Beloved local politician Daryl Kramp passes away at 76

By Nate Smelle

Flags were flying at half mast throughout the riding of Hastings – Lennox and Addington on Thursday, Feb. 8 in response to reports that well-known politician Daryl Kramp had passed away that day at the age of 76. He died at Kingston General Hospital surrounded by his wife Carol Ann, and their three beloved daughters, Kari, Taryl and Shelby.
Prior to Kramp's career in politics, he worked as a police officer, a restaurant owner and a
part-time instructor at St. Lawrence College in Kingston. Throughout Kramp's political career, he served on all levels of government. He was first elected to office as a municipal councillor in Madoc, before taking on the role of deputy reeve. In 2004, Kramp served under former prime minister Stephen Harper as the Conservative Member of Parliament for the now dissolved riding of Hastings Prince Edward. He remained in this office until 2015 after he was unseated by former MP Mike Bossio, when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberals ousted the Harper government. In 2018, Kramp returned to politics when he was elected as the Member of Provincial Parliament for the riding of Hastings — Lennox and Addington.
As a longtime member of Bancroft council, Deputy Mayor Charles Mullett worked closely with Kramp over the years. Describing him as a “true gentleman” and a “wonderful family man,” Mullett said Kramp helped the Bancroft area in many ways. For example, he recalled the great amount of work Kramp put into helping to get grants for the town to rebuild the train station and the new library building in Bancroft.
“I felt that he had the interests of his constituents always in the forefront'” said Mullett.
“And he was a great guy to just sit and visit with. I have done that a few times at different conventions, he had a lot of knowledge since he
was a federal Member of Parliament, as well as a provincial member and before that a member of his local council.”
Bancroft's Mayor Paul Jenkins also got to know Kramp well while he was in office. Remembering the beloved elected official, Jenkins said, “Daryl was a great representative for our region. One story that comes to mind was his efforts to secure funding for our upcoming library project. We had submitted our application which Daryl reviewed and thought it was one of the best projects in his riding. He accompanied us to a meeting with Municipal Affairs Minister Clarke and lobbied passionately about the merits of the project. We were ultimately successful, on large part due to Daryl's efforts. He will be missed. 
Flags were lowered outside of the Hastings Highlands municipal office as well, in honour of Kramp's life of service. In a press release from Feb. 9, Hastings Highlands Mayor Tony Fitzgerald acknowledged how Kramp had “proudly and honourably” served the constituents of Prince Edward-Hastings as a Conservative MP, before serving as MPP in Hastings – Lennox-Addington. He also highlighted how through the tenure of his career Kramp had demonstrated “unwavering support and commitment to public service – across all levels of government and in support of the communities and constituents he served.”
“On behalf of Hastings Highlands council, I'd like to express condolences to Daryl's family and thank him for his dedicated years of service” added Fitzgerald.
“The staff and council of the Municipality of Hastings Highlands extends our sincerest condolences to the friends and family of Daryl Kramp during this time. Our Municipal Office flags will be kept at half-mast in his honour.”
Funeral arrangements were made at Rushnell Funeral Home in Madoc, at 112 Durham Street South, on Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; and again on Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Father Justin Pulikunnel, at Sacred Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, 115 Durham Street North Madoc, on Thursday, Feb. 15, at 11 a.m. Officers and Members of Central Hastings Masonic Lodge #48 A.F. & A.M., are also requested to assemble at the Funeral Home on Wednesday Afternoon for a 3:30 p.m. Service of Remembrance.