Dawn Sharon Cameron passed away quietly at home March 2, 2023, after a brief and brave battle with pancreatic cancer. She is survived by her husband George Stuart Cameron, daughter Susan Turpin (Kenneth), son Robert (Heather nee Moen), and son Colin (Cheryl nee Clegg). She leaves 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren with whom she had a very close relationship, playing a vital role in their education, activities, and moral upbringing.
She was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to William and Melba Johnston on June 18, 1939. She grew up in Yorkton, Saskatchewan where her father was an alderman and theatre manager. She graduated in 1960 from the School of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan Hospital. It was there she met medical student and track star Stuart whom she married on May 27, 1961.
Dawn was an obstetrical nurse during Stuart’s internship at Toronto Western Hospital. This was followed by 4 years in Drayton Valley, Alberta where they tragically lost their first son, Dale, in 1963. Then in 1966 with their 2 children, Robert and Susan, they spent a year at the University of California at Los Angeles and Dawn worked as a float nurse. Then Stuart took his neurosurgical residency in Edmonton where Colin was born. In 1973 the family settled in Victoria.
Dawn had many activities and accomplishments. She was on the Board of Directors with organizations including the Victoria Symphony Society, Royal McPherson Theatre Society, YMCA, Need Crisis Line, Canadian Surgical Care for Children, Junior League, and the food bank at St John’s Devine. Dawn was Team Leader for Poco a Poco organizing medical care in remote locations of Guatemala. She was a prenatal Lamaze instructor for over 25 years and only retired when her “babies were having babies.”
Her passions included music, flowers, theatre, bridge, travel, art, fitness, walking and cooking. She was a very active lady of the Camosun Gyro club. Dawn was an avid downhill skier, and the family owned a townhouse at Apex Alpine Ski Resort near Penticton for over 25 years. She loved to entertain in her waterfront home and hosted 3 weddings.
Dawn was a very outgoing, kind, and loving person with many, many friends. She had a way of making any person she was talking to feel like they were the most important person in the world.
She spent her final weeks in the constant presence of her husband, children and grandchildren. The family extends their sincere appreciation to all the doctors and nurses who compassionately provided excellent medical care.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the BC Cancer agency in her memory.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Uplands Golf Club, 3300 Cadboro Bay Road, Victoria, BC, on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 2:00 pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
26 Responses
Dear Stuart and family,
David and I are sad to learn that Dawn passed away. We have very fond memories of Dawn – her beautiful, friendly smile, the consummate hostess for Gyro events, her delight watching the children with Santa at our Christmas parties. Always a friendly face, interested and supportive of everyone she met, we will miss her.
I know this must be a very difficult time for you. Know that we are thinking of you and remembering Dawn fondly. Our hearts go out to you.
David and Margot Moore
I grew up in Yorkton and worked for her Mother Melba. Dawn was an exceptional student and had a wonderful life. I renewed our Yorkton connection when I moved to Victoria and treasure the times we shared. Rest in peace.
What a great Lady who gave of herself so generously! She will be remembered by her fellow Junior League members for her enthusiasm, her smile and her inspiration.; by the Rotarions who supported Poco a Poco after hearing her appeal and by her many friends both past and present.
Dawn was a wonderful woman and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time.
Dear Cameron family,
I am saddened to know that Dawn has passed away.
Oh my, what a HUGE loss to you all!
I can still picture Dawn leading a Lamaze class in 1985 wearing a yellow KETTLE CREEK jump-suit! WOW!
I was also part of the POCO A POCO Guatemala team that Dawn volunteered in year after year.
Dawn was one of THE MOST generous, energetic, and kind people I will ever have known!
She truly left this world a MUCH better place!!
I love the picture you have chosen for her Obit as it is SO VERY Dawn in every way!
One of her,” many,many friends”!
Anne Boldt
Dear Stuart and family
We send our condolences to you and your family.
We will miss Dawn’s, wonderful smile and energetic spirit.
She was an organizer, entertainer , really good bridge player and
will be missed by all.
With love from Gord & Pam Adams and Family
Sending loads of love to the family, I had the pleasure of meeting Dawn a few times she always had a welcoming smile and hello. Rest in peace.
I am so very sorry to hear about Dawn’s death. She was such a delightful person, and her lovely obituary said it all. I enjoyed her so much while volunteering at St John the Divine food bank. We had what we laughingly called “The A Team” until Covid interfered. Dawn will be missed by so many, myself included. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to Stewart and family. Judith
Dawn truly was interested in everyone she spoke to. She added to the fun of every aerobics class and she’d
greet us with her huge smile when we met out walking. She will be missed by so many.
I will miss her enthusiasm for life. She was a role model for us all!