Edward Tyler Cramer

CRAMER, EDWARD TYLER March 23, 1929 to Dec. 30, 2008 Edward Tyler Cramer, devoted family man and friend, innovator and philanthropist died at his Point Loma home after a valiant battle with cancer. "Ed" lived a life of serving others, leading powerfully through soft-spoken example and from a deeply held faith. With his hearty laugh, he made people feel valued, inspiring them to live up to their potential. It was said of Ed, "I've never met a man who had so much influence over others while desiring so little control over them." Ed believed he was not defined by what he accomplished, but by how he did things, contributing to the world as best he could while treating everyone with dignity and respect. A third-generation San Diegan, he was born to Henry B. and Susan T. Cramer on March 23, 1929, at Quintard Hospital, and, in 1891, his grandparents founded what became Cramer Baking Co. Ed attended local schools except for college and then graduated in 1949 from Stanford University. While there, Ed joined Kappa Alpha fraternity, managed the Stanford Band and served in ROTC. He said his greatest coup was wooing his life's love, Dianne "Donnie" Worth. They married in Palo Alto, Calif. on March 26, 1950, settled in San Diego and had eight children, Tyler W., Edward B. (deceased), Dr. Sheryl O., Dr. Henry B. II, Edward R. (Ted), Thomas C., Christopher W. and S. Naomi Cramer Overton. Ed had a gift for making organizations better, which he applied to business and community innovation. He led Cramer family ventures and in 1960 began work with the FedMart Corporation. At FedMart, he helped create distribution systems used by today's retailers, presided over subsidiaries and became a corporate vice president before retiring in 1981. Others knew him for asking great questions and forging cooperation, even in highly charged situations. After retirement, Ed served on Boards of Directors for Costco Wholesale Corporation, son Christopher's Karl Strauss Brewing Company and others. He was in the Army Reserve from 1949 to 1969, retiring as a Major. Ed's greatest joy, however, was his family. Despite work travel, he served twice as Point Loma Little League president and led Cabrillo Elementary and Dana Junior High School's PTAs. Ed and Donnie hoped to raise children who were "lovers and givers," and Ed modeled this by leading Kearny Mesa Kiwanis Club, San Diego Young Democrats, Balboa Park committees, the Linda Vista Community Planning Committee and other organizations. He received the Bayside Community Leadership Award in 2004. Ed took an international view in his mission to bring more peace and joy to this world. Together, he and Donnie championed causes in India, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos and other nations. They supported orphanages in Mexico, Mozambique and Kenya (where, with pastor son Tom, they created water systems and equipped businessmen). With daughter Naomi, president of MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International, they helped women in 30 nations become better moms who make a better world. With son Henry, a former VP and medical missionary with HOPE Worldwide, they uplifted scores of the world's suffering. Zulus of Esidumbini Congregational Church honored Ed's visit, and his ancestor Reverend Josiah Tyler who ministered 40 years among this tribe. Closer to home, with daughter Sheryl, they supported the San Diego Blood Bank and the arts. Especially important to Ed was bringing the Southivongs, a family of 11 Laotian refugees, to the U.S. through Westminster Presbyterian Church. From that family's arrival on March 3, 1980 until his death, Ed acted as surrogate father and grandfather. On The Salvation Army San Diego's Board, he co-founded a Tijuana community center and on the Board of Pueblos Hermanos of Presbyterian Border Ministries for 11 years, he spurred U.S.-Mexican understanding. Ed especially loved the freedom he found near Mexico's Sea of Cortez, where he visited in October with dear friend Roy Hughes and their collective nine sons. He played piano and trumpet, and sang baritone in his church choir for 13 years. He delighted in bird watching and noticed details, a skill that helped him relate to people of diverse "feathers." He read five newspapers daily, and was usually taking classes or traveling with Donnie on mission and educational tours. Together, they educated their young through excursions, including camping across Europe. Later, they encouraged them through Stanford University, UC Berkeley and diverse graduate schools. During his final year, Ed stayed engaged in life, venturing to Atlanta in November with 32 family members for granddaughter Lauren Cramer's wedding. Even to his final days, Ed focused intently, saying he wanted to "remember everything." He passed from life overlooking the bay he had splashed in since boyhood, surrounded by adoring family and with his beloved Donnie at his side. He wanted to be each day in God's presence, and he loved the Bible verse "Rejoice in the LORD always the LORD is at hand." (Philippians 4:4,5) Reflecting upon life, he said, "It's been a ball!" Ed's children remember their dad for inspiring the best in the lives he touched-and he touched many. Ed is survived by wife Donnie, seven children, 16 grandchildren, and his sister Susanne C. Ballantyne. A Service to celebrate his life is set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2009, at Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church, 2128 Chatsworth Blvd., San Diego, 92107. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be sent to Westminster Presbyterian Church (Mission Committee), HOPE Worldwide, The Salvation Army, Bayside Community Center or MOPS International.