Obituary of Charlie Joseph Cramer

It is with love that we share the news of the passing of Charlie Cramer on December 13, 2016 to all his family and friends. Charlie Joseph Cramer was born on March 23, 1950 in Spirit River, Alberta. He was the third child of Robert and Jean Cramer. The family moved from Gordondale to Watino where Charlie began school. During grade school, the family once again moved for a short time to Eaglesham and finally settling in the Beaverlodge area. In the few days before his passing Charlie and his brother Jim would spend hours reminiscing about their childhood adventures. Like many kids growing up during those time the value of an honest day's work was part of your life lesson. They recalled how in their early teens they had helped their Dad clear the fence line around the quarter of land as well as all the cross fencing. Charlie was definitely a nature lover. Jim and Charlie would spend hours just walking in the bush. Charlie began his first job at the age of 12 chopping wood for a bachelor that lived nearby. Charlie was always willing to help out whomever was in need, that characteristic stayed with him in his adult life. Charlie finished high school in Beaverlodge and went on to take Biological Sciences at NAIT. After completing the program he went to work for Proctor & Gamble in the lab. He then accepted an electrical apprenticeship with the same company and went on to be an electrician in the Pulpmill and Sawmill. As with most aspects of his life he was dedicated to helping the people around him. When he retired from Weyerhauser he continued to keep himself busy. He would help out family and friends when an electrician was required, or simply just an extra pair of hands. If you need him he would juggle his commitments to make sure that he could help you. Charlie was president of Special Olympics this past year and was a board member for Signature Services and The Disabled Transport Society. He volunteered at many Special Olympics as a bowling and powerlifting coach. Charlie was so much more than what you saw but yet he was exactly what you saw. His convictions were strong but was understanding of individual diversity. Charlie, your kind heart, gentle spirit and your quiet strength will be remembered. Those left to cherish his memory include the love of his life, his wife Marilyn, his daughters Amanda, Tricia & her husband Boyd Kobe and Kaylee Cramer. Charlie’s siblings, Tom & Linda Cramer, Louise Line, Jim & Janice Cramer, Jerri & Randy Casper. His in laws, Shirley Hutt, Doug & Jackie Hutt, Sandra & Dale Pollard. As well as numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces & nephews. Important to mention in Charlie’s life are his extended family, Keri Bruce, Ada Nieminen, Daniela Steurer and Kevin Simon. Charlie was predeceased by his parents Bob and Jean Cramer, father in law Lloyd Hutt, and brother in law Don Line. Please join us in celebrating Charlie's life at the Peoples Full Gospel Church on December 22, 2016 at 7pm. A social gathering of family and friends will follow at 8pm. At Charlie's request, donations can be made to Special Olympics Grande Prairie (http://www.specialolympics.ab.ca/donate) or the Forbes Presbyterian Church (9635 76 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8V 5B3) on his behalf. Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home www.bearcreekfuneral.com 780-830-7742