Frank Orme

Frank W Orme

March 29, 1932 - March 11, 2015

Frank was born in Los Angeles and was raised there and in Walnut Creek. He received a BA and PhD in Physiology from UC Berkeley where he did research for more than 15 years. He later taught Human Anatomy and Physiology, Biology and Ecology at Laney, Merritt and Chabot colleges.

While at UC Berkeley, he met the love of his life, the lovely Ann Ohlander, to whom he was married for close to 55 years and with whom he raised their 3 children (Christine, Lynnette and Stephan). His family formed a tribe with the Sholtz and Jackson families starting in the 60s and wove themselves together through various tribulations and celebrations. Later, it gave him immense joy to be a grandfather to Janine, Katy and Lexy.

He was most truly himself in the mountains and delighted in sharing his love of nature, taking his children backpacking even as toddlers. At 71, he walked the entire John Muir Trail - mostly solo.

He was an inspired photographer, teacher and botanist, combining these loves as a docent for the UC botanical gardens for 23 years.

Besides his immediate family, Frank is survived by two sisters, Donna Jarvis and Carol Stice, as well as his siblings' extended families. He was dearly loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Pacific Crest Trail Association.