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 A
final tribute:
If, as is commonly believed, the departed can watch over us, then
Peter will have been immensely impressed by those who were there to
pay their respects to him today.
The closeness of Marian and his loving family was there for all to
see, but even he will have been surprised by the massive squash
presence. England's best referees, led by special friend John
Massarella, all of whom worked with him, were in abundance.
Nick Matthew and James Willstrop represented the players and there
were many from the Sheffield area, for which he had done so much as
league secretary.
 Martin
Roberts, another close friend of Peter's, paid a moving tribute in
such an understated way that would have met with Peter's approval.
What shone through though was that this was a man, without malice,
dignified and unpretentious, beloved by his family and all who were
lucky to touch upon him. In his all too brief 57 years he has left a
mark of which many of us would be proud.
Without doubt Peter will, if heaven exists, be there, benign and in
some modest way content, watching over those he loved.
The weather, as it often is at such times, was harsh and cold,
reflecting perhaps that all is not right with a world that deprives
us of such a person prematurely.
Malcolm Willstrop
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All at SquashSite send their sympathy
to Peter's family and friends.
If you would like to send any contributions,
please get in
touch. |
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If anyone should wish to make a donation in Pete's memory,
monies to be payable to The British Liver Trust and
sent to the funeral directors:- Messrs. C. Pritchard & Son,
15, High Street, Swallownest, Sheffield. South Yorkshire. S26
4TT. |
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 It
was with great shock and dismay that I heard about Pete’s death. I
travelled to many places with him over many years and always enjoyed
his company. He always has us laughing at events and it is referees
like him that make refereeing enjoyable.
During my time as Referee Coordinator, Pete has always helped with
the organisation and running of events and been the stalwart on
which we could always rely to turn up and referee all day if needed.
There will be a large ‘hole’ in the Referees Room. Our bag of
‘lets’, ‘strokes’ and ‘no lets’ is now empty.
All our sympathies to Marion and family.
Joss Garvey
England Squash Referee Coordinator |
It is with great shock and sadness that
we received the news of the passing of Peter Kramer.
We, at the Portuguese Squash Community, will always remember Peter
has one the most important Squash referees all over the world and he
will be sorely missed.
Since he was at Porto Baviera Master Squash 2003, he was always a
reference for future Tournament referees and people enjoyed is
attitude as person and professional.
We offer our condolences to his wife and family. We shall miss him.
The www.Squashpt.com Team |
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It is with great shock and sadness that
I receive the news of the passing of Pete Kramer.
He will be sorely missed by the squash community, not only as a
referee at many events in his native England and around the world,
but also as a true gentleman and character who was admired by all.
I have only had the privilege of working with Pete at a few events,
but I did get to know him quite well and I feel that I am much the
better for those experiences.
My sincere condolences to Pete's loved ones.
Graham Waters
Director, WSF Referees & Rules Committee |
I
would like to say how sad I was to learn of Peter's death - he was a
stalwart member of our referees committee with many ideas and I was
very sorry when he had to resign due to ill health.
He was always a very willing helper on all aspects of the game of
squash and he will be sadly missed by many people.
I offer my condolences to his wife and family. We shall all miss
him.
Jennifer Barker
Chairman Referees Committee |
Peter and I worked together as referees
for well over twenty years and I always found him to be reliable,
trustworthy and charming; but most of all I adored his contagious
sense of humour! During this time Pete showed tremendous strength
and courage; he had great achievements and successes, especially
over the past eight years.
Pete was respected and admired by fellow referees and players alike
and will be sadly missed by one and all.
My thoughts and prayers are with Marion and his family at this
difficult time.'
Wendy Danzey |
So
saddened to hear the news of Peter yesterday. He was a real
gentleman both on and off court and a delight to play.
His attitude toward the game and his respect for colleagues and
players was a lesson to everyone associated with the game. It only
took a couple of minutes talking with him after a game to pick up on
his positive thoughts and his appreciation of the skills of the
players, no matter what 'verbals' had been directed toward him while
marking.
For many years he was 'Mr Sheffield and District'. The league could
not have functioned without his administrative skills, good humour,
dedication and plain common sense. All of us who enjoyed our leisure
time playing squash in South Yorkshire owe him a huge debt. He will
be a hard act to follow.
I will remember him as someone whose greatest attribute was his
ability to take pleasure from the success of others. We could do
with a lot more of it in this often sad and self-centred world.
David and Catherine Tranfield |
I was very sad to hear that Peter had
died and I would like to add my thoughts to those others who have
already paid tribute to him.
Peter and his friend John Massarella were frequent visitors to
Pontefract in the early days of their refereeing careers and later,
as their status increased, Peter was involved as National League
matches and major squash championships. His standing was recognised
by being elevated to international level.
Much as he was respected as a referee, it was as a man that he stood
out. Civil, mannered and affable he was what the word gentleman
implies/ He never had a bad word for anyone and no-one ever had a
bad word to say about him.
It will not seem the same not seeing him at Manchester, at The
Crucible, or at any of Yorkshire's Premier League clubs.
I personally would like to salute his memory, as would all those at
Pontefract who knew him. We send our thoughts of Peter to all his
relatives and friends, hoping in some small way to ease the pain.
Malcolm Willstrop |
It is with a tear in my eye that I
write these sad words. I've known of Peter for a number of years,
being part of squash events around the country. Sadly I only knew
him as a friend for a few short years. It was always a boost
when I found out that I would be working alongside Peter and John
Massarella. They where like the Morecome and Wise of the squash
world. always a joke and a story to tell, never afraid to laugh at
himself.
The green room at the crucible will be a darker place with out you
mate. God bless.
John Whitfield |
It was with great
sadness that I learned of Peter's passing.
He was one of nature’s gentlemen, a great character and a good
friend.
He will be sorely missed by all who knew him in the squash world.
May I offer my deepest sympathy to his family.
Jack Flynn |
I am
deeply saddened by the news of Peter's death. When I was growing up
in Sheffield, I would often practice at Killamarsh after school with
Phil, and Peter was always milling around the balcony making
cheerful remarks.
As my squash progressed so did his refereeing, and we often had the same
chats behind the glassback at Birley about 'whether it was a let or
a stroke' as we did in hotel corridors half way round the world! I
have great memories of playing for Hallamshire at home in National
League and looking up to Peter for a decision.
I agree with Nick M. - he definitely owned that seat! He will be
greatly missed.
Jenny Tranfield |
What a tragedy for his family and for
squash.
There are very few people who combine fairness with such a sense of
humour but he managed it easily.
He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure and privilege
of knowing him.
Dean Clayton |
 It
was with great sadness that I read of Peter Kramer's death today. He
was involved in the English Open from its birth three years ago and
there will a definite feeling of sadness when myself, Peter & Angus
start to put it all together again next year and the realisation
sets in that he won't be there to smooth things along.
However, there is no doubt he will always be a part of the event. He
made my life easier, was a pleasure to work with, and always
approached his role within the sport with good humour and a smile
on his face. A tough job in a tough job!
Our thoughts are with his family & friends.
Tim Garner |
It's
a sad loss for squash.
During my time living in Sheffield I got to know Peter well.
He always had a smile on his face and really enjoyed being around
squash.
He will be sadly missed. Our deepest sympathy to his family.
Paul Lord
and family |
I don't know how to say it , I just
read the news about Peter Kramer...
My deepest condolences to his family, his friends and to all who
ever had the chance to meet the man ... such a gentleman, decent,
understanding and above all always smiling. I never saw him angry,
always trying to help during the week of the British Junior Open
(this was the only time during which I saw him).
It is hard to imagine that the British Junior will not have him
around... hard to be at Hallamshire Cub and not find him.
Reeme Mansi |
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Everyone involved with squash in
Yorkshire is extremely saddened to learn of the recent sad news of
Pete's passing. Pete played an integral role in squash activities in
the county for a number of years raising refereeing standards in the
highly competitive Yorkshire League, Cup and County Closed
competitions.
 Yorkshire
is extremely fortunate to have what is probably the largest number
of active referees in the UK and Pete was instrumental in
encouraging potential referees to become involved and offering
guidance and assistance to those who wished to progress. Pete was
always eager to referee in county events whatever the standard and
he was highly respected by players of all ages and playing abilities
On a personal note, I became more involved in refereeing on a
national level over the last four or five seasons and it has become
noticeable that the atmosphere in the "referees room" has changed
from a formal nature to one that is more laid back and entertaining.
This change is down to Pete and his partner in crime, John
Massarella, and is one that is sure to encourage new, nervous
referees.
Pete has many friends in Yorkshire squash and will be greatly missed
by all.
All our deepest sympathies are extended to all Pete's family at this
sad time.
Jeff Williams
on behalf of Yorkshire Squash |
I would like to
pass on my sincere condolences to Peter's family.
As one of the younger referees on the circuit Peter was very
supportive and generous to me with his advice. I will miss him.
Jason
Foster |
Just read on the site about Peter…
really sorry to hear the news…
All my sympathy to his family
Nick Taylor |
We all have
special memories. When I started organising Cheshire events Peter
and the Yorkshire mafioso worked with me. What a laff! So many good
times ...
Linda Davie |
I would like to
express my great sadness and sorrow at the passing of Peter Kramer.
He was a true gentleman and a great character, he will be sorely
missed by all who knew him.
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to his family at this
very sad time.
Jack
Allen |
We have just heard that Peter died
while we are on holiday in Florida. It is a sad day. We have both
known Pete for many years of playing, refereeing and organising.
He brought a lightness of touch to all he did and his wit and humour
were never much below the surface. He even used to joke about taking
his ‘box of decisions’ to help him get through the difficult
matches! We will remember the good times and inevitably we will end
up with a smile on our faces.
His contribution to squash in Sheffield and South Yorkshire is
immeasurable and it is doubtful that the Sheffield & District league
would be still operating without his dedication.
Graham Dixon & Bob Mitchell
and all his friends at Abbeydale |
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Pete loved his squash, as a
player,
an administrator, and especially as a referee.
He was a loyal friend, full of wit and a great companion on our many
trips away together.
His popularity was so apparent in the concern so many people showed
during his illness.
His passing will be deeply mourned by the whole squash fraternity.
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I would like to express my shock and
sadness at hearing of the passing of Peter Kramer.
Since I first started playing for Duffield in the National League
some six years ago, Peter has been refereeing most of our home
matches and was one of the familiar faces I appreciated seeing every
time I travelled to the UK. He and his friend John Massarella are
among those people who have always been very friendly with me.
It will be a strange and sad feeling not to see him at our next
Premier League match and he will be sorely missed by all at
Duffield.
Renan Lavigne |
I am shocked at the news of Peter's passing.
At every tournament in which he was involved, he was always
professional, charming and full of wit.
Within the world of squash you meet good people, he was one of the
best.
Andrew Nickeas |
Pete
and I met some 20 years ago training as 'rookie' referees on the
Yorkshire Premier League circuit where we would often 'toss' a coin
to decide who got the 'difficult' match. Since then, we refereed,
played and worked together in squash and became close family
friends.
PK (as I called him) always considered his transplant operation a
great gift and he once told me how he greeted each day as a bonus in
his life. A very private man, he always put on a brave face and
rarely complained even during recent months when his health was in
decline.
His work as an International Referee and more locally, as League
Secretary with the Sheffield & District Squash League was sometimes
taken for granted as he worked without any fuss and did not seek
praise or attention. He gave a lot of his time and effort
unselfishly to helping others.
We will all miss his input to squash, but most of all I shall miss
my friend PK.
Our thoughts and sympathy are with his wife, Marion and family.
Martin & Val Roberts. |
On behalf of all
the PSA players present at the Saudi Arabia International, I would
like to express our sadness at hearing of the passing of World
Referee Peter Kramer yesterday.
Not only was Peter one of the most highly respected referees in the
world game, he was also very actively involved in squash at a local
level in and around my home city of Sheffield, and his presence and
passion for the game will be sorely missed.
It is a testament to Peter’s character that after having had a liver
transplant a few years ago, he won a Gold Medal in squash in the
World Transplant Games. I think this shows his love for squash, and
you can’t have enough of the characters involved in the game.
It is going to be a strange and sad feeling the next time I play a
match at our club, Hallamshire, and I look up to the referee and
Peter will not be sitting there. I will make sure that his favourite
seat is dedicated in his honour.
Nick Matthew |
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In addition to being a widely respected
referee and tournament official, Pete ran the Sheffield & District
Squash League for over 15 years.
His commitment and enthusiasm for squash was immense.
Very sad news.
The Fulwood First Team |
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Pete was not only a Hallamshire member
playing in our club leagues but also our National League MRC for
many years. He took on the role of Press Officer as well which took
much pressure off me as Team Manager.
Pete readily gave of his time to referee various exhibition matches
at Hallamshire and always lit up proceedings with his dry wit.
I remember on last World Squash Day he was refereeing a match
between Nick Matthew and Ong Beng Hee, the audience had bought
either white or blue raffle tickets and we would only draw tickets
of one colour depending on who won the match. Nick was playing for
the blue team and Beng Hee for the white team.
Nick turned to Pete after a long rally and asked for a let. "No Let"
said Pete, much to Nick's amazement. "Why No Let?" asked
Nick........... "Because I've bought WHITE raffle tickets," came
Pete's fast response.
Pete's endless voluntary work for Sheffield And District Squash will
be sorely missed and everyone at Hallamshire would like to send
their sympathy and condolences to Marion and Pete's family at this
sad time.
Hedley Matthew |
It is with
much sadness that I have to report that I received a text
message from John Massarella advising that Peter Kramer died on
Friday night peacefully with his family at his bedside.
Pete had been one of our regular National League referees from the
time Duffield joined the NL back in 1993 and was rarely absent over
the subsequent 12 years.
Pete was never an official to have his
decisions influenced by pressure from players, supporters or
managers under pressure and will be sadly missed.
Pete, who lived in Sheffield, also officiated at Hallamshire and would
have been delighted with the latest result from Saudi Arabia where Duffield’s
PSL No 1 and Sheffield star Nick Matthew reached the semi-finals.
Our sympathy goes to all Pete’s family.
Brian Hargrave |
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