Harkness Warren Cram Jr., 76

Harkness Warren Cram Jr. died on October 3, 2009 at the Hospice McCarthy Care Center in Sandwich, MA. He was 78. While a resident of Pelham, he served as an elder at Huguenot Memorial Church and was a member of the Pelham Board of Education.

Mr. Cram was born in Mt. Vernon, NY, the son of Harkness and Ruth Cram, and the family moved to Pelham in 1944. After graduating from Pelham Memorial High School, Mr. Cram received his BBA from Pace University. He was stationed in Quantico, VA from 1953–1955 and reached the rank of 1st Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps.

Mr. Cram’s advertising career began at Dowd, Redfield & Johnstone, continued as vice president at J. Walter Thompson Company, and then senior vice president at N.W. Ayer, supervising accounts including Revlon, Chesebrough-Ponds, Miles Laboratories, American Red Cross, Rolex, Samsonite, AT&T, and De Beers. He also promoted “American Orchestras On Tour” and “Live at Lincoln Center with Vladimir Horowitz,” sponsored by AT&T.

A resident of Weston, CT for 28 years, his enthusiasm for the arts was expressed as a board member of Society of Medalists; chairman of Weston Cultural Events Committee; and a board member of First Night Westport/ Weston. He served as deacon at Norfield Congregational Church and on the Board of Directors, Institutes of Religion & Health, New York, NY.

A resident of Dennis, MA since 1996, Mr. Cram devoted his retirement years to a radio ministry and other duties for Brewster Baptist Church.

For 53 continuous years, he maintained gardens with flowers, fruits and vegetables. More significantly, he mentored many individuals, encouraging them to work hard at achieving their dreams and improving their communities. His planting seeds of food, faith, friendship and family are his continuing gifts to all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Louise (nee Allen); his two sisters: Carolyn Cram and Elizabeth Bucher of Pelham; his two sons and daughters-in-law: Peter and Regina Cram of Glastonbury, CT and Richard and Susan Cram of Medfield, MA; his daughter: Katherine Cram of St. Petersburg, FL.; seven grandchildren: Peter and wife Kaitlyn, Meredith, Tierney, Victoria, Rachel, Devon, Aaron; and one great granddaughter: Maranatha. He was predeceased by one infant grandson, Warren.

A Memorial service was planned for Oct. 8, at Brewster Baptist Church and memorial donations may be made to the church.

This is part of the October 9, 2009 online edition of The Pelham Weekly.