Wallace CRAM

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CRAM: Wallace Douglas Cram passed away, with his family at his side, on March 17, 2009, at the Assiniboine Centre in Brandon. Wallace was born in Morden, the youngest of eight children, on January 26th 1920, to father W. J. Cram, school inspector, and mother Maddie (nee Mckay). He was predeceased by sisters Grace, Helen, Eva, brothers Murray, Bill, King, and Jack; and daughter Colleen. Wallace is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Frances (nee Cochlan), son Jack (Marina), grandsons Jason, Riley, Benjamin, granddaughter Kelly; son Dr. David (Liz), grandsons Jordan, Aaron, John; son-in law Ken Sommerfield, and granddaughter Leah. Wallace received his grade school education in Morden, working in the summer as a paper boy, pitching sheaves, and later in the greenhouse at the experimental farm. He enlisted in the Armed Forces in August, 1940 and trained at various bases in Canada and overseas. On his return home he was stationed at Gimli air base as a link trainer instructor. Wallace married Frances June 10th, 1944. Following his Air Force discharge in 1945, he attended the College of Optometry in Toronto and graduated in 1948. After a year of internship in Winnipeg he opened his own practice in Neepawa, Manitoba in July 1949, at first operating out of a hotel room. As Wallace’s practice grew, he moved to the Alquire block and later purchased his own building, continuing as an optometrist until his retirement in 1988. Throughout his lifetime Wally was an avid sportsman, beginning with hockey and tennis, and followed in his later years, by curling and golf. He was a keen bridge and cribbage player. While building his career in Neepawa, he gave back to the community through his service as a school trustee, a town councilor, and as president and long time member of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Lions Club, Golf Club, and Curling Club. Throughout his life, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. A service to celebrate Wallace’s life will be held at the United Church in Neepawa on Saturday March 28th at 2:00 p.m. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the charity of their choice in memory of Wally. In care of arrangements White’s Funeral Home Neepawa - Carberry. (204) 476-2848.

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 24, 2009