great cooking & pictures and tales of his travel adventures.
Minna Gross
September 30, 2003
Am so sorry to Ron's family, I was a patient since he first opened his office in town - he was a nice person, great doctor and will be missed by all, plus my granddaughter worked for him -
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