Bob Bramman

June 4, 1928 - December 16, 2024

Dr Robert Bramman passed away peacefully at the age of 96. He was born in Dallas, Texas, to Maurice and Josephine Bramman. Bob was the eldest of two children, a big brother to the late Betty Jo Bramman Somers '49.

During his early years Bob spent summers on his grandparent's family farm in Clarkson, Nebraska. This is when and where he developed his interest in animals of all kinds. His family moved to Southern California while he was in his early teens, where he attended and graduated from South Pasadena High School. While navigating through high school, Bob maintained and expanded his desire to care for animals. This path led him to the University of California, Davis, where he attended the esteemed College of Veterinary Medicine.

While excelling in his educational endeavors, Bob married Diane Gardner of San Marino. Bob and Diane moved to Greenbrae in Marin County for Bob's first employment opportunity at the San Rafael Animal Hospital. In quick succession, they were blessed with three children after moving to a new home in Marinwood. While working full time at the animal hospital, Bob enjoyed the perspective and vision of the local Kiwanis Club and he maintained that affiliation for many years.

As an established veterinarian, his next career opportunity took the family to Carmel where he partnered with a former college classmate at the Carmel by the Sea Veterinary Hospital. He joined a local Kiwanis club and in 1975, following in the footsteps of his father, he joined the Fraternal Order of Freemasonry. After nearly 40 years in veterinary medicine, he retired from the Carmel by the Sea Veterinary Hospital.

Bob became extremely active in the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star where he met and married Jean Baughn, and they settled in Salinas. He achieved Lodge Master status at Carmel Lodge #680, amongst a variety of other achievements along the way. Giving almost 50 years to the Masonic Lodge and associated philanthropic organizations, focusing on service to others, he continued to do what he loved. Bob was always delighted to share his time, knowledge, and his big smile.

He enjoyed gardening and puttering in the yard, whether it was a lunch break from work or all weekend restoring order in the yard after a storm had blown through. He was deeply appreciative of the natural beauty on the Monterey Peninsula. With his local knowledge and interest in animals, he was a very popular docent at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

He had a variety of nicknames that were established over his lifetime:  'Spider', 'Doctor Bob', 'BoBo', 'Bobby B', 'Robert Maurice', 'Daddy Buggs', or 'Rapid Robert'. He will always be remembered for his ability to consume large volumes of salad, his over-cooked toast, Bolo ties, his big smile and welcoming personality. Bob touched countless lives and will be dearly missed.

Bob is survived by his three children:  Mark Bramman of Del Rey Oaks; Eric (Robin) Bramman of Mesa, Arizona, Kelly Bramman Gardiner of Phoenix, Arizona; and three grandchildren.

Salinas Californian, February 18, 2025