Marshall Bruce “Bud” Cramer
September 4, 1931 – January 20, 1979
47 years, 4 months, 18 days

With apologies to other family members who may not recall events or see things as I do, I will share my remembrances of Bud. These are things he told me and things gleaned from my own observations and memory. What I write here will not begin to tell it all. On September 4, 1931, in Bellwood, Pennsylvania, a bouncing baby boy was born to Carl and Dorothy Cramer, the first of their six children. This ten-pounder was named Marshall Bruce whereupon his Aunt Lucille said, “Humph, I don’t like Marshall and I don’t like Bruce. I’m going to call him Buddy”. So Buddy or Bud he became. His first seven years were spent in Pennsylvania and he had many happy and typical childhood memories of life there. Then it was on to Niagara Falls and city living. It was quite a contrast from quaint little Bellwood. Fortunately the next move was to East Wilson and he was back to country living with new friends, new school and the great outdoors. Bud had lots of interesting stories of life and growing up in that house on Chestnut Road.

He and his siblings attended Wilson Central School. I don’t know that Bud was an exceptional student. He did have an artistic flair and enjoyed music, especially playing in the band – French horn and baritone. He could play most of the brass instruments. Bud marched with the American Legion Band for several years in Memorial Day parades and field days. He thought he looked quite good in his uniform. While in school, he had some involvement in sports and Future Farmers of America.

Bud liked, no, loved cars. I believe his first was a 1934 Pontiac followed by many more over the years. His goal was to own a Cadillac and he achieved it twice. At one time he owned and drove a stock car. Friday nights were spent at the Ransomville Speedway. Scary!

Bud graduated from high school in June of 1950. He and I (the girl next door) were married August 26th of that year. Bud was probably making $35 a week. Can you imagine! But we were young and times were different. God blessed us with two (There aren’t enough “good” adjectives to describe.) kids – Robin Leigh born on October 17, 1951, and Marshall Shannon, better known as Rusty, on April 14, 1953.

Bud was saved when as a teenager he attended an evangelistic crusade. He said to himself “If one more person goes forward, I will too.” Someone did and true to his word Bud responded and became a child of the King. Church, Sunday School, Young People’s Meetings were all important to Bud and since I too was a believer it was natural that church became our way of life. Bud led singing, played trumpet, sang in the choir and men’s quartet, and served on the church board as a trustee. He was a faithful, active church member.

Bud was a leader. His personality was one that drew others, old and young alike. When he walked into a room it was as if all the lights came on. Today we would say “he has charisma.” He could really tell a story and someone once said, “I never knew anyone who could tell so many clean jokes.”

Bud worked a lot of different jobs over the years, each one another rung up the ladder. He had a lot of determination and when the Niagara Falls Power Project began he went and applied for a job as a millwright, which he was not. Like the widow in the Bible who kept after the judge until he took care of her problem, Bud hounded the Union Hall until they said “OK. We’ll give you a try, but if you can’t do the work we don’t want to see you again.” Needless to say he not only helped build the Power Plant but he was on maintenance there after it was built and operational. At the time of his “home going” Bud was still working as a millwright although not at the Power Plant.

There was always a desire in Bud’s heart to return to Pennsylvania. When a job opportunity with a company in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, arose, we made the move. Eventually Bud became Field Superintendent for this company and traveled to job sites in several states. He really enjoyed his work. He was a good boss, respected by his company and co-workers. He knew how to get the job done!

For a time it appeared Bud turned his back on God, family, friends, and his former way of life. Why? Only God knows. It seemed he was searching for something or some answers to situations that had arisen in his life. Did he ever find that something or the answers? Again, only God knows. (I have never believed Bud’s problem was with God, but rather struggles within him and with people who had hurt and disappointed him.) While he was not with his family in person we knew we could still count on him. He was only as far away as the telephone.

The last months and weeks of Bud’s life were spent mending fences, making things right. We were all together in Pennsylvania for Christmas – kids, spouses, grandkids. Bud enjoyed our time together, especially with our three grandchildren - Michele and Shannon, Rusty’s kids, and Jennifer, Robin’s daughter. We made plans to gather as a family in “Big Sky” Montana for Christmas 1979.

Bud also visited family in New York prior to his death. In January he went to Florida to spend time with Mum and Daddy. It was there on January 22, 1979 God call him “home.” His earthly life began and ended with Mum and Daddy.

Bud’s death was due to a heart attack. As a child he suffered from rheumatic and scarlet fevers and also life-threatening lockjaw which may have contributed to his weakened heart condition.

Bud never wanted to grow old and God granted his desire. He has been in heaven for over twenty-nine years now. I think often of how much he is missed here with our family. On the other hand I rejoice that he has been experiencing heaven all this time. Bud’s death at the young age of forty-seven created an emptiness in all our lives. Still we praise God for the promise of His Word that we will see him again in a grand family reunion. It could be today! Bud would say, “Are you ready? If not, get ready!”

John 3:16
Barbara Ridley Cramer Miller