Wayne William Cameron

On May 1, 2023, five days shy of his 78th birthday, Wayne William Cameron made a peaceful departure from this world, surrounded by the love of his family. Wayne’s last moments were a blessing from God, for he woke up from a two-day coma, opened his eyes wide, and connected with his soul-mate Valerie until the very moment he crossed over. No greater gift could he give to Val and the family, one they will cherish forever.

Wayne was born in Port Arthur, Ontario on May 6, 1945, to Elsie and William Cameron, a little brother for sister Carol, his childhood protector. His stepdad, Bob Tweedie, played a strong fatherly role in his life, along with lots of gentle love and support from his mom. Wayne was very independent and had great respect for women, both qualities fostered by Elsie and Bob. He loved being a prominent figure in the lives of his nieces, Lorena and Cheryl.

His early experience working in lumber camps and grain elevators paved the way for a life-long career in Industrial Sales. He was well-known across Western Canada in the belting industry, having worked in Thunder Bay, Calgary, and Vancouver. For the past twelve years Wayne was employed by AFM Industries of Oshawa, ON. He loved his job and, if you can believe it, still enjoyed “cold calling”.

Wayne’s passion was sports. He was into baseball, hockey, curling, and cars; often reminiscing about his membership in “The Untouchables.” (No, not a gang, but the Port Arthur car club!)

Moving to Vancouver in 1972, he joined the North Shore Winter Club. He was a competitive curler for many years. His interest then turned to golf - how he loved the game! He was a member of the Carnoustie Golf Club and over the years enjoyed the camaraderie of good friends, playing on courses throughout Canada and the U.S. Getting ready for the 2022 golf season, he purchased a new driver just before his cancer diagnosis and was upset he never got the chance to use it. Wayne was known for always being well-dressed and color-coordinated, especially on the golf course. (We suspect he was practicing for an appearance at The Masters!)

There are few people who can say they have a lot of real friends….but Wayne could. Throughout his life, he developed close relationships all over Canada. They were life-long friends, which was a testament to his character. Wayne enjoyed the company of his many Port Moody pals. He was one of the “Barnet Boys,” a member of the “Kyle Snooker Club,” and attended weekly gatherings of his friends at “The Burrard Public House.”

He loved to play cards and board games. Sharp with numbers, in a matter of seconds he could count your cards from across the table, and upside down at that. He was a hard guy to beat! (Or could that be because he was always the scorekeeper?)

Wayne had amazing self-discipline, was optimistic and full of hope. After 40 years of cigarettes, he quit smoking cold turkey on January 1, 2000, never to smoke again. These admirable traits gave him the strength and determination to fight his cancer; he never gave up.

He was a compassionate man, with strong moral principles and a big heart. A member of the Port Moody Legion, he never failed to acknowledge Remembrance Day, proudly wore a poppy, and watched every WWII movie ever made. Wherever he went, people commented on what a gentleman he was. (Except when confronted by a bad driver!)

Spaghetti! This was his favorite dish, and he made the best sauce ever! But like most good cooks, Wayne kept the recipe in his head. We are madly searching through his files with the hope he wrote it down somewhere.

While cooking was one of his gifts, his greatest was being an amazing husband. Wayne and Val met in Calgary in 1980, married in Vancouver in 1987, finally settling in Port Moody in 1990. They enjoyed forty-three wonderful years together. They were a team, with deep respect for one another. A day rarely went by that Wayne didn’t tell Val he loved her. He seldom went out the door without returning home with a small gift for her…a favorite chocolate bar, a magazine, flowers…he was the most thoughtful and caring husband one could wish for! He will forever be with Val in her heart and soul.

During the past year Wayne often reflected upon his life and expressed his contentment with how everything turned out. “I’ve had a wonderful life” he said. We know without a doubt that the best is yet to come.

Lovingly remembered by his wife, Valerie, his sister Carol Bouskill (John) of London, ON, nieces Lorena Carlson (Danny) of Lexington, SC, Cheryl Anderson (Jason Hinson) of Jacksonville, FL, and cousins Terry Stein (Margaret) and Millie Labelle of Thunder Bay, ON. Wayne was extremely close to Val’s family, especially her sisters and brothers-in-law Darcee & Doug Woods of Blaine, WA and Debbie & Gary Hall of Calgary, AB, and nephew Joshua Rogers (Anne Bygrave) of Denver, CO.

At Wayne’s request there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to your favorite charity. Thank you for taking the time to acknowledge this wonderful man!

We are heartbroken you have left us Wayne, but so very thankful you were here!

You were “A Class Act!”

xoxoxo

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialportcoquitlam.com for the Cameron family.