El Diablo

Vol. 66 No. 6

December 20, 1985

Long time Diablo friend dies

by Mei Liu

A much cherished part of Mt. Diablo High's proud history passed away Wednesday, November 27, with the death of former MD coach, teacher, and Vice Principal, Peter J. Kramer, 85, in Mt. Diablo Community Hospital after a long illness.

A native of Colton, Wash., Kramer played football and basketball at Washington State University before beginning his coaching and teaching career at Mt. Diablo in 1925. Kramer, for 25 years handled MD's athletic program, and one year coached six sports: football, basketball, baseball, track, tennis, and swimming. He served as the inspiration for many MD students and teachers alike.

As head coach at Mt. Diablo, Kramer epitomized our motto, "Victory with Honor." His dedication and staunch support of MD continued as Kramer later became Vice Principal and dean of boys here at Mt. Diablo.

Ted McKinnon, former student and now U.S. Government teacher here at MD played football for Kramer. McKinnon remembered his former coach, "He had a tremendous influence on my life. Probably more than anyone else beside by family. This was true for thousands of others who knew him for 50 years. He wasn't just my coach, he was my friend. I can say that he had a big enough influence on me that I really believed that I could be in this line of work...That I could make a career of being a teacher, that it would be meaningful. He was just a man that everyone liked. No one could ever say that they didn't like him."

MD counselor, Mike Metcho, who worked with Kramer in the early 1960's said, "He was so easy to talk to. Very open and approachable. Pete Kramer was a kind, gentle man. He was such a likable guy. He always remembered people's first names. Everyone who knew him genuinely cared for him. He loved kids."

After Kramer's retirement in 1964, he continued to be an integral part of Mt. Diablo pride. The P.J. Kramer Gymnasium, and the P.J. Kramer Award, given each year to an outstanding MD student... both honored Kramer for his many years of service and deep loyalty to Mt. Diablo High School. Kramer was elected by the California Coaches Association to its Hall of Fame in 1967.

"Victory with Honor" has been the Red Devil Motto for over sixty years. Those three words embody Mt. Diablo spirit, dignity, and pride. Their inspiration...teacher, coach, vice principal, athlete, and gentleman...Peter J. Kramer.

Mt. Diablo High School will always love, admire, and respect you.