In Memoriam
October 20, 1948 - May 20, 2026
Kevin “Bear” Kramer, 77, of Lincoln City, Oregon, passed away unexpectedly on May 20, 2026.
Born on October 20, 1948, in Compton, California, Kevin grew up in Southern California and graduated from San Gabriel High School before earning a degree in Marketing from the University of Southern California. A proud member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, he never forgot his fraternity roots and delighted in singing Kappa Sig songs to his granddaughters, affectionately calling them his “Kappa Sig sweethearts.”
Kevin's participation in ROTC led to a distinguished career in the United States Navy. As a fighter pilot, he flew high-performance aircraft and was selected as a student in the prestigious TOPGUN program in 1973. He retired from military service with the rank of Captain.
Aviation remained a lifelong passion. Following his Navy career, Kevin flew cargo aircraft around the world for Flying Tigers and later Federal Express, piloting planes of every size and type throughout a remarkable flying career.
Kevin raised his four children in Santa Ynez, California, where he embraced the coastal lifestyle he loved, spending his free time surfing, sailing, and enjoying the outdoors. He later married his longtime partner, Cinda, with whom he shared many happy years. Before retiring, he kept his beloved sailboat, Hotel California, at the Santa Barbara Yacht Club. In retirement, Kevin and Cinda relocated first to Portland, Oregon, and later to Lincoln City, where he enjoyed life on the Oregon coast.
Kevin is survived by his wife, Cinda; brother Otis (Joy) and sister Mary; his children, Matthew, Mark (Jules), Sarah (Chris), and Kate; his stepchildren, Molly (Mike) and Jeff (Jen); and his cherished grandchildren, Sophia, Jack, Tennyson, Eloise, Flora, Hunter, Clara, Henry, and Wyatt. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Caroline, whose mother, Kate Faust, remained a beloved part of his life.
Bear and Cinda - 2026 FTLPA Reunion
Known for his warmth, humor, adventurous spirit, and gift for friendship, Kevin will be deeply missed by his family and by the many friends he made throughout his life. Kevin will be remembered not only for his accomplishments but also for his extraordinary ability to bring people together. He made friends easily, stayed connected across decades, and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Bear and Cinda recently attended the Honolulu Reunion. How lucky for those of us who were able to be with him during this final days. Pictures posted to the gallery below were received by his best friends, Carter Harrington, Ed Henry and Mike Flood, some the last taken of them together after our dinner and dance on Thursday night.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Monday, July 27 2026 at the Santa Barbara Yacht Club. For more information and to RSVP click on the link or picture below.
Celebration of Life for Bear Kramer
Below is a gallery of photos sent to us from Bear's closest friends and family. Click on each to enlarge, or use the slideshow function to sit back and enjoy.
Anyone else wishing to contribute to this page with archived pictures or testimonials is encouraged to contact us at email@darkblue-jay-573624.hostingersite.com
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