Obituary for
Robert Allan « Al » Cameron
On Tuesday, August 28, 2018, Robert Allan (Al) Cameron died peacefully in the Souris General Hospital, Souris, MB. Born in Miniota, Manitoba on May 27, 1943 to Peter Cameron and Mary McKeand Cameron (nee Walker), Al grew up on the Cameron homestead alongside his six siblings: Margaret (Bill) Leary, Donald Cameron, Edith (Russ) McBean, Grace (Ted) Crawford, Eleanor (Bill) Cousins, and Glen (Faye) Cameron. He eventually became « Uncle Al » or « Unky » to many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. After following his sister, Grace, to BC in 1961, Al began his own family in the 1970’s with his first two children, Kirsty and John. Al’s family grew in 1986, when after permanently settling in Alexander, MB, in 1982, Al married his beloved wife, Debbie, and gained a daughter, Marie. Later, Al became « Poppa » to Kirsty’s daughter, Aly Cameron, and a father-in-law when John married Niki (nee Daniels), and Marie married Chris Drohan — making Al « Poppa » to Caitlin and Amber Drohan. Al was much loved and will be greatly missed by his family.
Al’s formal career began after earning his third class power engineer’s certificate in Vancouver, BC in 1968. After he worked at Cominco Mines in Trail, BC, Columbia Cellulose in Prince Rupert, BC, and at a large hospital in Essondale, BC, Al took a position with Central Heat Distribution Ltd in Vancouver, BC. At Central Heat, Al was integral to implementing the city’s first consolidated steam-heat system, and developing an engineer’s labour union. Soon after, Al moved to the BC interior to operate his own welding company. There, Al also drove logging trucks on short-haul trips, and helped Grace and Ted on their ranch, near Cache Creek, BC. Later, Al held many positions for the transportation company, Motorways, (including driver, dispatcher, terminal manager, sales manager, and logistics manager), eventually becoming a freight broker and logistics manager in Brandon, MB, for Inventronics. Al completed his full-time career as steam-engineer for the Department of National Defence, at CFB Shilo, MB.
Al was also a gifted hunter and sportsman from youth. For much of his life, Al played football or baseball in various leagues, curled for many years, and enjoyed a lifetime passion of golf. After retiring from his post at Shilo in 2011, Al continued working casually as power engineer at ACC, golfed with friends, became the Course Marshal at Oak Island Golf Course, and happily travelled with Debbie on many trips — which included spending several winters in the southwestern United States.
Al was a conscientious, kind, and generous person, who appreciated hard work and a good story. Al readily helped others and many people trusted him for practical advice. Al lived quietly, enjoying nature, taking photographs, caring for his yard and garden, and sharing his produce with family and neighbours. Al was a valued community member in his home of nearly forty years, sitting in the early years on the Alexander rink committee, and playing games of 500 football with the neighbour kids, who affectionately called him « Mr. C ». Al always enjoyed visiting with friends and family, including spending time with his granddaughters, Caitlin and Amber, in Arizona, a trip to Vancouver to see the Grey Cup with his son, John, and frequent lunch-dates in Brandon with his granddaughter, Aly.
Al’s last days were spent at home, watering his garden, harvesting cucumbers and tomatoes, watching the sky from his back deck, chatting, laughing, crying, and swapping stories in-person or over the phone with many cherished family members and friends. When it was his time to go, Al maintained his inspiring strength – an adventurous, humorous, and proudly independent spirit to the last.
Before dying, Al wrote a list of people he wanted to thank, including a personal note: “To all my family, I love each and every one. You have made this journey so much easier through never ending support and love.” Along with Al, Debbie and family would like to thank Doctors Edward, Dueck, Sopel, Cram, and Minders, as well as the nursing and support staff at the Souris General Hospital for their intelligent, compassionate care. Also, thanks to several friends, especially The Dundee Family of Kelly Crosson and Shirley Lloyd-Davies, Patti, Jody, and Jo-Jo; Shayne and Nancy Curtis; John and Barb Christensen; Ken and Carole Corbatt; and Kevin McMillan.
When asked about Al Cameron, most people who knew him would tell you he was a very good man, and this is how he will be remembered.
Please note that a public celebration of Al’s life will be announced at a later time, to take place in Alexander, MB. Donations in Al’s memory can be sent in lieu of flowers to the Alexander Community Buildings Fund (for things such as upgrades to the local skating and curling rink). Please make cheques payable to the RM of Whitehead, c/o D. Cameron, PO Box #31, Alexander, MB, R0K 0A0.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Robert Allan Al
Cameron 1943 2018..
Décès pour la Ville: Brandon, Province: Manitoba
