Obituary of John David KRAMER

August 14, 1949 – September 7, 2012 John David Kramer of Calgary, Alberta, passed away on September 7, 2012. Because of his cerebral palsy, John had already encountered many challenges throughout his life; he displayed his customary bravery in dealing with his recent diagnosis of colon cancer. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 20, 2012 at McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes “Chapel of the Bells”, 2720 Centre Street North, in Calgary. Rob Lederer will officiate. John has been cremated and his ashes will be interred at a later date in a private ceremony at Mountain View Memorial Gardens. John’s surviving family includes his siblings, Joan (Gene) Foat and Dean (Lea Nicoll) Kramer; his nephews, Mike (Heather) and Phil (Michelle) Foat; and his great-niece, Kyra, and great-nephews, Jacob and Isaac; and Kay Kramer, his step-mother. John also has numerous cousins, and many good friends. Sharon Griffiths has gone above and beyond in providing John with support and care-giving throughout the many years she has worked with him. She truly has been a “special friend” to John! John was predeceased by his parents, Jean Ferguson and Dave Kramer; his step-father, Ralph Ferguson; all of his Cameron and Kramer aunts and uncles; and his cousins, Reid Rooke and Barbara Veno. John was born at Brooks, Alberta on August 14th, 1949. He was the firstborn child, and eldest son, of Jean (Cameron) and Dave Kramer – and older brother to Joan and Dean. John’s early years were spent on the family farm west of Duchess, surrounded by his immediate and extended families. When he was about 7, John went to Alberta School Hospital in Red Deer, where he resided during the school year. He came back home to Duchess during the school holidays – when his mother was not teaching school herself. After his parents’ divorce in the early 1970’s, John went to live with Dave and his second wife, Kay, in their group foster home near Duchess. When they moved to New Brunswick in 1975, John accompanied them, and lived in their group home until he returned to Alberta in 1986. John had a long and happy association with VRRI (now Vecova), throughout his time in Calgary. He enjoyed his friendships with the other clients, whether he met them in the Rossdale Group Home, or in activities sponsored by the agency. He also had the privilege of working with many dedicated and passionate staff and volunteers over the past twenty-six years. In 2003, John moved to reside with Sharon and John Marsden Griffiths, where he received much acceptance, love and guidance. The Griffiths have become dear family friends, and they made John’s last months as happy and comfortable as possible. John’s family will always be very grateful to them. With his trusty rocking chair under him, and his headphones attached to his Sony Walkman, John loved to listen to country and western tunes. He also enjoyed televised sports, and was a big fan of both the Calgary Flames and Toronto Blue Jays. John had a sunny disposition, and was happiest when socializing with his friends and family. Until the last few months of his life, John also enjoyed many community activities and outings: Friendship Club with Chris Ages at First Christian Reformed Church, Special Olympics bowling, Bible Study with Rob, Hootenanny, and attending Rehoboth Camp and Wm. Watson Lodge in the summers. His strong will could be a challenge for others, but it was a characteristic that helped him through many tribulations. We will miss his offers of help, his cheerful chatter, his enthusiastic singing – and all the other daily interactions we’ve enjoyed for the past 63 years. Rest in peace, John! In lieu of flowers, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Terry Fox Foundation at Suite D10, 6115 – 3 St. SE., Calgary, AB, T2H 2L2 (403) 212-1336. In living memory of John, a tree will be planted in Fish Creek Provincial Park.