Michael Jeffrey Kramer

Michael was my brother, loyal friend, and steadfast family member. He was the person you could count on-no matter the distance or the circumstance. Whether it meant flying across the country for a wedding, a funeral, or simply to sit beside someone who was sick, Michael showed up. Always.
When his beloved rabbi became ill, Michael spent one day each week for several years caregiving for him-just one of many ways he lived his values of caring and compassion. He gave freely of his time and energy, not for recognition, but because that´s who he was: someone who saw being there for others as simply part of being human. I used to make a list of things I needed help with around the house when I knew he was coming over!
As a brother, Michael was a rock. He had my back in every sense of the word-sharing in the responsibilities of caring for our parents, making me laugh with his offbeat sense of humor, and bringing playfulness to even the most ordinary moments. Because he was older, he has always been part of my world. It is hard to imagine life without him in it.
I will miss him deeply.

It has taken me time to be able to write this as the act makes my cousin Michael's passing become very "real". Michael was much more than a cousin to me, he was a brother. Simply said, Michael was an exceptional person in all ways. He was always present throughout my life, with wonderful, shared memories of fun times together as well as our very long, long-distance phone calls, including all the funny, wonderful texts and emails. Michael was a great listener. He was generous, empathetic, and always helpful. He was there through all the ups and downs of life. His humor could be counted on to see the irony of a situation. He was the one person that I could reach out to who really understood me and gave me unwavering support. I never ceased to wonder at the unique combination of the brilliance and genius of his scientific mind, while being humble at all his accomplishments, and his desire to be part of the world socially - working at helplines, being a great, devoted son to this mother Vicki as well as a committed, caring brother to his sister Susan. Having a loving relationship was an essential quest of Michael's and when he found "true love" with Jane, he blossomed in ways that always made me smile. He also loved being a stepdad, which was an added bonus. His classical piano-playing was a gift and so uplifting. Michael's musical expertise was astounding. Knowing that Michael was in a happy and joyful place at the time of his passing has given me some comfort. I am so grateful to have had Michael in my life. Yet, I deeply feel that my world has gotten much smaller without him . . . he will be forever missed but always with me.

My deepest condolences to Vickie, Jane, and Susan. Michael was truly 1 of 1 in all the best ways. Though we were a generation apart, from a young age he treated me like a peer and he was always full of positivity, laughs, wit, and a playful youthfulness. I went through a tough period during the early adult years and I needed a change of scenery. I called Michael and without hesitation, he said I could visit him and he insisted I stay in his house. He showed me the best of Northern CA while he squeezed in those "job responsibilities". Though we were on opposite coasts, we kept in touch and got to see each other whenever he visited NY. To state the obvious, we miss you, but the memories we shared and the indelible positive impressions you left on me and so many others will stay with us. Those of us that got to know you are richer for that experience. I am so proud of all that you accomplished and more importantly, the way you lived life, with great passion, generosity, and love.

I am so sad to hear this. Its not long ago Jane, Kramer and myself had dinner to catch up. The world is a little dimmer with you not around.

I´ve heard many wonderful stories from Jane about Michael-his kindness and compassion for others, as well as his creative passions. It wasn´t until my first meeting with him that I truly recognized the depth of his creativity and genuine warmth for family and friends. His ability to inspire and connect with others was evident in everything he did. Jane- he was one of a kind. I am so sorry for your loss.

I don´t know Michael very long but the times I met him, he´s full of smiles, very friendly, and had a great sense of humor. I am thinking about you, Jane during this difficult time.

Jane, I just heard and I am so, so sorry. I wish I could have met Michael but do feel I knew him a little from the stories you shared on our hikes. Sending hugs to you and your family.

I didn't know Michael well but was fortunate enough to hear him play piano. What a treat! And what a tragedy for those whose lives he touched and was gone too quickly.

A man with beautiful joyful quirky energy. Love and healing to all who are grieving his loss.

Although I only had the pleasure of meeting Michael once, his warmth and talent left a lasting impression. His music was extraordinary-he was truly a virtuoso-and most of all, it was clear how deeply he loved Jane and how happy they were together. My heart is with you, Jane, and with all who loved him.

I met Michael in one occasion. He was warm and wore a bright and warm smile transiting all that happiness.
During hikes, Jane shared many warm stories.
Much love to Jane and family. May all be comforted with these precious moments shared.

I remember Michael being at my 40th birthday party held in a park and him sitting on a picnic table reading a book on algorithms. He had such a great sense of humor, as well. His smile and bright eyes sparkled. I just know he is spreading joy and laughter and flying free. Blessings to all.

Although I only had the pleasure of meeting Michael once, his warmth and talent left a lasting impression. His music was extraordinary-he was truly a virtuoso-and most of all, it was clear how deeply he loved Jane and how happy they were together. My heart is with you, Jane, and with all who loved him.

I will remember Micheal´s kindness, laughter and his incredible wit and ability to brighten any room with clever comments and his sharp humor. Jane I´m very sorry, so unexpected, when I heard the news, my heart broke for you. I´m here, holding you in my thoughts

I never got to meet Michael but, on hikes, Jane always had kind words and fun stories about him. My condolences to Jane, Shelly, and Michael's other family and friends.

I'm shocked to hear of Kramer´s passing! I had lunch with him a few weeks back and had the privilege of working with him for years. In that time, he left an unforgettable mark-not just as a colleague, but as someone who could light up a room with laughter and the perfect one-liner.

His wicked sense of humor and light-hearted presence made even the most stressful days comical. I´ll never forget the time we were out on a work-lunch walk and a rogue squirrel decided I was the ideal landing pad. True to form, Kramer didn´t panic-he just laughed until he cried, made a dozen squirrel jokes, and then checked if I was okay (but not before naming the squirrel "Harry").

He brought joy, mischief, and humanity into every room he entered, including the SF Symphony, and I´ll carry the memory of his playing Rachmaninoff with me always. Please know my thoughts are with you and "Hellfire Jane" during this time. The world is less funny without him in it.

Gone way too soon but a life well lived. I know Michael had many talents and friends and was loved by many. May you be comforted by the beautiful memories of moments shared.

Jane´s Michael was full of life and joy. He grilled excellent chicken and baked bread to perfection. I will never forget watching him playing the piano with vigor from memory. Much love to Jane and family. May his memory be a blessing.

Michael... where to start. He lived two doors down from us for over 25 years. When we moved in, he had just added several rooms to the back of his house. He did it all himself. He had an old pick up truck with the words "Piano Spree" written on the side. He used it to haul around his piano so he could play to various crowds, as Jane has noted. Michael was a genius, as close to a polymath as I anyone I will likely ever meet. Not long ago, he showed me around his garage-cum-milling (metal) workshop, as well as his basement laboratory where he performed electronic wizardry, and demonstrated his 3-D printer. If anything needed to be fabricated, built, or repaired, Michael could do it. His joy and exuberance was probably just like when he got his first chemistry set. Yet, he could go from workshop bench to piano bench and play hundreds of classical compositions on demand. A few weeks before he passed, my wife and I were at their house having wine, and he proudly showed me a the wine opener they had. If I had asked, (which I did not) Michael would have happily explained the physics behind why this particular tool worked better than others. Over the years, we had many discussions about current events, politics, etc. and he could always find the humor and irony in a situation without getting mean or snarky. He was one of the coolest people I have ever met, and I will miss him greatly. Gone too soon.

Although we didn't know each other well, we were joined by the love of the same woman. Michael was married to my ex daughter-in-law Jane. We were lucky enough to share a few meetings over dinner and wine and I heard some interesting stories and witnessed his sense of humor. I also witnessed the love between he and Jane and my granddaughter Shelly. You will be missed.

I did not know Michael for very long. Even so, his memory is a blessing that my wife Sheila and I will carry forward with us.

Peyman