Obituary of Joseph "Joe" Cramer

Joseph Dawson Cramer of Camrose, Alberta passed away peacefully on the first day of September, 2012 at the age of 81 years with family at his side. Joe was born February 18, 1931 to Anabel and Cromwell Cramer of Kingston, Ontario. As a young adolescent it was apparent; Joe was a motivated, confident entrepreneur, beaming with honesty, integrity and humor. Joe married Margaret Spencely and became the proud father of four sons; Joey, Jim, Jeffrey and John. Eager to provide a better life for his family he decided to move west to Alberta in the early 1950's. Windows of opportunity opened for Joe as he pursued his careers with Imperial Oil and Muttart Builders. Before long, his sales abilities stood out as he became a notable high performing salesman. As his hard work ethics were earning him a reputation in the industry, he was offered a position with Engineered Homes in Calgary as a construction manager and in a very short time advancing to senior vice-president. It was time for Joe to follow a dream! To start his construction company and did so firstly in Fort McMurray, Alberta in the booming early 1970's. It was at this time in his life Joe met Paula and her two sons, Gene and Sean Willms. Joe and Paula married in 1978 and settled in Innisfail, Alberta, providing a new home for their sons. In May of 1978, Joe continued on in the construction business along with his son Jim. In 1983 the family moved to Red Deer where Joe and Jim went on to build a number of funeral homes in central and southern Alberta. In 1988 the Norsemen Inn in Camrose presented itself; Joe was offered an opportunity he could not refuse. Although he had no formal education or experience in the hospitality industry, there was a sense of excitement; the project intention would be to completely renovate and sell! Joe continued to build funeral homes across Canada bringing on Stalcorp as an additional partner. Life was fulfilling, filled with love, rewarding, and the prospects were unlimited. While continuing to make their home in Red Deer and commuting to Camrose, the Norsemen Inn project was thriving! Joe soon realized the hotel business really was a lot of fun, business and personal relationships were developing; it was logical to move and in 1996, Camrose became home. Eventually the hotel would be managed and subsequently owned by Joe and Paula's son, Sean, all under Joe's guidance. It was important to Joe, that the staff, customers and friends he made through the Norsemen Inn, would continue to be nurtured and well taken care of under Sean's leadership; this gave Joe a very calm sense of pride, satisfaction and joy. It also gave Joe and Paula the opportunity to spend winters in the California sunshine, which he loved! Joe had a strong faith being active in the United Church for the past 35 years and a long time member of the Camrose Masonic Lodge. It was through the Church he met Reverend Brian Hunter, this would become a lasting friendship, respect for each other and an understanding of the word of the Lord. Joe's composed nature was built on a relationship of believing that right here, right now, is exactly where we are supposed to be. When Joe's health was challenged he still felt he had been blessed with so many opportunities in every component of his life and the biggest blessing was Paula, his six sons and their families. For the past fifteen years Joe and Paula enjoyed six months each year in Palm Desert and six months in Camrose. In 2008 Joe's health was challenged by a stroke however this did not slow him down, the winters away continued and the participation in the Norsemen Inn and every event relative to a celebration with the family was pivotal in Joe's lifestyle. Joe's health weakened over the past few weeks requiring hospitalization, an opportunity for family and friends to say "good-bye" prior to his passing. Joe was predeceased by his parents Anabel and Cromwell Cramer, two sons Joey and Jeffrey, sisters Della, Dorothy and Bernice and his mother-in-law, Shirley Taylor. Joe is survived by his wife and best friend. Paula, sons, Jim Cramer (WILLA), John Cramer (Lynn), Gene Willms (Lisa) and Sean Willms (Paige), his grandchildren, Perry (Colleen), Duncan, Haley, Brandon, DJ, Curtis, Jaeger, Layne, Jacob, Autumn and Zachary. Joe is also survived by his sister, Marie Henwood of Elginburg,Ontario, Gil Taylor of Camrose , his nieces and nephews, as well as the many hearts he has touched in friendship, throughout his journey. Rest in peace Joe! A celebration of Joe's life was held on Sunday, September 9, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. from Messiah Lutheran Church (4810 50 Street, Camrose, AB) with Rev. Brian Hunter officiating. Interment has taken place in the Camrose Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to The Battle River Community Foundation.