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
Our deepest heartfelt condolences to the entire Cameron family…love the Breathet family.
I had the pleasure of exercising beside Dawn for over forty years. Our community of friends will remember with admiration her kindness and her beautiful soul. Dawn will be missed. I am sending my condolences to all the Cameron family.
I was very saddened to hear about Dawn’s passing. Sending my condolences to the whole Cameron family during this difficult time
Dear Stu and Family,
It is very sad to hear of Dawn’s passing. Dawn’s happy smile, positive attitude, always giving of herself, her wisdom and kindness will always be remembered. She made you feel important. I will always remember the times we spent together as couples and just with Dawn. She was very special and she will be missed by many. Lots of Hugs, Diane
My deepest condolences Stuart. I recall your arrival in Victoria and our many encounters in the O.R. and the incredible high esteem in which you were regarded by your colleagues. Although I did not know Dawn well, I feel that I did. She was clearly the perfect mate with all her community and philanthropic activities whilst you plied your skills in the O.R. (Apha Ray 13 1/2 hours acoustic neuroma… and I have never straightened up since – I used to be 6 feet). Respectfully, Dan Buie
Stuart and family we are shocked and sad to hear of Dawn’s death and thinking of you navigating through grief to a different way of life. Dawn had so much energy and ability to manage the various tasks she tackled in the community.
She will be remembered by so many.
May your journey through this reach comfortable memories and joy in life. Norman and Joan Wale