Alvin "Leroy" Cameron

Alvin “Leroy” Cameron, 83, died from natural causes on February 2, 2023. Leroy a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather is survived by his children Brad and Valerie, six grandchildren, and one great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his spouse Sylvia (2010) and eldest daughter Beth (2021).

Leroy was born October 9, 1939, on a farm in Larned, Kansas and moved to Portland when he was 5 years old. Leroy grew up on the Southeast side of Portland and attended Sunnyside Grade School. Adept and determined, a young Leroy held down two jobs, as a newspaper delivery boy and a donut peddler. These early experiences in sales and connecting with community would serve him well throughout his life. Leroy attended Washington High School, where he met the love of his life and future wife, Sylvia. Leroy had an appreciation for nature and art, he was an avid water skier, a talented artist, and a music enthusiast, all of which inspired and fueled his creative endeavors during his lifetime.

Upon graduating high school, Leroy and Sylvia married and started a family. Leroy earned an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science which lead him to a successful career in sales. Focused, fair minded, ethical, and persuasive, Leroy thrived in the professional world as a top Communication Sales Associate for Executone and Rolm for over 20 years.

Leroy was a visionary and used his influence and networking skills to energize the PTA at Sunnyside School where his children attended. Leroy led the effort to revamp the playground to include grass and a field to accommodate more sports. It took years to accomplish and was a true testament to Leroy’s vision. Leroy was a “family man.” He and Sylvia were active parents, and they were dedicated to supporting their children’s endeavors every step of the way. From coaching Little League to art lessons, supporting his daughters’ efforts in dance and music, and attending countless games and recitals, Leroy would rally for his family. Leroy relished his weekends on the river, where he would stay up late playing cards and be the first one up at 7am to take Brad and his friends waterskiing. He was very proud of his family and genuinely enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow. He would often comment that his grandchildren were his greatest legacy.

Leroy lived by the “work hard-play hard” motto, he and his family spent as many weekends as possible camping, water skiing, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the Columbia River and the Oregon coast. At 45, Leroy and Sylvia made a life changing decision and purchased Bill’s Moorage. For the next 25 years, they put all their energy and efforts into building Columbia Ridge Marina ~ a state-of-the-art marina and floating home community. Columbia Ridge Marina was a labor of love and a highlight in Leroy’s list of lifetime accomplishments.

Leroy was a music enthusiast. His home was filled with music of every genre; Classical, Broadway, Blues, Pop, Rock and Roll, and Jazz - he loved it all and held a deep respect for musicians. In the mid 90’s, Leroy became the President of The Jazz Society of Oregon. He devoted his talents, efforts, and energy to supporting the Jazz Community with the overall goal of helping musicians thrive and keeping jazz alive for future generations. He worked to promote jazz festivals and workshops in Portland and throughout Oregon, supported jazz education and mentorship programs, and was most proud of his work in creating a youth scholarship fund. He was genuinely inspired to be part of the jazz community and one of his greatest joys in life was sharing his passion for music with everyone he encountered – young and old.

During his later years, Leroy struggled with health issues and was lovingly cared for by his wife Sylvia, daughter Beth, and family. The Cameron family will be forever grateful for the love and care he received from his caregivers, Jen, Rahel, and Shama. Leroy’s later life experiences revealed new sides to Leroy; gentle, joyful, and grateful; Leroy shined and brought humor and light to those around him.

Family and friends will remember Leroy for his work ethic and determination, his passion for the arts and love of music and nature.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation to the Jazz Society of Oregon or your favorite charity. A celebration of life will be held July 1st.