It is with great sadness the Mack family announces Cameron (Cam) Mack passed away unexpectedly in Victoria, BC on May 28, 2016 at the age of sixty-three. Cam was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta where he attended Lord Beaverbrook High school before beginning his post-secondary education at the University of Calgary. In 1974, Cam married the love of his life, high school sweetheart Lorraine, and began a marriage that would last for forty-two years. After three years at the University of Calgary, Cam was accepted into Law School at the University of Alberta and graduated, with distinction, in 1977 before being called to the Alberta Bar in 1978. Cam’s legal career began at Mackimmie Matthews, where he eventually served as a partner. In 1999, he joined forces with his friend from law school, Michael Smith, and spent the remainder of his career as a partner with the Calgary law firm Smith Mack Lamarsh before retiring this year. As a lawyer in Calgary for over thirty-four years, Cam developed a reputation as an unfailingly kind, helpful, honest, and hard-working community member with great integrity. He touched the lives of countless individuals. This well-earned reputation was reflected in 1997 when Cam was awarded the Rotary Club of Calgary’s Integrity Award. In fact, Cam was the recipient of numerous community and professional awards, distinctions, and accolades during his life. Although each of those was well-deserved, Cam’s sincerely humble and selfless nature generally resulted in him downplaying the majority of his achievements and avoiding any attempts to accept the praise which he was consistently due. In addition to his professional life, Cam was a man of faith and an avid volunteer who supported many local causes in Calgary and Victoria such as Alcoholics Anonymous, the Mustard Seed Street Ministry in Calgary, the Special Needs Ministry at Centre Street Church in Calgary, and (most recently) Victoria Hospice. Without question, Cam was well-loved and respected by all those who knew him. Cam was also a master of trivia and a highly knowledgeable connoisseur of great music and he was able to pass this attribute to his children. He also loved playing the guitar and often looked back fondly to his time as a member of the Calgary cover band The Empty Calories. Cam also passed his love of the outdoors along to his children. He enjoyed hiking, biking, snowshoeing, skiing, and kayaking and swimming in Thetis Lake on Vancouver Island with his grandchildren David and Abby. Cam moved to Victoria, BC with his wife Lorraine in 2012 and was in the process of beginning his well-deserved retirement.
The most important part of Cam’s life was his family and he made no secret of how much he loved his wife, his children, and his grandchildren whom he loved and felt great pride. Cam will be loved, remembered, and missed eternally by his wife of 42 years, Lorraine; his sons Kyle (Nazeli) and Kevin (Kathy) Mack; his daughter Julia Mack; his grandchildren David, Abby, and future grandchild due in June. He is also survived by his sisters Diane (Darryl) Smith and Maureen Cotton; his mother-in law Henriette Moir; sisters and brothers-in-law Carol and Peter Emerson, Susan and Don Quinn, Brian and Jacquie Moir, James Moir and Bruce and Lydia Moir, and numerous nieces and nephews. Cam was predeceased by his father, Harry Gordon Mack, his mother, Leona Margaret Mack, and his father-in-law, David Alexander Moir.
For those wishing to remember Cam as he would have wanted, we invite you to reflect upon one of Cam’s favourite quotations:
“Years ago my mother used to say to me, she’d say, ‘In this world, Elwood, you must be’ – she always called me Elwood- ‘In this world, Elwood, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant.’ Well for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. You may quote me.” Elwood P. Dowd (Jimmy Stewart)
Details of Cam’s memorial service (likely to take place in Calgary during mid-summer) will be announced once they are finalized.
In lieu of flowers, the Mack family asks that donations, in the name of Cam Mack, be made to either the Victoria Hospice (Victoria, BC) or the Special Needs Ministry at the Centre Street Church in Calgary.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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John F. State
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Lindsay , Maureen and Kerry-Anne Holmes Lorraine and family-Maureen and I and our daughter Kerry-Anne were so saddened to have heard of Cam’s passing. Recently- as Cam predictably had reached out to provide some guidance to Kerry-Anne in her search for an articling position-she and I had the pleasure of having lunch with Cam at his favorite spot. She had to first suffer through Cam and I reminiscing about the old days going back to the early 70’s, but was well rewarded with Cam’s sincere interest, guidance and advice. It was so great to see Cam again and we were so grateful for his efforts with Kerry-Anne, which of course he would downplay. Every once in awhile we come a cross a person like Cam who is the “real deal”-down to earth, humble, genuine, honest, sincere and most of all, so willing to help others. You know that he was highly regarded and so well respected in our profession. We are so privileged and grateful that he touched our lives as he did. He will be deeply missed. With condolences, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Dennis & Christine Urquhart Lorraine and Family,
Christine and I were very saddened when we heard of Cam’s passing. We can only imagine the pain to you and all your family. Cam touched a lot of people along the way, especially myself in my working life and I will never forget the calm and gentlemanly way in which he dealt with any problems. He also worked on personal matters for us and if you remember we had occasion to go to the Rosebud theatre together. It was indeed and honour to have known him and grieve with you and your family on this tremendous early loss of a great man.
We are sorry that we will be unable to attend the Memorial to Cam in Calgary as we will be in Edmonton for a family wedding, but our thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
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Russ and Phoebe Hamilton Lorraine and family
Having recently heard of Cams passing I’m still in shock and disbelief ……………. this can not be true!
I consider myself as having received “a life reward” for having had the opportunity to have known Cam for some 30 + years. I have never met anyone with as much compassion, honesty, dedication and integrity as Cam. He was a true friend and a very compassionate confidante.
Lorraine and family please accept our sincere condolences.
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Jim Silovs I had the good fortune of meeting, and working with, Cam as a junior lawyer starting my career at MacKimmie Matthews. From the moment I met Cam, it was obvious that he was a true gentleman and consummate professional. As I got to know Cam, he became not only a mentor, but also a friend. Through Cam’s guidance and tutelage I was provided with an example of the type of lawyer, and person, that I aspired to be; Cam personified a unique blend of integrity, compassion and civility. I have often referred back to those formative discussions with Cam to guide me throughout my career. Cam will be dearly missed by all of those whose lives he touched. My sincere and deepest condolences go out to all of Cam’s family.
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Brian and Pat Schultz Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow. Cam was a true gentleman in a world of few! He always made everyone comfortable no matter the situation. Cam’s humor and silky smooth oration were truly gifts that made him such a wonderful person! Above all, Cam was a friend that always was there! We were so fortunate to have him in our lives!
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John Schmidt I had the pleasure and good fortune of being one of Cam’s corporate clients for over twenty years and, during that time, came to know him both professionally as well as personally. Cam was one of the finest men I have ever known, and his untimely passing is a great loss for all of us. His life and all that he accomplished in it helped to make the world a better place, and I will always cherish my memories of him. I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to his wife and family as I know how deeply Cam loved and was loved.
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Lorea Chilton Cam was a lovely very kind man, always very helpful, when I was working with him, when he was volunteering, on the Victoria Hospice unit. My thoughts love and prayers go out to Cam and all his family.
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Karen McQueen I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. He was a kind man and a friendly face at MacKimmie Matthews. I wasn’t one to baby sit much, but when Mr. Mack asked I was happy to do so. Our loss is Heaven’s gain.
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J. M. Graham I was blessed to have known Cam during the last few months of his life and he was as true a genteman as any I have known. His family was always in his heart and he spoke of them often especially his daughter. It was an honor Cam. God bless you.
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Brett & Paula Webber I had the good fortune to meet Cam at University in 1974: of the highlights of attending law school in Edmonton. Since that time, it has been a privilege knowing him and Lorraine for over 40 years.
One of my earliest memories of Cam was his claim-to-fame of having worked with Diamond Joe White on a municipal crew during a summer job. No doubt this inspired Cam’s musical pursuits in later life. In addition to his musical background, Cam would attend at annual golf “fun” tournaments during his early years of legal practice in Calgary. I can say without hesitation that as a golfer, Cam was an excellent lawyer with a good sense of humour.
Cam was known for his compassion and integrity, and always made time to help other people. He was the voice of reason in life and law. His life experience and moral strength made him the “go-to” guy for advice, direction and knowledge which he would generously share with friends and colleagues.
He will be missed.
Our thoughts and condolences to Lorraine and family.
Brett & Paula Webber
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Brenda Foster Dear Lorraine and family
I am so sorry to learn of Cam’s passing. My thoughts are with you.
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Tim Godfrey I wish I could have had one last chat with him. We tried hard to stay in touch after we got to know each other through Grant McKibben even though I was in Toronto and he was in Calgary. I think we bonded that fateful Christmas season after Grant had been diagnosed with serious cancer but wanted to continue on with the gigs he had booked for The Empty Calories. The “show must go on!” So I flew out and sat in with the band and sang a few backup vocals and played a bit of harmonica. And we had a great time. Cam was a really fine friend. I am going to miss him. Rock on, Buddy. Best to the family. I hope to meet you all someday.
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David Gray Dear Lorraine & Family,
I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Cam’s passing.
I met Cam soon after moving to Victoria and we quickly developed a wonderful friendship.
I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to spend time with Cam and call him my friend. Always willing to give of himself for others, he had such a unique way of making people see the positive side of life. I am a better person for having known him.
I will miss him dearly.
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Judy Miller Lorraine and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Cam’s passing. I had not seen Cam since my departure from MacKimmie Matthews in 1993, but in reading the obituary, it is a wonderful tribute to the man I remembered. I know he will be sorely missed.
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Carey Arnett I’ve known Cam professionally for my entire career, and ironically our paths have crossed for generations among our family’s. Many of these connections I have only discovered while bumping into him in the grocery line. Cam has been a reliable source of rationale thought for our firm for decades. I’d like to think that this is unique in a world where lawyers change firms and companies change lawyers like they change their suits. Cam always brought his A game to the table – prepared and knowledgeable. At witness to times when counterparties would have exchanged in heated debate, you just couldn’t with Cam as he ALWAYS behaved as a perfect gentleman. It was always reassuring to know Cam, a truly remarkable lawyer and absolute professional was on your team. My deepest sympathy for your loss of a truly great man and extraordinary lawyer.
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Michael Smith Having known Cam for many years personally and professionally, I accepted his proposal to join our law firm in 1999 with no hesitation at all. Our subsequent working relationship and our continuing friendship proved we were both correct.
There are insufficient words in the Universe to express the extent of this loss, to Cam’s family, to me, to our firm and to the community at large. Men like Cam cannot be replaced. We can but follow his example as we may be able, to serve our community, support our friends and business associates and to do as Cam has done, leave this complex world a much better place having done so.
Cam gave of himself whenever he was needed and no matter the extent of the need. A good man to be remembered always.
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Lyn and Tudor Beattie We are deeply saddened by Cam’s passing. We was a true gentleman and a fine friend. We will miss him.
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Kay Larsen This is a tragic loss! Cam had quickly become a beloved volunteer at Victoria Hospice. His kindness, thoughtfulness, and willingness to help wherever he was needed made him a valued member of our team. He will be missed.
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Gerald Kugelmass I was so shocked and saddened to learn of Cam’s passing. My sincerest condolences to Cam’s family.
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Elaine Triffo Fischer Lorraine and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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Brad Rushing I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of my dear cousin, Cam, for myself and our extended family, but especially for Lorraine, Kyle, Kevin and Julia. I am so sorry for your loss and pain.
Know that we are all thinking of you and wishing you peace in the warm memories of the lovely and generous person we all knew your father to be.
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Vern Olson Dear Lorraine and Family.
My sincerest condolences and sympathy on the passing of Cam your beloved husband, father and grandfather. You have lost a very special person,”one of the good guys,”and it’s going to take time to ease your sadness. I had the honor of having Cam as a legal adviser and friend for 30 years. He will be missed in so many ways.
Sincerely, Vern Olson
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Harvey Brooks To Lorraine and family,
My sincere condolences and best wishes to you all, especially in this really difficult time, but also beyond. I have counted Cam as one of my good friends for many years, since I met him in 1980 in Calgary – we did not see each other often, particularly in recent times, but always picked up where we left off……..I shall miss him.
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Laine Burnham I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
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Sonja Crowder To the entire Mack family,
I am so deeply saddened to hear of Cam’s passing. He was a dear friend of my parents which extended to the rest of the family. I’ve known Cam for most of my life, and he was always genuine and the nicest person you could know.
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Keith and Lynne Crowder Lorraine and Family,
We are still very much in shock over learning of Cam’s passing, and mourn his loss with you.
I considered Cam a kindred spirit after he became counsel to the Society of Management Accountants when I was Executive Director. In the 35 years since, he was a true friend.
We will both miss him very much.
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Donna & Brian McWilliams We are so saddened by the unexpected passing of your husband and friend, Cam. We are left with good memories of Cam and his zest for life. We are thankful for knowing him and have memories of good times together. Lorraine, we would like to express our sincere condolences to you and your family.
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Gerald Fuller Reflecting on Cam’s influence in my life brings a smile to my face and I am thankful for memories of good humor, and compassionate sentiment and service. He brought people together and had a remarkable ability to maintain and nature relationships.
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Cyril and Rose Chalk So sorry to hear of your father’s passing Kevin. Our prayers are with you and your family
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Wayne DAndrea Cam was one of a kind. A great friend through 40 years. We will definitely miss him.
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Betty Tiede Kevin and family – we are so sorry to hear this. You will miss your Dad we know and you also follow his great example. Our love and prayers to you and your family.
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Jessica Watts Cam always had a kind word and a positive outlook on life. I will always remember his strong faith, support and willingness to lend a helping hand to all those he met. He will be missed.
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Vera and Wayne McCready Cam was truly a wonderful friend…his life was a gift to us…we loved him…and we will miss him.
Dear Mack Family – I am an attorney in New York who worked with Cam over the years. I learned of Cam’s passing this morning. I know that my words will not assuage the grief that you must still feel over your loss, but I did want to offer you my most sincere condolences. Lawyering can be a very cynical profession. For me, my interaction with Cam brought me a much needed reminder that lawyers can be gentlemanly. One definition of “gentlemanly” includes the adjectives courteous and honorable. These words best sum up Cam. He was a true gentleman, of high moral character and conviction, and demonstrating the single biggest attribute that everyone wants in a lawyer and a friend: integrity. I will never forget him. Warmest regards, John