Charles Cameron

Charles (Charlie) James Cameron, 82 of Brussels, Ontario passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2024 as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. We are devastated as a family that such a kind and outgoing soul, who has given us so much, has left this earth. 

He is predeceased by his wife, Sandra Marlene (Cousins) Cameron, and survived by his sons Ross (Eva), Todd (Janet), and Neil. Charlie’s grandchildren, Justin, Krystal, Nicole, Dillon, Matthew, Lauren, Alex and Brent will miss him dearly as will his beloved fourteen great-grandchildren. 

Charlie was born in 1942 in New Brunswick, into a large family with 12 siblings. He was an energetic young boy, often getting into the usual mischief young men find themselves, especially with so many siblings. He relocated to Ontario in his late teen-age years, for better economic opportunities, and lived with siblings who had previously moved west. 

 It was there, in Etobicoke, in 1963 that Charlie met the love of his life, Sandra. They were both working for Campbells in a local production facility. The romance blossomed quickly and they married in March 1964. They were blessed with three sons and the family had the opportunity to live in several communities, including, Mississauga and Orangeville. 

Charlie had an aptitude for outdoor work and mechanical things. He was a farm-hand in his early 20s, and began working in service station maintenance as a mechanic. Eventually he started a business repairing and installing automobile hoists, which took him all over southern Ontario. If you ever mentioned a service-station in Southern Ontario, Charlie either likely knew the owner, and may have even done the job on their hoists himself! Charlie and Sandra were huge pet lovers. They had both been breeders. Charlie was particularly fond of Scottish fold cats and named his cattery Camfold. He also bred Golden Retrievers and Golden Doodles. There were always pets in the Cameron household, and once the boys were grown and gone out into the world, the dogs, cats and even a parrot were the new “children” in the house. 

Charlie and Sandra were living in Fergus, Ontario when Charlie finally retired. They decided to relocate to Brussels, Ontario to live out their golden years. There they quickly became friends with many members of the community who shared some of their interests. Charlie spent the summer and fall each year canning tomatoes, pickles, jams and many other delicacies. He was well known to the farmers in the community! 

In the last decade, Charlie devoted himself to the complete care of his wife Sandra, whose health had deteriorated considerably. He was a full-time caregiver, as well as caring for the menagerie of animals, the house and finances. It was a lot of work, that he took on with great pride and devotion. Charlie sadly lost his wife on November 26, 2023 and was broken-hearted in the past year without her presence in his life. 

Though we are extremely saddened to lose the patriarch of the family, it brings us great comfort to know our Dad and Mom are reunited and likely joined by the stable of pets they have called family over the years. 

It was Charlie’s wish to be cremated, and he did not want a formal service. Our hope is to organize a gathering of friends and family in the future to celebrate the lives of Charlie and Sandra together. It is only fitting they should be remembered jointly, as they spent 60 years together. 

In lieu of flowers, and as an expressions of sympathy, donations to Adopt-A-Pet Rescue Lucknow would be appreciated. 

Donation cheques may be sent to Box 340 Brussel N0G 1H0

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca