Austin Cole Cameron

Giiwadin - Biizhew dodem

January 21, 1998 - February 5, 2026

Austin Cole Cameron, forever 28, of Thunder Bay/ Kenora, Ontario, passed away on Thursday, February 5th, 2026.

Born on January 21st, 1998, in Kenora. Austin was the son of Samantha Cameron and Joseph (Joey) Icton.

Giiwadin was born and raised with the traditional way of life on the Anishinaabe lands of Treaty Three-Kenora, Ontario. He attended school in Kenora and Baibombah Anishinaabe School in Noatkamegwaaning where he graduated from Grade 8. He went on to High School at Superior Collegiate School and post-secondary at Confederation College in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

He was a part of creating a lifetime of memories with his sibling-like cousins through every family event and special holiday. At age 11, he was very honoured to become a big brother to Keenan, whom he loved dearly. Austin wanted to be the best big brother to Keenan. He attended as many basketball games as he could. Austin often took Keenan out fishing and played video games online whenever they were apart. Austin was Keenan's protector. Austin learned his resilience from his mother, his greatest hero. He wanted to make her proud. Austin is survived by his mother, Samantha; his little brother, Keenan; and his Kokum, Sheila (Papa, Howard); as well as Kokum Darlene, Grandma Margaret, and Grandpa Robert. Uncles and Aunts: Reno (Shalon), Nigel, Brenda, Myles (Shelley), Jewel, Rachel (Maurice), Crystal, Sunny (Jhanick), Freedom (Irvin), Deanna, Larry (Helen), Tabetha, Ian (Kayla), Rachel M, Danielle, Ashley and Chris S. His loving cousins: Kaitlyn, Kacie, Naya, Nimkii, Nahanni, Reyna, Tyrese, Quilyn, Keisha, Niibin, Miigwan, Nephew Malaki, Patrick, Delilah, (Brewski the Cat), Taylor, Rylee, Kayleen, Aishah, Charlie Jr., Phoenix, Carson, Lydia, Mandaree, Cairo, Corin, Legacy, Jovan, Chelsea, Brandon, Siigwan, Esme, Kyle, Alex, Silas, Ryland (Kai & Luna), Kolby, Jerome, Justice, Kali, Cheyvonne, Carter, Thalia, Zaagi, Brody, Nathan and many more relatives.

Predeceased by his father, Joey Icton, his sister Lilly Cameron, his Papa Larry Henry, great-grandmothers Mary Cameron and Ruth Henry, great-grandfathers James Kelly (Popeye) and Clarence Henry Sr., Auntie Jennifer Icton, Great Uncles Barry Cameron, Roger Cameron, and Patrick Henry, Uncle Howie Copenace Jr., Cousins: Baby girl Cameron, Eric Cameron, Damian Green-Linklater, and Jackson Linklater, and best friend Mike St James.

Austin had an adventurous spirit; he was always on the go. He began walking at 7 months and running at 7 ½ months. His first big words showed his inquisitive side when he asked his Kookum, “Cha, Who’s that?” at the age of 10 months.

Austin was closely connected to Mother Earth. He sought out every opportunity to be on the land or on the water. Papa Larry fostered Austin’s love of fishing and hunting moose. He would come home to Kokum Darleen to fill his belly. His Kokum Sheila introduced him to photography. They went on the Powwow trail together, where Austin was a grass dancer just like his Papa Howard and his cousins. His Grandparents encouraged him to attend the ceremony, and he grew to love them deeply. Austin was known for his love of skateboarding. Skating was his form of fun, meditation, and therapy, and it connected him to a wide community of friends who shared that passion. Through skating, Austin built friendships, took risks, found freedom, and expressed who he was.

Austin was a long-time bartender in Thunder Bay. Everyone knew who he was. Behind the bar, he had a way of turning strangers into regulars and regulars into friends. He created a space where laughter came easily, and everyone felt welcome. When Austin poured you a drink, you knew you were staying a while.

You could often find Austin out fishing. He may not have caught the most fish, but he always came home with a great story—often involving a canoe and an unexpected adventure that left everyone laughing. More often than not, you’d get a call from Austin inviting you to join him, because fishing to him was not about the fish but the memories created with friends.

Another of Austin’s great loves was music. He always seemed to have control of the playlist and took joy in introducing others to a new song or rediscovering an old favourite. A few of his favourites were Sixty Minute Man by Rufus Thomas, Watermelon Man by Herbie Hancock, and See You Again by Tyler, the Creator.

Austin loved spending time with his close friends and family at their cabin. Their boys will never forget Uncle Austin showing them their first fireworks show, teaching them how to kick flip, and fishing and swimming in the river. Austin's straw hat, which he wore for years, still hangs in their sauna, keeping his spirit alive with all the beautiful memories of laughter and friendship.

Austin will be remembered for his deep love for his friends and family. He consistently put the needs of others before his own and went out of his way to bring a smile to someone’s face. Austin would drop everything for a friend in need or be the first to pick you up in his car—no questions asked. Those who knew him will always remember a moment that Austin made them feel special or made them laugh.

Austin’s friends will carry his goofy, loving spirit forward and cherish every memory they made with him. Austin considered all his friends his family, his brothers. He had so many important friends, including Parker, Sami, Allan, Birdy, Squints, Ollie, Johnny, Ryan, Jordan, Richard, Cody, cousin Tim, Kai, Jojo, Milko, Nic, Steve, Adam, Amanda, Clinton and his love Victoria.