Kenneth David Kramer

BARNSTABLE — Kenneth David Kramer died at home on April 18, 2009, after a three-year battle with cancer.

Ken was the third son of the late Elsie and George Kramer of Centerville. He is survived by his brothers, Richard Kramer and his wife Winifred, and Michael Kramer; three nieces, Kathleen Kramer and her husband Sven Thesen, Susan Kramer and her husband Tom, and Genevieve Kramer; and three grandnieces and a grandnephew. He is also survived by his sweetheart, Gail Allan, from Glen Cove, N.Y.

Ken was born in Boston and lived in various places in New York and Massachusetts. After graduating from Hartwick College in upstate New York, Ken gravitated to the Cape, his beloved vacation spot, fell in love with Marjorie "Jerry" Wesselhoeft, and settled in Barnstable. Jerry died in 1987 after 17 years of marriage.

Ken loved the Bath, Maine, area and bought a vacation home there and became very interested in all things maritime. Having served in the Coast Guard in his youth and loving all aspects of sailing the seas, he began collecting marine antiques. He served for 20 years on the board of trustees at the Marine Maritime Museum. He gave his extensive collection to the Museum.

His career with Nickerson Companies/Mid-Cape Home Centers extended for 35 years, coming up through the ranks until he retired from his position as vice president for human and physical resources.

A service of remembrance will be held on Thursday, April 23, at noon at the West Parish of Barnstable, Route 149, West Barnstable. Visiting hours are at the John-Lawrence Funeral Home, Route 28, Marstons Mills, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22.

In lieu of flowers, please send tokens of remembrance in his name to the Maine Maritime Museum, Washington Street, Bath, ME 04530.