CAMERON LAIRD CONNELL

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CAMERON LAIRD CONNELL October 18, 1913 - March 22, 2010 ...a man for all seasons... With love and gratitude for a long life well lived, the family announces that Cam passed away peacefully on March 22, 2010 at Victoria Hospital after a brief illness at 96 years of age. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 70 years, Hazel (Hogg). Cam was predeceased by his son Garth in 2007. He is also lovingly missed by his children and their families: Gail Matiation (Len) and Nicole (Pascal), Jodi, and Stefan (Cathy); Sandra Butcher (Roger) and Chris (Sarah), and Corrie (Mohamed); Glenn Connell (Barbara); and daughter-in-law Keri Connell and Jared (Mandy), Timothy (Monique), Jesse (Jill), Evan (Ericka), and Jazmin. Cam's great-grandchildren will also miss him: Katya, Gavin, Raphael, Colten, Solana, Taza, Wakyna, Jaya, Elsa, Olivia, Max, Casey, and Sofia. He is also survived by his sister Tannas Brown. He was predeceased by his brother Ken and sister Marg. Cam had many nieces and nephews whom he maintained a relationship with. Cam was born on October 18, 1913 and spent his early years on the farm in the Neepawa and Langruth areas. He went to Normal School and became a teacher, which took him to Warren where he met his sweetheart Hazel. Cam later taught at St. John's Ravenscourt, Gordon Bell, and Elmwood and retired as Vice Principal of Grant Park High in 1976. Cam also enjoyed his time with CBC as the Judge on Reach for the Top. Cam served with the Canadian Air Force in the Second World War as a Navigator overseas and was awarded the DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross). He maintained a life-long friendship with his crew and participated in the Wartime Pilots and Observers Association and attended its final gathering in Winnipeg recently. Cam developed an early interest in horticulture and livestock, especially Clydesdale horses, while growing up on the farm. When he became a city boy, he transferred that interest to gardening and his Samoyed dogs. Cam maintained his gardening activities up to 2008 prior to moving to Thorvaldson Care Home where he and Hazel have lived since. One of Cam's greatest loves was the family cottage at Big Whiteshell Lake, which he and Hazel purchased in 1966 after being campers with their family. The lake was where he could putter, garden, fish with Hazel and spend time with his family. He especially enjoyed seeing his grandchildren learn to love the lake. Cam and Hazel enjoyed retirement with trips overseas to England and Scotland with his sister Tannas and husband Clare; winter vacations in Texas, Hawaii and Victoria with friends; and of course lots of time at the lake. Cam was a member of Churchill Park (Rosedale) United Church and served on many committees over the years. Community service was important to Cam. Cam enjoyed good health and was an avid reader and always wanted to engage in interesting conversation. His personal knowledge will be missed by his family. The family would like to thank the staff of Victoria Hospital for their care during Cam's recent stay there and also Dr. Sheldon Permack. The family also thanks Thorvaldson Care Home for providing a caring environment for Cam and Hazel to make their home. A funeral service will be held at Churchill Park United Church, 525 Beresford Avenue on Friday, March 26 at 1:00 p.m. Viewing will take place the hour prior to the service. Reception and interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in Cam's memory may be made to The Winnipeg Foundation (Arts and Culture Community Fund), 1350 - One Lombard Place, Winnipeg MB, R3B 0X3, Phone 204-944-9474 or online at www.wpgfdn.org., or a charity of your choice. ...for a' that, and a' that... (Robbie Burns) We thank you. Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 24, 2010