Thomas R. Kramer
August 8, 1945 – September 29, 2020
My brother Tom, was born in Texas as WWII was ending. When he was 2, our father was transferred back to Richland, Washington, a government owned town that housed thousands of workers employed at the Hanford Plutonium site. It was a unique community. There was no class distinction based on economics (every head of household was employed) or job description (employees were not allowed to tell what they did at Hanford) or lifestyle (the government had built all housing and resident selection was based on family size). Children growing up in Richland developed strong feelings of fairness and equality. When the family later moved to Yakima, Washington, it was a cultural shock to Tom, now in his teens. He discovered the real world could be biased on many levels- money, social status, gender and sexual orientation.
As a teen, Tom seldom dated, instead pursuing what would be a lifelong passion, flying. He worked at the local airport, gassing up private planes in exchange for flying lessons, proudly earning his pilot license.
Tom in later years admitted high school was a trying time. It was the era of “don’t talk about it” regarding homosexuality. He challenged his confused thoughts by joining the Marine Reserves and marrying. Living in Alaska with his wife and meeting new friends of diverse persuasions helped him face up to his feelings. After a gentle divorce, Tom moved to Seattle and quietly entered the social life of the gay community. By then, Aids had become a huge issue and Tom felt deep grief at the loss of friends and a former partner. He grieved also for the young boys and girls pushed out from homes and society because of their sexual choices. And then he met Bob and life became more focused and much happier. Together they opened their first “R” Place on Boylston. Its mission was to serve the gay community by providing a homey-like pub. There were sofas, arcade games, a player piano, books, puzzles and of course beer. By the entry door was a table with literature on Aids and gay events information. The LGBT community responded so enthusiastically that R Place eventually needed more space. They bought a building on Pike and Pine, hired more employees, added house events, and a small menu, ever striving to maintain a welcoming feel. R Place would soon become a Seattle icon. Financially successful and embedded in their community family, Tom and Bob began to discuss their legacy and the idea of a Foundation for homeless LGBT teens was born.
– Barb Krema, Tom’s sister – May 14, 2021
Robert J. Dietz
September 30, 1943 – April 22, 2015
Click here for the Facebook tribute to Bob from his family.
Frances Dietz (Robert’s mother)
January 3, 1921 – April 3, 2020
Fran and Bob.
Their favorite pastime.
Bob and Tom in their residence on the top floor of R Place.