Donald D. Cameron

CAMBRIDGE - Donald Duncan Cameron, 87, passed away at his home on Monday, Feb. 12, 2007. He had been in failing health for the past year.

He was born at Saranac Lake, N.Y., on May 7, 1919, and was a son of the late Byron Ames and Lucie Chadwick Cameron.

Mr. Cameron attended schools in New York. During his teen years he spent much time on the river just enjoying himself. He loved talking about his Indian and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. At one time he was the manager of a large roller rink, and enjoyed skating whenever he could.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 24, 1942 and served for the next 3½ years. A part of that time was spent in Cambridge guarding German POW"s. This is where he met Mary Roberta Lewis whom he married on April 24, 1945. He received an honorable discharge on Jan. 20, 1946.

After returning from the service they moved to Tupper Lake, N.Y. where he drove a logging truck until the work ran out. They moved back to Cambridge and for several years he worked for the Crystal Ice Co. and then for the Cambridge Wire Cloth Co.

Always loving the water he built the "Roberta." He knew very little about tonging oysters or crabbing and would work from sun up to sun down catching a bushel of oysters, which is where he acquired the nickname "Bushel." He learned a lot from the local watermen and became quite good at the trade and his nickname became "Shamrock," as they teased him that he was just lucky.

Mr. Cameron later bought a truck and drove for the Wheatley Trucking Co. for 16 years and many more years for Todd Trucking Co. in Secretary. For over 30 years he hauled tomatoes out of Claxton, Ga.

For several years he entered a canoe contest, paddling 13 miles through a wilderness stream. He was the only senior citizen to enter the contest and was winning trophies into his 60s.

After retiring he spent much time gardening. In later life he loved reading and working word puzzles.

He had been an active member of Grace United Methodist Church for over 50 years where he had served as an usher for many years. He was also a member of Dorchester Post 91 American Legion.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Mary L. Cameron, of Cambridge; four sons - Byron A. Cameron II and his wife, Helen Ann Cameron of Elliott, Phillip L. Cameron of Moundsville, W.Va., Donald D. Cameron Jr. and his wife, Mary Lynn of Secretary and Lyle L. Cameron of Church Creek. He is also survived by nine grandchildren-Scott A. Cameron, Mary Beth Linthicum, Phillip L. Cameron Jr., Glen D. Cameron, Donald D. Cameron III, Janet Hill, Donise Cameron Dukes, Sherry Lynn Cameron and Lyle L. Cameron Jr. He is also survived by many great-grandchildren; three nieces, Jane Boettner of Placerville, Calif., Deanna Cameron of Moravia, N.Y. and Marilyn Ward of Moravia, N.Y. and a granddaughter in law, Theresa P. Cameron.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Byron A. Cameron III; three sons who passed away as infants; a brother, Robert Cameron and a sister, Helen Olenik.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at Grace United Methodist Church on Race Street in Cambridge with the Rev. Douglas M. Ridley officiating. Burial will follow at the Maryland Veterans" Cemetery at Beulah.

The family will receive friends on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 501 Race St., Cambridge, MD 21613.

Pallbearers will be Byron A. Cameron II, Phillip L. Cameron, Donald D. Cameron Jr., Lyle L. Cameron, Greg Dukes, Howard Hoffman, Lyle L. Cameron Jr. and Donald D. Cameron III.