Obituary of Bernard Peter Cramer

Cramer, Bernard Peter "Ben" Peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 in his 98th year. Beloved husband of the late Theresa (Wallace) Cramer. Proud father of David (Jane) Cramer, Brian (Liz) Cramer, Peter (Heike) Cramer, Theresa (Grant) Dietrich, and Christine (Douglas) Cramer. Predeceased by his daughters Paula and Bernadette and his granddaughter Catherine Dietrich. Cherished grandfather of David (Eileen) Cramer, Richard (Kinga) Cramer, Catherine Cramer, Andrea Ross (Josh) , Kirsten (Stephen) Krose, Anne Cramer (Vincent), Christopher Cramer (Suzanne), Melissa Cramer and Samantha (Didier) Kanyamahane, Erin, Heather, and Veronica Dietrich and Jeremy Cramer-Geoffrey and great grandfather of Clara, Gordon, Anika, Rosette, Safi, Ever and Charlotte. Predeceased by his siblings Bill, John, Fritz, Margaret, Edith and Joan. Despite a humble upbringing, "gentle" Ben will be remembered for working hard and prospering. He was remarkable for his uncomplaining tenacity and survivorship and his ability to defy all common health practices. Ben was born in Haarlem Holland but immigrated with his family to London when he was a young boy. He served in World War II in England rebuilding aircraft and says he got good at it when he learned that the mechanic had the privilege of going for the first flight after all the work was done. Ben made his profession in the commercial laundry business (Dutch Laundry/Forest City Linen Supply) originally in London but expanding into itchener/Brantford/Chatham and Windsor. He was a young father when he attended an Executive Management Course at Harvard University. In addition to running a successful business and raising a quickly expanding family, he made time for public service as a Trustee on the London Catholic School Board for many years. Our Dad had many wonderful years at the family cottage in Grand Bend including summers when he would drive every day to the office in London but be back at the cottage every evening to enjoy the world-renowned sunsets. He enjoyed his golf games at the Sunningdale Golf & Country Club but was most excited about racing sailboats around Lake Huron from the Grand Bend Yacht Club. Years of cruising the North Channel with the odd trip down the Mississippi to Florida were the result of his love of sailing. Visitors will be received at the John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street at King Street, on Thursday, January 18th from 6 - 8 PM. Funeral Mass at Holy Family Parish, 777 Valetta Street, on Friday, January 19th at 10 AM. Interment in St. Peter's Cemetery. Donations to Mission Services of London or the Salvation Army - Centre of Hope would be appreciated.