His name was a regular on the monthly calendar at area nursing homes where he brought musical entertainment for listening and hand-clapping ... and reminiscing.

Leonard ìSmokeyî Cramer passed away July 7. He was 81.

Many might not have known how he got the nickname Smokey. It was during WWII. Cramer served with a medical unit and it was during this time that an entertainer came through the barracks and blew fire out of his mouth. So intrigued with the act was Cramer, that he began practicing on his own until he got it down pat. He then called the men together and as it noted in his obituary ìprepared to put on a good show.î

But he used too much lighter fluid and when he lit the match the fire came out of his mouth ìlike a dragon.î

He had to blow a lot to exhale all of the fluid and there was an explosion. At first the men nicknamed him ìfireballî but then one soldier reminded the others of how much smoke was in the room from the incident and suggested they call him Smokey.

And Smokey it was.

Cramer started entertaining at seven area nursing homes in five counties after he retired in 1986 as chief engineer at Memorial Hospital in Cambridge.

Some of his favorite instruments were the accordion and banjo, but he also played the mandolin, guitar, violin and keyboard. He also played with area music groups.

The folks at the nursing homes are surely going to miss him.

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