Obituaries

 

Paul Scott Cram

Passed 03/20/2018

Text:

Obituary For Paul Scott Cram

Cram, Paul Scott, Age 65, Composer and musician, husband and father, died peacefully on March 20th at Oceanview, Eastern Passage NS.

Paul was born in Victoria BC on August 11,1952 to Ruby (Scott) and Tom Cram. He grew up in Vancouver playing sax and clarinet professionally before earning a Bachelor of Music from the University of British Columbia. Paul toured Canada extensively and co-founded several cutting-edge orchestras including the New Orchestra Workshop in Vancouver, Hemispheres in Toronto and Upstream in Halifax. Globe and Mail Music critic Mark Miller described Paul as "one of the rare musicians around whom ‘scenes’ seem to coalesce— his contribution as a leader, saxophonist and composer to creative music across Canada is immeasurable."

In 1990, Paul settled on the East coast with his wife Mary Vingoe where he co-founded and later became Artistic Director of Upstream Music Association, dedicated to new and improvised music. A prolific composer, he led ensembles and the Paul Cram Orchestra to festivals across Canada and abroad. Paul also wrote for television, film, theatre and dance. In addition to winning the prestigious FIPA D’OR (France) for his work in film, (One Heart Broken Into Song) and several nominations and a Merritt award (Refuge) for his theatre work, he was nominated many times for Juno and National Jazz Awards. His recordings include Blue Tales in Time, Beyond Benghazi, Campin Out and Live In Lisbon.

Paul was a loving father to and enormously proud of his daughters Katharine, a visual artist and Laura, a theatre director.

Paul leaves his wife Mary, daughters Katharine (Stephen Smith) and Laura, mother Ruby, sister Carol, brother in law Gregg and niece Julia. He was predeceased by his father, Thomas Cram.

Thank you to our long-time physician Dr. Kate McCormick as well as Dr. Claire Nowlan and the wonderful staff at Oceanview for their kindness and support. Cremation has taken place.

There will be a celebration of life on Tuesday March 27 at the Halifax Music Co-op at 7pm. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of NS.

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Condolences

  • 03/27/2018

    Cathy Thurston

    Dear Mary, Katharine & Laura. We send hugs to you all at this difficult time. Paul was very special. Cathy & Harry Thurston

  • 03/26/2018

    Andrew Thomson

    Dear Mary and family -- my condolences to you all. Paul was a wonderful man. His music, always intelligent, always emotional, has given me a lot of pleasure, and will continue to do so.

  • 03/26/2018

    Cindy Tupper

    My condolences to Mary and Family. Parrsboro will miss him

  • 03/24/2018

    Mark Duggan

    I remember working with Paul in the Hemispheres ensemble in the 1980s and later again with Upstream in Halifax. His endless energy and passion for playing music was always an inspiration. RIP Paul

  • 03/24/2018

    Susan Hoover

    So sorry to hear of Paul's death. He was such a brilliant man. He will be missed.

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