Brian Lewis Cramer Obituary (2024)

Our sweet dad, Brian Lewis Cramer, passed away peacefully in his sleep, in the early morning of August 31, 2024. He is now reunited with our mother in Heaven. He was born on July 7, 1940, in Wellsville, New York, to Rolland and Lucille Cramer. He grew up on the Cramer Maple Tree Farm and always loved having 100% pure maple syrup. He developed his love of trains as a young boy when the family moved to Bend, Oregon, where his father worked for the Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railway. In 1957, they moved to Yakima, where he graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1959. Brian worked at the family Texaco gas station and proudly served in the Army National Guard. He had a huge passion for cars, and raced at the Yakima Speedway with fellow driver, Oscar Donaldson, who would bring his daughter Sandy with him. After Brian and Sandy met, they quickly fell in love and were married on September 21, 1963. They wanted a large family and had their children, Brad, Beth, and Becky. Dad had many jobs, working in an auto parts store, Deputy Sheriff, maintenance man at Nordstrom, and as Assistant Plant Manager at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital for 31 years. Dad played, coached, refereed, and watched almost every sport there is. He loved the Mariners, Seahawks, and the Kraken. He was the pitcher for men's and co-ed church softball teams, coached both daughters' teams, and his favorite was being on a senior bowling league team. Dad was an avid Nascar fan. He worked at the Yakima Speedway for 15 years, as a Nascar Official. He watched and recorded every race. His favorite drivers were Derrick Cope and Ross Chastain. Dad and Mom always loved taking us camping with many special memories made in Ohanapecosh and Lake Easton. Every summer they took us to Seattle Mariners games and continued the tradition of camping and baseball with the grandchildren, Amanda, Jamie, and Joby. Being grandparents was the highlight of their lives. They loved and spoiled them every chance they got. Our parents loved the ocean and went to the Oregon coast every year to celebrate their anniversary. Dad was a devoted Christian and a member of West Valley Church of the Nazarene for over 60 years. He served as Head Usher for many years, belonged to a Bible Study Group and went on several mission trips. He was always such an incredible role model and loved his wife, children, and grandchildren with all his heart. He will be greatly missed by all of his family, friends, co-workers and Peach Tree Retirement Family. Brian is survived by his son, Brad (Gwyn) Cramer, daughter, Elizabeth (Joby) Jarvis, and daughter, Becky Cramer, granddaughters, Amanda Cramer, and Jamie Jarvis, grandson, Joby Jarvis. He is also survived by his brother, Larry Cramer, sister, Nancy Collins, sister-In-law, Carol Hunt, brother-in-law, Rick Donaldson, uncle, Bud Cramer, nephews, Kevin and Jeff, nieces Tina, Lisa, Denise, and Kathy, numerous cousins and his best friend, Don Fulton. Brian is preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Cramer, parents, Rolland and Lucille Cramer, in-laws, Oscar and Maxine Donaldson, sister-in-law, Marilyn Cramer, brother-in-law, Gary Collins, and nephew, Gary Collins Jr. Life just won't be the same without his bright smile and laughter. We love you, Dad! See you again in Heaven. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at West Valley Church, at 11:00am. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.