William Archibald Cameron

Of Balfron (Tatamagouche). It is with great sadness we announce that William "Billy" Archibald Cameron passed away peacefully on January 4, 2020 at the age of 87. His was a long, meaningful life, during which he touched so many. Billy was born May 14, 1933 to Anna and Archibald Cameron of Balfron, Colchester County. He spent his formative years serving in the Korean War with the Royal Canadian Navy. His hard work and discipline earned him the admiration and respect of his superiors and peers alike. Billy’s service continued after the war, with his focus shifting from his country to his community. Upon leaving the Navy, Billy met and married his beautiful wife Shirley. They went on to have two boys, Edwin and Jack. The family eventually settled on their Balfron farm, where Billy milked cows and cultivated his passion for vegetable gardening. He derived great satisfaction from his bountiful harvests, but even more from-giving it away. Billy also worked for Nova Scotia Power, starting as a labourer and progressing to district supervisor over his 34 year career. In addition to his work and farm duties, Billy always found time for community service. He joined the Legion where he was a lifelong member for over 60 years, serving three terms as President. His notable activities included cadet mentorship, Remembrance Day parades, and of course, fundraising, at which he was unrivaled. After his 1990 retirement from Nova Scotia Power, Billy’s already energetic volunteerism, increased even further. He spearheaded the construction of the Tatamagouche Elementary School playground, which bears his name, was a key organizer in the renovations of the North Shore Recreation Centre, and served on the board of directors of Willow Lodge for 37 years. To fund these endeavors, it is rumoured that Billy sold raffle tickets to every adult in the Tatamagouche area. Politely saying "no thanks" was never an option when Billy Cameron arrived at the door. As a result of his profound volunteerism, Billy received the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers from the Governor General of Canada, and was named CTV News "Maritimer of the Week". Billy was always looking to enhance the Tatamagouche area and the lives of those who live there. He was a staunch Conservative and served four years as President of the Progressive Conservative Party in Colchester North. He was an aggressive campaigner, at times recruiting his grandchildren to participate in election sign battles. Billy was also a politician in his own right, considered by many to have been the unofficial mayor of Tatamagouche. He would regularly meet with his "council" for breakfast at the Chowder House to discuss current affairs and plan accordingly. Billy’s dedication was clearly not limited to the surrounding community, as everyone could tell that his own house was in order. He was always seen on his property mowing, whipper snipping, planting, shoveling, and working with his tractor, often alongside his eldest grandson, Luke. He ensured that every blade of grass was in its rightful place and that his truck was always shining. Billy also spent considerable time at his son’s farm in The Falls, both visiting his family and improving the property. This property was especially important when Billy used it to host the RCMP Musical Ride. Preferring action over words, Billy worked tirelessly to make the event a success and was aptly described as the "silent man that did it all". Despite growing health challenges in his later life, Billy persevered and lived life to the fullest beyond his 87th year. Billy is survived by his son, Edwin (Tiany); grandchildren, Christine, Luke, Marc, and Adam, their mother, Patty Cameron; sister, Barb Rockwell; and brother, Clifford; and close friends, Malcolm and Blair. Billy was predeceased by his wife, Shirley; son, Jack; sisters, Ethyl (Lloyd) Hayman and Donnie (Baily) Ferguson; sister- in-law, Alma; and brother-in-law, George Rockwell. The family would like to thank Dr. Lawen and his medical team of VG 5B for the excellent care they provided Billy and for allowing him to live out his final days with dignity. We would also like to thank Kathleen, Elizabeth, Martha, and the Victorian Order of Nurses whose compassionate caregiving allowed Billy to remain at home as he desired. Sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. Anna Roebuck and the staff of the Lillian Fraser Hospital. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the celebration of Billy’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 64. Arrangements have been entrusted to Coulter’s Funeral Home in Tatamagouche. Condolences and memories can be shared and an online guestbook signed by visiting: www.mmcfunerals.com