Obituary of Peter Cameron

Peter Alfred Gordon Cameron, B. Comm, BGen. OMM, CStJ, CD born Sept 15, 1930 On November 29, 2014 Peter passed away peacefully surrounded by his three children. He was pre-deceased by his wife of 56 years, Suzanne. He will be sorely missed by his two brothers Donald and Ian, and children Ian Cameron (Laurence), Janet Cameron-Grant (David Hamilton), and Patricia (Trish) Colley (Jim) and grandchildren Leigh, Megan, Margaux, George, Duncan, Colleen, Alexandra and Sarah. Born to Alfred Gordon Cameron and Dorothy Somerville Stratton Cameron, Peter attended Crescent School, Ravenscourt School, Appleby College, McGill University and the London School of Economics. Peter's business career was diverse and rewarding and included such positions as President and CEO of Canadian Corporate Management, Chairman and CEO of Chromalox Inc., Chairman and CEO of The Garfield Group. In this latter post he undertook such senior consulting responsibilities as Vice Chair and acting CEO of Diversey Corporation, Chairman of Canada Post Corporation and as Senior Consultant to A. T. Kearney Limited. He was a member of Ontario's Advisory Committee on the Restructuring of the Ontario Public Service; Commissioner, Ontario Education Improvement Commission, and Member of the Ontario Government Panel on the Future Role of Government. Directorships included an array of numerous Canadian corporations and foundations. Peter Cameron's lifelong interest in the military resulted in a second and concurrent career which paralleled his business achievements. He commanded the Appleby College Cadet Corps and was later commissioned in the Royal Canadian Armored Corps (McGill Contingent, COTC). After graduation he joined the 48th Highlanders of Canada, becoming Commanding Officer in the late 60's. Transferred to Montreal, Quebec he was promoted Colonel and Commander District No. 1 du Quebec. On his return to Toronto he was promoted Brigadier-General and appointed SPO, Chief of Reserves Council, the senior planning post for Canada's Reserve Forces. He served as Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel and Honorary Colonel of the 48th Highlanders of Canada. He was founding Chairman, Standing Committee on Foreign Policy and National Defense for the Business Council on National Issues, Special Advisor to the Auditor General during his Audit of Human Resources Management in Canada's Armed Forces and Co-Chair (with the Minister of National Defense) of Canada's Defense Industrial Preparedness Council. He was Chair and Co-Chair of Reserves 2000 - a national voluntary coalition of Canadians concerned with the security and defense of our country. His community service included positions as Vice-Chair of St. John Ambulance - Quebec Council, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Sunnybrook, and later the Sunnybrook Foundation. Upon retirement as a member of the hospitals' Board of Trustees he was appointed a Trustee Emeritus. A long-time Governor of Appleby College, he served a six-year term as Chairman of the Board of Governors. Peter was an avid golfer but to his great disappointment was never quite successful in shooting his age. In earlier days he was a competitive sailor and skier. He was a devotee of classical music, in particular, opera. He immensely enjoyed playing billiards with his friends in the Toronto Club Billiard Room. He read widely and was always well-informed on the issues of the day. Peter enjoyed travel and both he and Sue did so extensively. He was always happy to spend "grandfather time" with his grandchildren whenever he could, and was vitally interested in their education, advancement and achievements. The family wishes to thank the team of doctors and staff of the Coronary Care Unit of St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES - NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (South of Davisville Avenue) from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2nd. Funeral services will be held in CHRIST CHURCH DEER PARK, 1570 Yonge Street at 11:00 o'clock on Wednesday, December 3rd. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the 48th Highlanders Trust, in care of the 48th Highlanders of Canada, 130 Queen Street East, Toronto, Ontario M5A 1R9. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.