June 23, 1962 – March 20, 2017
Bert James Kramme, born on June 23, 1962 to Gayla and John Kramme, and passed away on March 20, 2017. Bert was an outdoor man from the start. His family called him B.J., and he also earned the name “Pig Pen” from his Uncle Tom. He and his brothers Curt and Pat spent many hours working for the family business, Doran Riding Stables, which eventually became the home of Loomis Trail Golf Course. With friends Eric and Jim by his side, he would explore California Creek for hours; it must have been there that he developed his fondness for water. Photography was one of his favorite hobbies, and would almost always feature ocean, rivers, shore birds and wildlife. Athletic by nature, Bert was a member of the 1978 Blaine High School football state championship team where he set the record for most points scored by a high school kicker in the King Dome. He also loved music and attended countless concerts with friends. In fact, he and his daughter Emily recently went to see Billy Joel together. He also loved taking his son Eli to Mariner games, passing his love for baseball on to the next generation.
Bert had an uncanny knack for fixing things which led to his career of nearly 15 years at the Intel Corporation. He made good friends at the Arizona and Oregon facilities and was appreciated by many in the work place for his contributions. Among other qualities, he was a phenomenal “Pop Pops” and loved spending time with his grandchildren, Luke and Genevieve. He is survived by his wife of almost 30 years Tami Kramme, Blaine; son Eli (Kelsey) Kramme of Blaine; daughter Emily (Leckie) Gunter of Renton; parents, John and Gayla Kramme, Casa Grande, AZ; brothers, Curt (Wendy), Lynden, Pat (Julie), Blaine; grandchildren, Genevieve Gunter and Luke Kramme and his favorite dog Archy. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and sister/brother/parent-in-laws.
Bert was taken too soon, unexpectedly, and had so many things left to do. He is loved by so many and will be missed terribly. Visitation will be held Friday, March 24, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Westford Funeral Home, 1301 Broadway, Bellingham, WA. A celebration of Bert’s life will be held at Westward Funeral Home on Saturday, March 25 at 1 p.m. You may share memories with the family at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.
