Peter James CRAM

CRAM, Peter James

29, a resident of Toronto, passed away on Friday, September 21, 2012, as the result of a tragic bicycling accident. Cherished son of Ann and Dave Cram of Port Lambton, best friend of brother Alec, and dear brother-in-law of Joanna. Loving nephew to Cindy and Tino Mussio, Nancy and Jim Ivanski, Fred and Ruth Anne Bowers, Bette and Peter Gabriel, Judith and Dan Poulin, and Elaine and the late David Brander. Adored cousin of Celeste and Wes Normington, Jes and Sian Mussio, Tracey Bowers, Ian, Will, and Colin Gabriel, and Alan and Evan Brander. Amazing Uncle Peppers to Isaac and Maisie Cram and Lucie Normington. Pete grew up in Port Lambton and attended Riverview Central School and Wallaceburg District Secondary School. He then went to Wilfrid Laurier University for his undergraduate degree and the University of Toronto for his teaching certificate. Pete lived by the motto, 'Life's too short to just breeze on by.' He approached everything he did with an intense passion and a wild sense of humour. He was fiercely devoted to his family and friends first, but always made time for his numerous outside interests: going to see the latest avant-garde film or the new indie band, following the Chargers and Knicks, reading a new book, grilling up a gourmet meal on one of the three barbeques he owned, or coaching the Western Tech Colts football team. Day long salsa making marathons with brother Alec marked the end of every summer. Friendships were immensely important to Pete, and he never lost touch with his Nucleus buddies from Wallaceburg, or the 3 West guys and the rest of his friends from Laurier. Since moving to Toronto, his circle of friends grew to include those he met through school, sports activities, and other social events. But Pete found his greatest passion in the classrooms of Western Technical-Commercial School. With the support and mentorship of his wonderful colleagues, Pete found the work he was perfectly suited for- teaching high school students. He sought to inspire his students and instill in them a love of learning and a belief in themselves. He endeavoured to treat all his students with respect and tried to craft assignments that would challenge and engage them, all the while using his sense of humour to make his classes entertaining. He taught his students as he lived his life: with enthusiasm, generosity, and a spirited sense of fun. In lieu of a funeral, two informal get togethers to celebrate Pete's life will be held in October. The first one will be in Wallaceburg at the HAYCOCK-CAVANAGH RECEPTION CENTRE (416 Nelson Street, Wallaceburg) on Saturday, October 13 from 1-4 p.m. The second will take place at Pete's school, Western Technical-Commercial School, (125 Evelyn Cres.) in Toronto on Saturday, October 20 from 1-4 p.m. For those who wish to contribute to a scholarship in Pete's name, donations can be made to the Tartan Alumni Fund or to the Western Technical-Commercial School Scholarship Fund. Contributions to either scholarship can be made at the Haycock Cavanagh Funeral home in Wallaceburg 519.627.3231, or directly to Western Technical-Commercial School. Online tributes may be left at www. CavanaghFuneralHome.ca