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Kenneth Cramer Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Cramer
Sponsored by Deane.
Julie Kalu
February 16, 2016
Im sorry i hadn't seen this sooner. I still miss my old friend and colleague. I first met Ken in Germany subbing on Grease back in 1999. He was such an enthusiastic musician always willing to take time out and play some duets. Although i was just a college student and him a seasoned professional, he was always humble and encouraging.
I later became friends with him while touring with Beauty and the Beast. He had a great sense of humor, great passion for music, and an endearing sort of anxious calm about him. One of my fonder memories was of Ken very kindly and calmly teaching me how to drive on what must be one of the most stressful freeways in America (in San Diego).
Rest in peace old friend.
Julie Kalu
February 16, 2016
Im sorry i hadn't seen this sooner. I still miss my old friend and colleague. I first met Ken in Germany subbing on Grease back in 1999. He was such an enthusiastic musician always willing to take time out and play some duets. Although i was just a college student and him a seasoned professional, he was always humble and encouraging.
I later became friends with him while touring with Beauty and the Beast. He had a great sense of humor, great passion for music, and an endearing sort of anxious calm about him. One of my fonder memories was of Ken very calmly teaching me how to drive on what must be one of the most stressful freeways in America (in San Diego) while i was terrified.
Rest in peace old friend.
May 14, 2013
Mr. Cramer is still touching people. I just bought his David Williams flute. There's a magic about it that must have transferred from its prior owner. Though I did not know him, from reading the tributes below, it sounds as though he was a wonderful man. I am honored to have this flute.
Victoria Paterson
January 1, 2007
I feel very lucky to have known Ken. He was my close friend and I just loved him. We met on the Beauty & the Beast tour and we remained lasting friends which rarely happens on tour. I was shocked and so sad to hear about this. Knowing him has made me a better person and a better musician. He is greatly missed by Victoria and Rob.
Brian MILLER
December 16, 2006
Ken, I miss you so much already. You were such a sweet, gentle soul and your enthusiasm for life and music were contagious. I'm so glad that we were able to share some time (and flutes!) together over the years. You came to my rescue at a point in my life when I really needed it. I am deeply saddened that I never got to fully express my gratitude.
May God Bless.
Marc Donatelle
December 14, 2006
Wow , there goes an enlightened spirit! I had the honor to know Ken on the Music of the Night tour in '95-96. Not only a close friend and musical inspiration, he was a great mentor, calming me in tense times I had as road contaractor. He sure knew how to hang out! Goodbye good friend- we'll see you later....
Janelle Burdell
December 9, 2006
Life is so fragile. So sad to hear of Ken's untimely and tragic passing on to the love that binds us all. My deepest sympathies are extended to all of Ken's family. Ken and I met on the Beauty Tour. A true seeker-whether walking across the Mexican Border, attending a Buddhist ashram, discussing a fav piece of music, or sharing his love of the Bay Area, Ken 's passion was undeniable. Yes, life is to be lived and Ken lived it!
No doubt he will find beautiful and passionate music wherever he travels. May you rest in peace Ken.
CAROLYN VIOLI AND KEN
December 8, 2006
Jeff Marder
December 7, 2006
I met Ken while he and I were on tour with Beauty and the Beast. I'll always remember him for his fine musicianship, his sensitivity, and his good humor.
Tim Morey
December 7, 2006
I
am greatful to have worked with Ken for a year on my first full time tour.
He was a wonderful musician, and a man of great kindness and humor. I have
fond memories of my experiences on the road with Ken and am thankful to
have known and made music with him.
Ginger von Wening
December 7, 2006
I am also a former adult student of Ken Cramer's and will remember his passion, humor, intensity and generosity for years to come. Along with sharing the desire to keep evolving as a musician, he introduced me to so many people who are key in my life today. He was so much more than a teacher - he was a mentor when I needed one, often putting in extra time and hours with no compensation just to make sure I was "getting it!" He helped me choose a piccolo when I bought my first one and even passed along some wonderful gig opportunities. My first experience of playing in a flute choir and flute quartets was under his guidance and leadership. Ken, I will miss you and will always appreciate how you have changed my flute world forever. I send my genuine condolences to close friends and family.
Tim Burke
December 7, 2006
I, too, was deeply saddened to hear of Ken's passing. He was my sometimes roommate on the Music of the Night tour in the mid 90's. He had such a wonderful diposition: calm,yet fun-loving. As a flautist he was a gifted player, yet never satisifed, always seeking to learn where-ever he could. He thoroughly enjoyed life. He was always up for a hang, either musical or otherwise. What a great way to go through life! He will be missed by those of us lucky enough to have known him.
Bob Green
December 6, 2006
As a former adult flute student of his, I can attest to the tonal beauty and musicality of his playing. He was a terrific, generous and caring teacher, whose big heart and personal warmth touched all of us. He became my model for what a flute should sound like, but even more than that, he brought many of us into a richer musical world, helping us to build friendships and musical relationships that will continue to enrich us for a long time to come. I’ve always been grateful to Ken, and will, with all humility, honor his memory whenever I play music for the rest of my life.
Tracy Generalovich
December 5, 2006
What a sad day it was to learn of Ken's sudden passing. He was a wonderfully gifted flutist and lovely man. I was honored to work with him on tour with "Beauty" and though we had little contact with the band he was always one to say hello or go out of his way to chat. He will be greatly missed.
Carolyn, Deane, Ken, and Patty
Deane Prouty
December 4, 2006
Ken was a wonderful friend. We met in 1996 on the National tour of Music of the Night, and later were roommates on the National tour of Beauty and the Beast. Ken stayed with me at my home in Yonkers, NY., on 2 occasions, while he was preparing audition material. I have vivid recollections of Ken practicing in my house, as well as on the road. He was a very gifted performer, always struggling to become a better player. He always asked me to listen as he tried out different flutes and headjoints. One image of Ken that will always remain with me is that of Ken practicing his Yoga next to the pool, at a house we rented in Florida, while on tour. I will celebrate Ken's life and all the joy he has brought to his friends.
Maureen Bayless
December 4, 2006
We were lucky enough to have Ken stay with our family when he was performing in Vancouver. What an open-hearted, reflective and appreciative friend he was. (Not to mention, an excellent flute player! He used to practice on the back patio, and to this day the neighbours have an extremely high regard for "my" flute playing -- though I can't play at all!) Ken taught me to look through the window and not just at it. My deepest condolences to his family and other friends.
Lisa Valkenaar
December 3, 2006
I'd like to add a bit to my earlier entry.
I did not know Ken for a long time, but we both felt as if we had know each other forever. We became very, very close in a short time. Unlike most people who were close to him, ours was not a musical connection; we were simply friends. But of course Ken brought music into my life -- literally and figuratively. And what a deep, true friend. We laughed together (how I miss that!) and we helped each other when one of us was down. Ken recently told me, "I will always be there for you" -- which of course seems particularly poignant now. But in a sense he really will always be there: his humanity, compassion, and humor -- the music he brought to my life -- will indeed always be with me.
Gabriella Pyle
December 2, 2006
I am deeply saddened to hear of Ken's passing. What a gifted musician and teacher he was.
I studied with Ken many years ago, when I was in high school. He was
like a savior to me, coming into my life after a series of very
disappointing musical connections (or rather, misconnections) . He
restored my passion and gave more to me musically than any other
teacher ever had or has.
Ken was the kind of teacher that didn't expect you to mimic his
specific style; but rather, he led you to discover your own.
Ken will always be in my music, and in the music of so many others.
Many blessings to his family and friends.
Lisa Valkenaar
December 2, 2006
Of course an obituary cannot capture Ken's true essence....I miss him terribly, but I'm also so grateful to have had him in my life.
Peter Klatt - Forrests Music
December 1, 2006
A toast to Ken who introduced us to the grandeur of Chateau d'Yquem - even though we have never tasted any ourselves.
The staff of Magleby's Oak Park Hills Chapel
November 30, 2006
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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