April 28, 1927 - April 25, 2020
On April 25th, 2020, former Proctor resident Donald (Don) Cameron passed away in Duncan BC, in the company of his children and close family members at the age of nearly 93.
He was born in Sydney, Australia, and had a happy childhood with his older brother and sister. At 15 he began a 5 yr apprenticeship in Metal Machining and worked for a number of years in both Australia and New Zealand before travelling to Canada aboard the steamship Oransay, to marry Isa Mackinnon in Proctor, BC, on August 13, 1955.
Don began his Canadian career on the Kootenay Lake tugs, followed by work as a machinist at West Kootenay Power in Trail and South Slocan. He finished his career back on the Kootenay Lake ferries, as Chief Marine Engineer. Don was also a dedicated member of the Masonic Lodge; an avid hiker and skier with his dear friends; as well as being a keen amateur radio enthusiast (call sign VE7CRZ).
After Isa passed, he moved to Duncan, from there he began travelling between Canada and Australia and New Zealand up until his 90th year. Last summer, Don was fortunate to have made a last trip to the Kootenays where he attended a MacKinnon Family reunion and had great visits with his extended family and local friends.
Don will be greatly missed by his children, Faye (Roy) Gilbert, Johan (Garry) McLeod, and Glen (Nickie) Cameron; grandsons, Graham (Ase), Colin and Owen Gilbert; granddaughters, Cierra and Emily Cameron; and great grandson, Magnus Gilbert, as well as his lifelong friend Heather Brown.
Don will be laid to rest in Nelson Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life is being planned, and will be held in Proctor, BC at a future date.