It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Tam Bao Tran, affectionately known as Bin to his family. Born on August 25, 1987, Tam left us peacefully on December 10, 2024. He is deeply mourned by his husband, Yiyun Yu, his parents, Chan and Darrell Klotzbach, his siblings, Iain and Halleigh Klotzbach, and a community of friends who were touched by his kindness and warmth.

Tam’s thirst for knowledge was boundless. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from the University of California-Davis, he pursued a second degree in Clinical Sciences from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. But perhaps his proudest achievement was returning to school later in life to become the first doctor in his family, earning a Doctor of Optometry degree. This was no small feat, especially after already building a career at Mayo Clinic. He found joy in helping others and spent his final weeks working in his eye clinic, giving his patients the same care and attention that he had always shared so generously with everyone around him.

Beyond his professional success, Tam’s greatest legacy was the kindness and positivity he radiated. He had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued. Those who knew him often spoke of his generosity of spirit, his selflessness, and the warmth that seemed to surround him wherever he went. Tam had a unique ability to lift people up, whether it was through a heartfelt conversation, a handwritten note, or a simple smile that could brighten even the toughest of days. Every holiday season, he would carefully select and send personalized greeting cards, a gesture that reminded his loved ones of just how special they were to him.

Tam was a beacon of light in all things. He had an unwavering positivity and an extraordinary ability to focus on the beauty of the present moment, no matter the circumstances. Even in the face of a devastating lung cancer diagnosis, Tam never lost his spirit. He fought with incredible strength, undergoing relentless chemotherapy and radiation with grace, always looking ahead and making the most of every day. He lived life fully, with an open heart and an adventurous spirit, determined to find joy in every corner of the world.

He had a deep love for the simple things in life: savoring a cup of coffee from a new part of the world, watching Studio Ghibli films, reading horror manga, listening to soothing music, and escaping into the magical realms of Pokémon and Harry Potter. Tam’s love for travel took him to places both near and far, from the enchanted lands of Disney World to the serene onsens of Japan, from the sparkling waters of the Caribbean to California’s sun-kissed shores. His curiosity and zest for life were contagious, and he approached every new experience with enthusiasm and wonder.

Tam’s life will be celebrated at Ringa Funeral Home and Cremation Service. A viewing will take place at 9:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 10:30 AM on December 28, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Tam’s memory to the LUNGevity Foundation for lung cancer research. https://everloved.com/life-of….

Though we mourn the loss of Tam, we also celebrate the joy, love, and light he brought into our lives. His legacy of kindness and positivity will live on in all of us, a beautiful reminder of the extraordinary person he was and the love he gave so freely to everyone he touched. 

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