Longtime Claremont resident John E. Ekelund died peacefully Monday, August 6 at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center from myelodysplastic syndromes, a form of bone marrow cancer. He was 83.

Mr. Ekelund was a mathematician, who enjoyed a 40-year career with Jet Propulsion Laboratory where he calculated orbit determination and trajectory for unmanned spacecraft.

Mr. Ekelund was a member of the Claremont Club from 1978 until last year. He was a fly fisherman, backpacker and a tennis player.

He and his wife, Marianna, are residents of the Mt. San Antonio Gardens, where Mr. Ekelund was an active member of the community.

Mr. Ekelund is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Marianna; his daughter Elke (husband Jon, daughters Blake and Jayden); his son, Erick (wife Paula, sons Alex and Jack); and many dear friends.

A private graveside service was held Thursday for family, with a celebration of life being planned. A full account of Mr. Ekelund’s life will appear in a future edition of the COURIER.