William Eames

William Marvin Eames, a pharmacist-turned-entrepreneur who built one of Northern California's most successful regional drugstore chains before selling it to Longs Drugs and later became a major supporter of career and technical education at Idaho State University, died December 16, 2025. He was 90.
Born June 15, 1935, in Chico, California, to Henry and Meta Belle Eames, Bill Eames earned his degree from Idaho State University in 1957. The practical, business-focused education he received there shaped both his professional life and his philanthropic priorities.
In April 1959, shortly after marrying Karin Arnelle Olsen, Eames opened Acalanes Pharmacy in Lafayette, California. From the outset, he was energetic, direct, and deeply involved in the business. Over the next three decades, he expanded the operation through acquisitions and new locations, building what became Bill's Drugs, a respected regional chain during a period of intense competition for independent pharmacies.
By the mid-1970s, the chain had grown to more than two dozen stores across Northern California. In 1993, Eames sold Bill's Drugs to Longs Drugs as part of the industry's broader consolidation, marking the culmination of more than 30 years of active leadership in retail pharmacy and business development.
Following the sale, Eames remained actively engaged in business and civic life, serving on community banking and nonprofit boards. He was a longtime member of the Lafayette Rotary Club, joining in the 1960s, and was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. In later years, he enjoyed visiting Moraga and Orinda Rotary meetings, valuing the fellowship and shared commitment to Rotary's guiding principle of "Service Above Self."
His longstanding connection to Idaho State University deepened over time, with a particular focus on workforce preparation and career education.
That commitment culminated in a transformational bequest establishing the William M. and Karin A. Eames Career and Technical Education Center at Idaho State University, supporting technical education and career pathways for future generations. The center reflects Eames's belief in education that connects learning to real-world opportunity.
Preceded in death by his siblings: Betty Jane Polk, and Henry "Hank" Eames, Eames is survived by his wife, Karin Eames; his daughters, Cynthia Risaliti (Steve) and Sharon Schrage (Kevin); his grandchildren Carleen Spitzer (Sean), Michael Risaliti (Jessica), Tracy Nicodemo (Richard), Laura Risaliti (Cole Pinney), Andrea Farnan (Colin), Austin Schrage, Alex Schrage, and Anne Schrage; 11 great-grandchildren; and close friend, Nell Fraser.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek, California 94595.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eames Tool Fund at Idaho State University. Donations may be made online at: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/69178/donations/new?designation_id=98821