January 28
January 28
Lisa and Eric. I’m so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I just stumbled upon it today. So sorry for your loss. Helena and Trevor Briscoe
It is with sadness that we must share the passing of our father, Roger Kramer, during the early morning hours of August 6, 2023 at his home at Touchmark at Wedgewood in Edmonton, Alberta. Both Eric and I were at his side and thankful that we could be there to help his peaceful passing.
It is a bittersweet moment. The last few years struggling with a combination of dementia and a body battered from professional football was frequently tough going, but Dad endured and maintained his sense of humor to the end.
Before this trying time we have, of course, a lifetime of great memories. Eric and I want to share some of Dad's story and encourage you to join in with your stories as well:
Dad was first and foremost a farm boy from Michigan, the middle child of three brothers. He grew into an all-round gifted athlete, lauded at both Portage Central High and Kalamazoo College where, during that time, he would meet, fall in love with and marry Ilona Krastins, our future mom. His physical prowess culminated in a football career that brought the family to Canada and even put his face on trading cards and bottle caps. A personal highlight for us kids was his appearance on Buckshot, a local Calgary TV show. While in the spotlight he never missed a charity event, either with the team or as an individual. He was inducted into the K College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012.
At the end of his football career Dad turned to his entrepreneurial talents and eventually built a coffee distribution business which became his life. Here he made more friends and touched many more people as the business grew and expanded. Still active in sports, he could be found slamming kill shots on the handball court with the Royal Glenora crew and taking the odd dollar or two off the lads at Windermere as he sank putts on the golf course (he had two hole in ones to his credit). A fisherman from childhood, he loved being outdoors and out on the water, particularly the Lac L'Orange trips where he held court in the evenings at his cabin's dinner table. The Lac L'Orange crew enabled Dad to realize his dream home at Destiny Bay.
Simply said, Dad was a man who loved his family and friends. He was a master griller. Enjoyed his steak, seafood and red wine while lending his mighty singing voice to many a country song. He always looked forward to a good road trip and seeing the sights with Mom by his side in the passenger seat until her tragic loss in 2004. Together they travelled down many roads and highways all over North America and had many adventures at many destinations, one of those being a wonderful family weekend celebrating his 65th birthday with Carmen, Doug and Joe at Qualicum. He was always the biggest man in the room, had a loud and memorable laugh, delighted in a good joke, and was generous, supportive, opinionated and stubborn. He was a man who was always involved in his community, worked briefly as a teacher early on in life, was our coach on many hockey, basketball, football and soccer teams, and served as President and/or board member of various organizations including the Royal Glenora, Windermere Golf and Country Club, Stampeder Alumni, The International Wine and Food Society and, of course, The Society of Gentlemen Philosophers that would meet at The Bend on Half-Price Wine Wednesdays.
We will not be able to pour a glass of red without thinking of him.
A final statement of gratitude for people who were integral to Dad's life in his final years. We are so very grateful to the staff at Touchmark for their humanity and caring. Having to deal long distance was difficult and would have been impossible, save for the relationship and partnership we had with the Touchmark care staff. Many to mention, but special thanks to Claudia, Claire, Tayo, Ashna, and Diane, Elsa, Rose and Rose again, Alu, Jimena and Christine, and Dolores.
We also give boundless thanks to Rovi and Jennifer, from Nurse Nextdoor. Rovi provided care, companionship and healthy advocacy to Dad for over a year, and before that was Jennifer with her beautiful little boy Dom. Jen was the first to take Dad out after Covid quarantine - first to a Doctor's appointment and then promptly to a steak lunch. The picture we posted says it all - he was one happy (burly) chappy!
We miss him so much but smile at many wonderful memories. Please enjoy the photos we are sharing and encourage you to share yours on this forum. In addition, given the circle of Dad's life has been fractured at several points, we may well be missing others who need to hear the news. Kindly feel free to share this site with them.
L & E
It is a bittersweet moment. The last few years struggling with a combination of dementia and a body battered from professional football was frequently tough going, but Dad endured and maintained his sense of humor to the end.
Before this trying time we have, of course, a lifetime of great memories. Eric and I want to share some of Dad's story and encourage you to join in with your stories as well:
Dad was first and foremost a farm boy from Michigan, the middle child of three brothers. He grew into an all-round gifted athlete, lauded at both Portage Central High and Kalamazoo College where, during that time, he would meet, fall in love with and marry Ilona Krastins, our future mom. His physical prowess culminated in a football career that brought the family to Canada and even put his face on trading cards and bottle caps. A personal highlight for us kids was his appearance on Buckshot, a local Calgary TV show. While in the spotlight he never missed a charity event, either with the team or as an individual. He was inducted into the K College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012.
At the end of his football career Dad turned to his entrepreneurial talents and eventually built a coffee distribution business which became his life. Here he made more friends and touched many more people as the business grew and expanded. Still active in sports, he could be found slamming kill shots on the handball court with the Royal Glenora crew and taking the odd dollar or two off the lads at Windermere as he sank putts on the golf course (he had two hole in ones to his credit). A fisherman from childhood, he loved being outdoors and out on the water, particularly the Lac L'Orange trips where he held court in the evenings at his cabin's dinner table. The Lac L'Orange crew enabled Dad to realize his dream home at Destiny Bay.
Simply said, Dad was a man who loved his family and friends. He was a master griller. Enjoyed his steak, seafood and red wine while lending his mighty singing voice to many a country song. He always looked forward to a good road trip and seeing the sights with Mom by his side in the passenger seat until her tragic loss in 2004. Together they travelled down many roads and highways all over North America and had many adventures at many destinations, one of those being a wonderful family weekend celebrating his 65th birthday with Carmen, Doug and Joe at Qualicum. He was always the biggest man in the room, had a loud and memorable laugh, delighted in a good joke, and was generous, supportive, opinionated and stubborn. He was a man who was always involved in his community, worked briefly as a teacher early on in life, was our coach on many hockey, basketball, football and soccer teams, and served as President and/or board member of various organizations including the Royal Glenora, Windermere Golf and Country Club, Stampeder Alumni, The International Wine and Food Society and, of course, The Society of Gentlemen Philosophers that would meet at The Bend on Half-Price Wine Wednesdays.
We will not be able to pour a glass of red without thinking of him.
A final statement of gratitude for people who were integral to Dad's life in his final years. We are so very grateful to the staff at Touchmark for their humanity and caring. Having to deal long distance was difficult and would have been impossible, save for the relationship and partnership we had with the Touchmark care staff. Many to mention, but special thanks to Claudia, Claire, Tayo, Ashna, and Diane, Elsa, Rose and Rose again, Alu, Jimena and Christine, and Dolores.
We also give boundless thanks to Rovi and Jennifer, from Nurse Nextdoor. Rovi provided care, companionship and healthy advocacy to Dad for over a year, and before that was Jennifer with her beautiful little boy Dom. Jen was the first to take Dad out after Covid quarantine - first to a Doctor's appointment and then promptly to a steak lunch. The picture we posted says it all - he was one happy (burly) chappy!
We miss him so much but smile at many wonderful memories. Please enjoy the photos we are sharing and encourage you to share yours on this forum. In addition, given the circle of Dad's life has been fractured at several points, we may well be missing others who need to hear the news. Kindly feel free to share this site with them.
L & E
Tributes
Leave a tribute
August 18, 2023
August 18, 2023
Lisa and Eric: I was deeply saddened to read of Rogers passing. He was the best boss I ever had and he always treated Jules and I like family. Some of my wildest memories were made at Aroma Coffee Services and these were wonderful years. I was so lucky to have Roger and Ilona in my life and I will always treasure my special memories of great trips, celebrations and learning all about sales. I want to share a passage that was passed along to me that I thought you might appreciate:
There are four things in this life that will change you:
Love, music, art and loss.
The first three will keep you wild and full of passion,
May you allow the last to make you brave. (E.V.V.)
Forever in my thoughts and prayers - Petra
There are four things in this life that will change you:
Love, music, art and loss.
The first three will keep you wild and full of passion,
May you allow the last to make you brave. (E.V.V.)
Forever in my thoughts and prayers - Petra
August 17, 2023
August 17, 2023
On behalf of the Southern Chapter of La Ronge fishermen, we would like to offer our sincere condolences on the passing of Roger. We always looked forward to spending a day in the boat with Roger ( aka - Boss Hog) as some would call him. Roger was a consistent participant in this outing, and was a very competitive fisherman. he loved besting his boatmates in the number of fish caught, and most importantly 'the size'. I personally loved to hear the stories of his youth, including his professional football career, as he loved to talk about this topic in depth. He also had the 18' aluminum boat named after him ' The Jolly Roger', was aptly named. you sure had to have your head on a swivel, when he fired up the old Mariner 40hp. With one strong pull, the 'old smoker' would begin its agonizing journey to the next fishing location. Through cold , drizzling rain, or scorching heat, Roger was a great captain, and held fast to the tiller, seeking the best spots for Lakers and Walleye. He was very generous to the fishing party, supplying his coffee, and some fine wines, scotch and after dinner port. He was also a BBQ specialist, cooking up some of the largest prime rib roast i have ever seen, on the briquette BBQ - always cooked to perfection. He made the biggest and best chili on chili night as well. We explored some of the most beautiful places on La Ronge, and enjoyed the 'Kramer Philosophy', as the day went on. We will remember Roger for the kind gestures, his competitive nature, and infectious smile as well as the comradery shared during these adventures we all looked forward to. I could write so much more on the stories, the triumphs and tribulations from these trips, and will always of fond memories of a great fishing buddy. RIP Roger - you made this world a better place......Tight Lines my friend.
August 12, 2023
August 12, 2023
Eric and Lisa, with a heavy heart our deepest condolences for the passing of Roger. He was a great mentor to me, I learned a lot from him, he was a wonderful friend and business partner. In the memories that we all have of this great man, may we find peace. Eric and Lisa, In your friends may you find strength to endure the Sorrow.
Love
Rino Filippelli and Family
Love
Rino Filippelli and Family
August 10, 2023
August 10, 2023
Lisa and Eric, we are so sorry for your loss. We remember Roger as living full and active life, first in athletics and professional football and later in business endeavors. Many years past, but there was one time we were invited to have breakfast/lunch with him and we enjoyed ourselves very much. We know had he lived closer he would have spent more time with his family, especially his mother, Tillie who loved him so much. We are sure he lived a rich full life.
August 10, 2023
August 10, 2023
So many memories of my step father Roger.. he was the big friendly giant.
- Years ago while I was a broke student going to school in Vancouver my Dad was undergoing a kidney transplant back in Edmonton and Roger took it upon himself to book me a last minute flight to come home and be with my Dad. He called me and said “ok I got you a flight, and it leaves tomorrow morning”. I was speechless!
- Mine and my husbands wedding was hosted at the lake where mom and Rog built their retirement home. Rog and my mom stood with us under the “chuppah” where we said our vows. The wedding arch/chuppah had hanging flowers all around and roger was so tall that he kept getting tangled in the flowers. Everyone couldn’t stop laughing including Roger!!
- many many family holidays spent out at the lake together where we sang by the campfire, country music blaring, and the most amazing food
- so many laughs and inside jokes, Rog will be forever missed and loved
- Years ago while I was a broke student going to school in Vancouver my Dad was undergoing a kidney transplant back in Edmonton and Roger took it upon himself to book me a last minute flight to come home and be with my Dad. He called me and said “ok I got you a flight, and it leaves tomorrow morning”. I was speechless!
- Mine and my husbands wedding was hosted at the lake where mom and Rog built their retirement home. Rog and my mom stood with us under the “chuppah” where we said our vows. The wedding arch/chuppah had hanging flowers all around and roger was so tall that he kept getting tangled in the flowers. Everyone couldn’t stop laughing including Roger!!
- many many family holidays spent out at the lake together where we sang by the campfire, country music blaring, and the most amazing food
- so many laughs and inside jokes, Rog will be forever missed and loved
August 10, 2023
August 10, 2023
Being four years apart Rog and I more or less went our separate ways it was later
we would come together in the transfer funds to his account, the bank in New York wanted to send him Canadian money even though he had requested he be paid in American money. We finally got them to send him American dollars instead of Canadian money. We grew closer together visiting Rog and Ilona on a trip we took across Canada on the Rocky Mountaineer. We spent time with them in Edmonton. We had a good time visiting and staying with them and Ilona wanted us to stay. Still remember the view of the Mormon Statue that we could view from the room we were staying in. From there we took Via rail to Jasper where we boarded the Rocky Mountaineer for the trip across Canada. We enjoyed our time together before leaving. Enjoyed the trip across Canada to
Vancouver. Our taxi driver to the airport complained about how much they paid him we gave him a handful of Canadian money which made him happy before boarding the plane and flying back to Hawaii. Somebody from Calgary visited Hilo and when I mentioned my brother played football for Calgary he recalled how many pickled eggs Rog could eat after a game. I admired my brother for all his accomplishments, he was a well rounded person. will miss him as his passing leaves a void in my life.
we would come together in the transfer funds to his account, the bank in New York wanted to send him Canadian money even though he had requested he be paid in American money. We finally got them to send him American dollars instead of Canadian money. We grew closer together visiting Rog and Ilona on a trip we took across Canada on the Rocky Mountaineer. We spent time with them in Edmonton. We had a good time visiting and staying with them and Ilona wanted us to stay. Still remember the view of the Mormon Statue that we could view from the room we were staying in. From there we took Via rail to Jasper where we boarded the Rocky Mountaineer for the trip across Canada. We enjoyed our time together before leaving. Enjoyed the trip across Canada to
Vancouver. Our taxi driver to the airport complained about how much they paid him we gave him a handful of Canadian money which made him happy before boarding the plane and flying back to Hawaii. Somebody from Calgary visited Hilo and when I mentioned my brother played football for Calgary he recalled how many pickled eggs Rog could eat after a game. I admired my brother for all his accomplishments, he was a well rounded person. will miss him as his passing leaves a void in my life.
August 9, 2023
August 9, 2023
So sorry to hear of the passing of cousin Roger, especially since he had just had his 84th birthday and nothing was mentioned of his declining health. Only saw Roger on occasion when he'd come back to visit but he always remembered the names of his family members. He was a BIG and GENEROUS man in all respects and I remember him as very jovial. Love the pictures and see quite a resemblance in him and my dad, his Uncle Bud....that's the Brouwer in him. Condolences to you all.
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
January 28
January 28
Lisa and Eric. I’m so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I just stumbled upon it today. So sorry for your loss. Helena and Trevor Briscoe
August 18, 2023
August 18, 2023
Lisa and Eric: I was deeply saddened to read of Rogers passing. He was the best boss I ever had and he always treated Jules and I like family. Some of my wildest memories were made at Aroma Coffee Services and these were wonderful years. I was so lucky to have Roger and Ilona in my life and I will always treasure my special memories of great trips, celebrations and learning all about sales. I want to share a passage that was passed along to me that I thought you might appreciate:
There are four things in this life that will change you:
Love, music, art and loss.
The first three will keep you wild and full of passion,
May you allow the last to make you brave. (E.V.V.)
Forever in my thoughts and prayers - Petra
There are four things in this life that will change you:
Love, music, art and loss.
The first three will keep you wild and full of passion,
May you allow the last to make you brave. (E.V.V.)
Forever in my thoughts and prayers - Petra
August 17, 2023
August 17, 2023
On behalf of the Southern Chapter of La Ronge fishermen, we would like to offer our sincere condolences on the passing of Roger. We always looked forward to spending a day in the boat with Roger ( aka - Boss Hog) as some would call him. Roger was a consistent participant in this outing, and was a very competitive fisherman. he loved besting his boatmates in the number of fish caught, and most importantly 'the size'. I personally loved to hear the stories of his youth, including his professional football career, as he loved to talk about this topic in depth. He also had the 18' aluminum boat named after him ' The Jolly Roger', was aptly named. you sure had to have your head on a swivel, when he fired up the old Mariner 40hp. With one strong pull, the 'old smoker' would begin its agonizing journey to the next fishing location. Through cold , drizzling rain, or scorching heat, Roger was a great captain, and held fast to the tiller, seeking the best spots for Lakers and Walleye. He was very generous to the fishing party, supplying his coffee, and some fine wines, scotch and after dinner port. He was also a BBQ specialist, cooking up some of the largest prime rib roast i have ever seen, on the briquette BBQ - always cooked to perfection. He made the biggest and best chili on chili night as well. We explored some of the most beautiful places on La Ronge, and enjoyed the 'Kramer Philosophy', as the day went on. We will remember Roger for the kind gestures, his competitive nature, and infectious smile as well as the comradery shared during these adventures we all looked forward to. I could write so much more on the stories, the triumphs and tribulations from these trips, and will always of fond memories of a great fishing buddy. RIP Roger - you made this world a better place......Tight Lines my friend.
Gallery
La Ronge... The Quentin Tarantino version...
Recent stories
Gentle Giant (aka: Size has its advantages)
August 15, 2023
by Lisa Kramer
I wanted to share a story told to me by Tom, Louise and Bell Bain who I spent time with recently reminiscing. I think I heard a version of it when I was younger…
Imagine the 70’s scene. NW Edmonton. Probably 170th Street…. Dad, then working for Steel Brothers is headed to work and rolls to a stop at a red light behind a Dodge (call it a Dart). Light changes and Dodge hesitates a smidgeon too long…. Illiciting a “honk” from Dad’s car which I can only imagine was “Das Boot”, his great Blue Monte Carlo with the white vinyl swivel seats (a car he would eventually give to me to transport me many frozen mornings to the UofA).
Red brake lights flash and the Dodge driver throws open the car door and gets out to confront Dad. Dad too throws it in park and unfolds himself from Das Boot… to confront…. No one. The shocked and frightened driver thought twice, leapt back in to the Dodge and disappeared through the now red light in a cloud of blue smoke…
Size definitely has a neutralizing effect!
Imagine the 70’s scene. NW Edmonton. Probably 170th Street…. Dad, then working for Steel Brothers is headed to work and rolls to a stop at a red light behind a Dodge (call it a Dart). Light changes and Dodge hesitates a smidgeon too long…. Illiciting a “honk” from Dad’s car which I can only imagine was “Das Boot”, his great Blue Monte Carlo with the white vinyl swivel seats (a car he would eventually give to me to transport me many frozen mornings to the UofA).
Red brake lights flash and the Dodge driver throws open the car door and gets out to confront Dad. Dad too throws it in park and unfolds himself from Das Boot… to confront…. No one. The shocked and frightened driver thought twice, leapt back in to the Dodge and disappeared through the now red light in a cloud of blue smoke…
Size definitely has a neutralizing effect!
The missing decade
August 10, 2023
So many memories of my step father Roger.. he was the big friendly giant.
- Years ago while I was a broke student going to school in Vancouver my Dad was undergoing a kidney transplant back in Edmonton and Roger took it upon himself to book me a last minute flight to come home and be with my Dad. He called me and said “ok I got you a flight, and it leaves tomorrow morning”. I was speechless!
- Mine and my husbands wedding was hosted at the lake where mom and Rog built their retirement home. Rog and my mom stood with us under the “chuppah” where we said our vows. The wedding arch/chuppah had hanging flowers all around and roger was so tall that he kept getting tangled in the flowers. Everyone couldn’t stop laughing including Roger!!
- many many family holidays spent out at the lake together where we sang by the campfire, country music blaring, and the most amazing food
- so many laughs and inside jokes, Rog will be forever missed and loved
Roger could sing!!
August 9, 2023
On New Years Eve in 1971, Roger , Ilona, Will & I attended a New Years Eve party in downtown Kalamazoo, MI. After a great evening together , I promised Roger early am breakfast at our Portage, Mi home. Roger was driving with Ilona beside him, and Will and I seated in the back. Suddenly he broke into song, "Me and Bobbi McGee" while tapping on the steering wheel , and oh my did he sing!! Roger had a great voice. Many wonderful memories we had together, and he was indeed bigger than life. He will be dearly missed by all. Our deepest sympathy to Eric, Lisa and family. Janet/ Will Krastins