RIP: STEVE KRAMER, US FOREST SERVICE ARCHAEOLOGIST, COLVILLE NATIONAL FOREST

It is with sadness that we report on the sudden passing of  US Forest Archaeologist Steve Kramer. Steve had a natural proclivity to teach. He was patient, inspirational and always able to bring a little humor to any situation. He earned his BS at Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR and was awarded the Kolervo Obert Award for Outstanding Senior. He went on to earn an MA in Interdisciplinary Studies (degree awarded 2001)   In 1997 he began working in the field of his dreams as an Archeological Assistant for Oregon State University College of Forestry Research and also obtained his first appointment with the U.S. Forest Service working on the Lassen National Forest at Hat Creek Ranger District.  In 1998 he worked on the Boise and then the Cibola National Forests at the Mountain Air Ranger District and then moved to the Willamette National Forest with the Middle Fork Ranger District in 1999. In early 2001, Steve ventured into Colville to accept his first permanent appointment as Forest Archaeologist with the Colville National Forest. He worked as such until his death and managed his program with an integrity and passion that inspired and encouraged many co-workers within the extended agency.  Each summer he coordinated a Passport In Time (PIT) project at which volunteers from all over the US and his summer youth crews provided the labor to complete many cabin and homestead restoration projects on the CNF. Celebration of Life will be held for Steve on Saturday, June 9th, 2012 from Noon to 4pm at the home of his good friend and co-worker, Deb Gereaux. Please join us at 2280 Whitetail Lane (Pheasant Estates), Colville, WA.