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Creamer -- Willis B. Creamer, 92, was born Sunday, September 25, 1910 in Leominster, MA. He passed away Monday, August 18, 2003. Will is survived by his wife, Anna; sons, Larry and wife, Sara; Richard; George and wife, Marianne; grandchildren, David; Joan and husband, Jeremy VonHarder; great- granddaughters, Kayla and Emily; stepsons, Steven and Dale Justus and their families; sister, Ethel; and special friends, the Francisco Salas family. Upon recovering from polio in the fall of 1943, Will's career began as a Personnel Supervisor at the Electromagnetic Separation Plant, known as Y-12, in Oak Ridge, TN. In early 1947 he accepted the position of Personnel Manager of the new organization known as ERDA, to study the feasibility of using atomic power to propel large cargo-carrying aircraft for the War Department. This required finding engineers and scientists who could envision beyond the then state-of-the-art. He was later tapped by the Atomic Energy Commission to be Director of Organization and Personnel for the entire weapons complex. He became the AEC Manager of the atomic weapons component production plant near Dayton, OH. One of Will's most rewarding experiences was to be responsible for providing the first radioactive heat sources which were used to power instrumentation and communications for the Apollo Program. Such sources have since been routinely used on all deep space application where sun panels cannot be used. He returned to Albuquerque during the transition to the Department of Energy, as Director of Industrial Relations, including Labor and EEOC activities. Will was recognized for his dedicated service by Who's Who from 1976-81. He was a shrewd contract negotiator and saved the U. S. Government many billions of dollars by finding the right people to fill a specific task, negotiating salaries and establishing the working conditions in government contracts. Will was active in civic and community affairs wherever he lived. He served on the first City Council in Oak Ridge, TN and on the Board of Directors of the Oak Ridge Health Association. He was a member of the Charter Commission of the new city of Centerville, OH. Following the New Mexico Prison Riot in February, 1982, he was instrumental in forming Citizens for Prison Change and worked tirelessly to get the Community Corrections Act passed. Will was part of Mayor Ken Schultz' Kitchen Cabinet. Following retirement, he became a world traveler. However, he could not restrain his ability to keep tabs on the expenses incurred by the U. S. Government. He wrote many OpEds for local papers and provided statistical analysis to a couple of national journalists. His most recent concern was how the proposed changes in Social Security would impact the National Debt AND the ordinary citizen. Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held Friday, August 22, 2003, 10:30 a.m. at Sange de Christo Catholic Community, 8901 Candelaria NE with Father Albert J.Podvin, Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Road Runner Food Bank, 2645 Baylor SE, 87106. French Mortuary 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE 275-3500
        Published on: Wed August 20, 2003