Ricky through the years. Photos from display and supplied by Lea Dowsett.
People within the Esperance community who knew and loved Ricky Kramer came together to honour him with a memorial service at the Esperance foreshore.
Mr Kramer grew up in Esperance and due to circumstances had been sleeping rough for many years, spending periods of his life in different WA cities.
He passed away unexpectedly a few weeks ago, although some who were known to him had noticed his state of wellbeing had been deteriorating.
On Tuesday, the not-for-profit agency Bay Of Isles Community Outreach organised a memorial service for Mr Kramer open to all who wanted to attend.
Community members gathered around, and took turns sharing memories, funny stories and a few words of just how much Ricky had meant to them.
“He was part of Esperance,” said Lea Dowsett who had met Mr Kramer when they were at school together in year 8.
Ms Dowsett said that she and Mr Kramer dated when they were 13 and she fondly remembered him buying her a giant pink teddy bear for Christmas.
“He was a bit of a charmer back in the day,” she said.
Ms Dowsett said Mr Kramer’s absence would be felt by those who knew him and even those who didn’t.
“You saw him around town so much,” she said.
“He was always polite, never hurt anyone. Used to always say hello to me.
“It feels weird that he’s not there.”
The memorial service was filled with tears and laughter as people recounted the ways Mr Kramer had touched their lives.
Sentiments of his honourable character and genuine kindness were echoed by many who chose to share.
Back in the day
