Michael Thomas Cameron

Mike was born on Christmas Eve to Earl and Evelyn (nee Amundson) Cameron. Although Mike was born in Orville, Washington, the family soon moved to Evelyn's hometown Canby, Oregon, and it was there that he grew up and went to school. As a child and teenager, he became passionate about playing sports, fishing and hunting. Many summer evenings were spent playing second base on little league teams. In high school he excelled as a fullback on the football team. After graduating from Canby High in 1965, he enlisted in the Navy and became a Seabee. He somehow survived three harrowing tours in Vietnam, where Seabees often worked in very dangerous areas. After his discharge from the Navy, Mike returned to Canby and became a plumber, a career he plied his entire working life, both as a working plumber and as a plumbing instructor. Up until a few years ago, Mike continued to hunt and fish. Hunting and fishing trips were always enjoyed even if they didn't result in anything for the freezer. He also had a fondness for fires - the bigger the better - campfires he built while hunting and brush-pile fires at his home were legendary. A good evening for Mike was sitting by his blazing outdoor fireplace, drinking beer with a friend. Mike was a member of Canby Rod and Gun Club, Order of the Antelope, and American Legion Post 122 in Canby. He served on the Legion's honor guard for many years and often attended Post 122's hamburger feeds, proudly wearing his Seabee cap. His ashes will be interred at Bear Creek Cemetery, next to his father's grave. An appropriate setting, as the two were very close. Friends and family will remember Mike for his smile and willingness to lend a helping hand. To honor him they will gather at 4 PM on January 11th at the Antonia Ballroom in Canby to eat, drink, and reminisce. In addition to his siblings, Robert (Pat) Cameron, Susan Cameron and Sally Sperb, Mike is survived by his stepson Ron Raines of Canby, son Shawn Cameron, daughter Lisa Laredo, and brother-in-law Guy (Spud) Sperb, and Robert Foster.