Robert Alphonso Kramer (July 31, 1906 – June 28, 1991) was an American-born Canadian football executive who was president of theSaskatchewan Roughriders from 1951 to 1953 and 1961 to 1965.
Kramer was born inPetaluma, California on July 31, 1906 to Albert Edward and Catherine Henrietta (Hughes) Kramer.[1] The family moved to Canada in 1917 and settled on a farm nearLethbridge. Kramer became a naturalized Canadian citizen in 1922.[2] Kramer graduated fromSt. Mary's High School inCalgary. On August 9, 1925, he married Alice Mannix, daughter ofFrederick S. Mannix. They had five children.[1]
Kramer's first job was teaching. He then spent 18 years with Mannix Co., a Calgary construction firm, where he rose from apprentice to construction supervisor to partner. In 1944, the company was sold to an American group.[2]
On June 1, 1944, Kramer became a dealer forCaterpillar Inc. inRegina, Saskatchewan. He formed Kramer-Church Tractor Co. with his brother, Thomas, and Clarence Church. Church died three years later and the company was renamed the Kramer Tractor Company.[3] By 1964, the company had 200 employees and $7.5 million in sales.[2] Kramer retired in 1980 and was succeeded as president by his son, Donald.[3]
Kramer became president of the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 1951. During his first season, he made a recruiting trip toNew York City, where he signed a number of players, including futureCanadian Football Hall of FamerMartin Ruby.[4] The Roughriders lostthat year's Grey Cup to theOttawa Rough Riders.[2] In 1960, Kramer was president ofWestern Interprovincial Football Union. He returned to the Roughriders presidency in 1961 and along with general managerKen Preston, hired a new coaching staff, led bySteve Owen, and signed future Hall of FamersRon Lancaster andGeorge Reed.[4] The Roughriders made 15 consecutive playoff appearances and won their firstGrey Cup in1966. Kramer was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1987.[4]