Rufus A. M. Cameron

Rufus Angus Maclean Cameron passed away suddenly in his home on 27 March 2016. He is survived by wife Jean (Smith) Cameron and sons Bruce (Trish), Halifax; Scott (Debbie), Moncton; and Dan (Alana), Toronto; sister Joyce (Morris), Dartmouth; and brother Seamon McGrath, Fort Lauderdale. He was predeceased by brothers Sid, Karl, and Harry and by sisters Janet, Audery, Kaye, Mildred and Anetta. He was a devoted father to his three children and proud grandfather to his five grandchildren. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Dad was born in the tiny village of Goldenville in Guysborough Nova Scotia on Sept 23 1932. Family was very important to him and Goldenville would remain a large part of his life. He visited there frequently throughout his life and in later years was an active member of the Heritage Goldenville Society. He frequently told us in great detail the lives and characters of the residents of this village.

Dad kept in touch with all members of his large family throughout his life. He was famous within the family for his ability to define the relationship between any two members of his extended, blended family. Because of Dad, we all know the difference between a step sister and a second cousin once removed. He had a razor quick wit and unique sense of humor. He could quickly grasp the essence of any person or situation and often had those around him struggling to keep a straight face.

Dad had a keen mind for business and was scrupulously honest and accurate in all of his dealings. He threw himself passionately into whatever he did, and was known for reliability and getting the job done. He made friends quickly and was liked and respected by everyone he came in contact with. He worked in management at L. E. Shaw’s in Dartmouth, then was general manager of Metal Buildings Limited in Bedford. This was his favourite job because it allowed him to visit the four corners of his beloved Nova Scotia visiting job sites. He knew the history of almost any place in the province, no matter how small. Dad finished his work career as business manager of Atlantic School of Theology.

Dad was involved in many charitable endeavours, including the John Howard Society and mental health charities. He took care of his disabled sister, Janet and of his mother, Alice in her later years. He was a tireless swimmer, and swam laps at the Centennial Pool until his late 70’s. He also enjoyed walking around the Halifax waterfront and observing activity in the port. He was devoted to his grandchildren Elliot, Richard, Marli, Callum and Justin. He was there for innumerable hockey games, theatre performances, graduations and any other major events in their lives. He was happiest when he was with family, especially his grandchildren. We are grateful that the week before he died was spent in Toronto with sons Bruce and Dan and his beloved Callum and Justin.

Dad will be remembered as an unfailingly honest man who instilled in all of us a strong sense of decency and always doing the right thing. He will be mourned by all who knew him. We are comforted to know that he is now with his beloved mother, Alice.