Patrick Joesph Kraemer passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, age 60. Survived by the love of his life, his wife Kathy Mortimer. A true partner in family, hiking, camping, adventure, house renovations, eradicating invasive species on their property in Creemore, canning, large family gatherings, celebration of all the holidays and great parties with friends. They enjoyed the happiest dance party at their home in the spring of this year between hospitalizations and treatments. Patrick was so thankful for help from his neighbours and friends while he was sick and even more thankful for their friendships over the years. Survived by his son Oscar, an amazing pitcher for the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, an activity Patrick made priority over almost everything else. He just loved watching Oscar pitch. Survived by his child, Asher (nee Louise), his right-hand helper and one of the most beautiful, caring and compassionate people in Patrick’s life. Asher is about to achieve their true potential and achieve great things in their personal life and the journey they are on. Get ready world. Patrick’s greatest loss was that he will miss out on the rest of their lives. Survived by his Mother Jean Ann Kraemer (nee Downey). Predeceased by his father Kevin Paul Kraemer (2004). Patrick loved and respected his parents and family and loved to reminisce about his childhood. Predeceased by Don and Mary Mortimer (nee Lipnicki), Kathy’s parents. Their years together were marked by caring, love and supporting each other through their old age and illness. Survived by Kathy’s siblings Wendy Mortimer and Brent Sleep of Coe Hill, John and Karen Mortimer of Hanover and Lori Mortimer and Ivan Smith of Lucknow and their families. Survived by his 11 siblings, their spouses, children and grandchildren being Rosemary and Doug Blenkiron of Belwood, Paul and Linda Kraemer (nee Sparry) of Elora, Colleen and Steve Cudney of Elora, Jack Kraemer of Kitchener, Dianne and Ted Flewwelling of Elora, Kevin Kraemer and Joe Jericho of Kitchener, Michael Kraemer of Toronto, Greg Kraemer and Lance Harding of Brisbane, Australia, Larry Kraemer of Fergus, Anna Marie and Marty Green of Fergus, and Kathryn and Dave Hennick of Guelph. Patrick was grateful for all of the help his siblings provided during his illness, for the great times they shared together and strength that came with being part of a strong family based on fidelity, mutual support, love of our parents and our Catholic faith which our parents proudly passed onto us. Survived by his daughters Justine Kraemer of Guelph and Madison Kraemer of Toronto from his previous marriage. Although estranged for many years, Patrick had fond memories of raising his daughters when they were infants and children. Patrick was dedicated to fulfilling his dreams, helping people, building stuff, having fun, seeking out adventures and achieving a broad community of family and friends. Patrick’s first profession was as a farmer. His childhood instilled in him a love of an honest day’s work, caring for animals, growing crops and creating a successful farm. It wasn’t to be; the economics of farming, his youth and all the other random things that happened made this a long-held but short-lived dream. He subsequently worked in construction, having been taught the skills of a carpenter and a mason by his father, brothers, brothers-in-law and the many other men who weighed in on his development as a construction worker. He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a building inspector. He obtained his Undergraduate degree from the University of Guelph, a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of Waterloo and finally a LLB degree from Osgood Hall Law School at York University. Patrick was a voracious reader and writer and loved to learn. He commenced his practice of law in 2006 after having articled at Shibley Righton LLP in Toronto. Patrick found his true calling. At the time of his illness, he was proudly operating Kraemer LLP in downtown Kitchener after having survived the challenges of the COVID pandemic. His so-called true calling could become overwhelming for him and his family. So immersed in his work, it was common for one of his children to call him at the office before it got dark to tell him the time and that supper was on the table waiting for him. He was often surprised that his day was at an end, and he had completely lost himself in his work. Practicing law gave Patrick an opportunity to help people, often people who had no one else to turn to. He also loved the law as an intellectual endeavour, a vehicle to obtain justice and to add to the body of knowledge of how we govern the complex and intricate rules of society. His first disappointment on hearing of his cancer diagnosis was the loss of his practice of law, of terminating his wonderful and dedicated employees and advising his clients that he could no longer help them. Patrick was a skillful negotiator successfully resolving many disputes in his client’s favor. He loved being in court to advocate for his clients. He was particularly proud of his numerous appearances at the Ontario Court of Appeal, advancing the law in numerous areas including pensions, corporate governance, the rights of municipalities to regulate private land use, and exceptions to extend times under the limitations act. He appeared in all levels of the Ontario Courts, the British Columbia Supreme Court, the Alberta Superior Court, the Manitoba Court of Appeal, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court. In addition to his professional endeavours, Patrick dedicated his time to numerous voluntary activities. He was trustee and chairperson of the Wellington County Catholic School Board, member and chairperson of the Louise Marshall Hospital, Mount Forest, coach of Mount Forest minor soccer, and coach of Kitchener minor soccer, hockey and baseball. He was trustee of the Waterloo Law Association, member of the Ontario and Canadian Bar Association and a number of other associations. He loved to run and to play hockey on Tuesday night and Sunday morning with the “boys” but retired several years ago. He loved cars, renovating houses, building and fixing stuff. We all benefitted from his time and talents. Patrick expressed few regrets although he would often say he regretted not knowing and connecting with Kathy when they were younger. He thought their great life together could have been even better if it had been longer; even more life changing and fulfilling. Patrick’s family will received relatives and friends from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00pm on Monday, April 7, 2025 at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick St., Kitchener 519-749-8467. The Funeral Mass took place at 11:30am on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at Sacred Heart RC Church, 66 Shanley St., Kitchener followed by interment at Mount Hope Cemetery, Waterloo. As expressions of sympathy donations to a fund set up for the eduction of Oscar and Asher would be appreciated by the family (cards may be placed at the funeral home). Visit www.henrywalser.com for Patrick’s memorial.
