In 1963 Lloyd Dempsey started an insurance agency out of Stoughton. From the area Dempsey knew there was a need for people around Stoughton to have quality service from someone they trusted, a fellow community member.
By 1979 Don Tramer took over the family business after moving his family from Calgary. This included Keith Tramer, who would go on to take over the Tramer Insurance Brokers in 2004.
With Keith's parents deciding it was time to retire he eventually decided to return to Stoughton.
"I was away working in my music store," Keith explained. "Yes, selling CD's, cassettes, and, yes, the occasional LP in Brandon, working at the radio station (KX96) and chasing my future wife. My brother was going to take over, but he caught wind of the oilfield money and the rest is history."
Recently Keith came to the decision of selling Tramer Insurance Brokers, though a third generation business it became a simple decision as he put his family first. This led to the selling of Tramer Insurance Brokers to Yorkton business Farrell Agencies.
"Jason Farrell and Dave Nussbaumer, the two principals of Farrell Agencies have been long term friends and colleagues," Keith stated. "I have a 27-month-old baby girl. Her mother lives in Regina, we share custody. So, I go back and forth a lot. So Regina is my future."
"It flowed from my need to be in the city to be a better father."
Though somewhat difficult to give up the family business and what they have been able to do in the community, Keith simply wants to be there for his daughter.
"Having a child changes everything," Keith explained. "It's all for her. I have no regrets. The family still owns the building and I have retained accreditation and licensing and remain in daily contact with the new owners, former staff, and with clients. When you take a personal interest in your community it's only proper to keep tabs on it."
Tramer Insurance Brokers have worked hard since 1963 to give back to the town, which Keith said brings some of the best memories of living in Stoughton to mind.
"Being able to influence change," Keith stated. "To encourage good. To pursue acts of good. Funding the golf course, the pool, the rinks, I have made it my purpose to goad or chide people into donating, putting others in front of your own needs/ego. Doing Shanara's Evening was a culmination of that idea."
"Good comes from good."
Keith now plans to travel briefly before settling in Regina to be close to his daughter.
"Next month I am off to Africa and the Middle East," Keith explained. "Always been a dream to see the pyramids and ancient Greece. So off I go for a month."
Following his return to Saskatchewan Keith will pursue a couple of different interests.
"I am developing some residential/commercial real estate in Stoughton and Regina," Keith said. "I have entertained a couple of insurance related employment opportunities."
The community has had a large affect on Keith.
"[I] have loved almost every minute of it," Keith explained. "Even the very hard, dark parts. [I] am thankful for my time serving the area on various boards and councils, representing our area and province on the provincial IBAS board, helping fundraise donate in time and energy to a multitude of endeavors."
It's this community spirit, which Keith will miss most but he has been blessed with good friends and family making the decision to move where he can put his daughter first even easier. Though he will cherish his memories here.
"To see my friends and schoolmate's kids grow up, give them their first licence," Keith reminisced. "To live in the same town as my grandparents. To live down the street from my mom and dad. Seeing how they helped and supported the community inspired me to even greater degrees."
Overall Keith said the move will be difficult, but family comes first even though goodbyes may initially be difficult.
"Moving to Regina will be the hardest part," Keith stated. "I love my town. I believe Stoughton is the greatest prairie town in the world."
