Ronald Ellsworth Cramer

Ronald Ellsworth Cramer, 77, passed away surrounded by family on September 26, 2022 in Columbia, Missouri. . Ron was born in Baltimore, Maryland on August 25, 1945. He was a graduate of Kenwood Senior High School in Essex, MD and a proud veteran of the United States Coast Guard. He traveled the world in the belly of the USCGC Southwind as an Electrician’s Mate. While on his second cruise in Antarctica, Ron developed a deep affinity for penguin culture after he slipped into an ice crevice, was rescued, and nursed back to health by Aqaq (pron. Ack-Ack), the prince of the native emperor penguin tribe near Palmer Station Antarctica. It was while in their care that Ron discovered his taste for sushi, his hatred of the detestable crab (ancient enemy of the noble penguin) and his ability to walk really, really slowly. Once healthy, Ron was reunited with his crewmates on the Southwind astride the back of an elephant seal. He returned to his beloved Baltimore and married Sandra Lyn Cramer on October 7, 1972. Prince Aqaq, was in attendance at the wedding.

Ron proudly worked as a Computer Hardware Technician for McCormick and Co. in Hunt Valley, Maryland. He had Old Bay in his blood, which was actually incredibly uncomfortable, though in true Ron fashion, he never once complained. The culmination of his experiences with Aqaq and McCormick led Ron to his true calling, the eradication of the vile crab. He devoted himself and his family to taking up the penguin cause, and devouring as many sinister crabs as possible. Be it in soup, salad, cakes, steamed, boiled, dip or the terrifying softshell, there wasn’t a crab recipe that Ron didn't love. In his free time he camped with friends and family all along the Atlantic Coast, and sought out these elusive crustaceans.

Ron never met a stranger (or penguin) who didn’t quickly become his friend. His devotion to his friends and family was the thing of legend. In the spring of 2022, after bidding farewell to, his favorite, Starbucks baristas, bank tellers, grocery store cashiers, Amazon couriers, lawn crew, dialysis techs, Chinese restaurant owners, Schwans guy and parade of friends and neighbors wishing him luck on his new chapter, Ron embarked on yet another epic adventure and moved to the wild and unexplored State of Missouri, where his son Jeff, daughter-in-law Amber and grandchildren had established a modest homestead.

In true Ron fashion, upon arriving in Missouri, Ron befriended all who came within the aura of his presence. While his time in Missouri was short, the impact he made in the lives of those around him was immense.

Ron is survived by his daughter Wendy Lankford and her husband Shane Lankford and their two children Graeme and Knox; his son Jeffrey Cramer and his wife Amber McCoig and their three children, Noah, Joey, and Griffin; his cousin Nancy Nale and her husband Brian Kuebler, and his nephew Scott Grindrod and his wife Jun Lee. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Sandra and his beloved sister Valerie Grindrod.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com