ARTHUR (ALLEN) CAMERON

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ARTHUR (ALLEN) CAMERON 1904 - 2001 It is with deep regret and sadness that we announce the passing of Arthur (Allen) Cameron on March 19, 2001 after a long and full life of 96 years. Allen will be sadly missed by his daughters, Verla Verrier and Verna Esslemont and son Norval; daughter-in-law Gwen and son-in-law Rene. Also remembering him will be grandchildren, Murray (Susan) Cameron, Teri Ann (Michael) Murphy, Cory and Eric Esslemont, Cam (Gerri) Esslemont; and great-grandchildren, Joey, Patrick, and Rebecca Cameron and Conor Esslemont; numerous nieces and nephews; and his very special friends, Jack and Norma Bryer and Ed and Lynn Anderson. Allen was predeceased by his parents, James and Christina Cameron; his wife Mary (2000) an infant daughter Nevone (1940) and by two sons-in-law, Gerald Mitchell (1962) and Roy Esslemont (1989) as well as by his three younger brothers and three of his eight sisters. Born in the community of Hexham, NB, on November 12, 1904, Allen attended Little Branch School. As a young man he helped on his fathers farm and worked as a cooks assistant at a logging camp. In the early 1920s, he came to Manitoba in search of employment and was hired by Joseph Kilmury. In 1924 he married Mary Kilmury and they settled in Boissevain. In 1928 Allen was hired by the newly formed Dring Brothers Construction Company building barns, sheds and granaries. From 1940 to 1945 he served in the R.C.A.F. constructing aircraft hangars and other military installations both in Canada and overseas. Following the war he once again took up carpentry with Dring Brothers. They were now specializing in cabinet making and Allen honed his woodworking skills. In the 1950s Dring Laminated Structures became a thriving business and for many years Allen travelled all through western Canada erecting arenas, curling rinks and churches with the help of volunteers from each community. He also contracted out independently, renovating kitchens and building houses in Boissevain. Allen never tired of working with wood and in his retiring years he operated a cottage industry making laminated tables, desks and shuffleboards. A member of Branch No. 10 of the Canadian Legion, Allen enjoyed playing cards, especially cribbage. An avid gardener, he also enjoyed fishing, curling, weaving, Chinese checkers, and shuffleboard, and he never missed a televised hockey game especially if the Maple Leafs were playing. Allen also enjoyed the horse show at Brandon Fair. After living at Westview Lodge for two years, Allen and Mary moved to Calvary Place Personal Care Home in Winnipeg where Allen had resided for the past year. The family extends appreciation to the staff of Westview Lodge and Calvary Place for the care and kindness during Allens stay with them. They also thank the 2nd floor medical and nursing staff of Grace General Hospital for their care and support. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so desire, a donation in Allens memory may be made to a charity of choice. Following a private interment, a memorial service will be held on Friday, March 23 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Pauls United Church in Boissevain. "To live in the hearts of those left behind is not to die." Arrangements in care of Killarney Funeral Service, 523-7791.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 21, 2001