Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" Cameron

Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" Cameron was blessed with an abundance of leadership qualities. It would be accurate to say that this man was an outstanding luminary and that his natural abilities served him well. He knew with certainty how he wanted to set priorities in all aspects of his life. He struck those who knew him as the kind of person who awoke in the morning with a clear sense of exactly what he expected from his day and how to set about accomplishing those goals. Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" was a man who definitely liked order and was most comfortable with an organized and structured lifestyle. When this climate was absent, Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" would set about immediately to create it.

      Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" was born on February 24, 1978 at General Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. His parents were John Angus and Marie Antoinette Cameron. Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" was raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" was brought up to be reasonable in his actions and was taught to use his intellect wisely. He was an honest and straightforward child, traits that reinforced his self-confidence. Even at a young age, Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" was credited with having a positive influence on those around him.

      Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red"'s enthusiasm for learning and the personal energy that enthusiasm generated led to his exhibiting leadership qualities early on in his childhood. He liked to see things executed properly and showed a skill for taking control of situations that were drifting out of control. At the same time, he was willing to experiment with different approaches as he worked a plan towards a solution. As a young boy, he took part in backyard baseball. In his spare time he liked baseball and hockey cards.

      When it came to academics and school, Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red"'s organizational skills reaped dividends. Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" was able to create a system for getting his class work done in a proper and timely manner. With a strong ability to analyze his schoolwork and assignments, he could apply a practical, common sense approach completing his studies. He showed a natural curiosity in the manner in which he tackled new types of problems and would regularly challenge his own reasoning ability in finding solutions. He graduated from St. Basils High School in 1997. He enjoyed some courses more than others and developed favorite classes and teachers. His favorite classes in high school were french, math and any sport. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mrs. Carla Zanatta and Mr. Barbeau and also his grade three teacher Mr. Caico. Andrew in 1993 attained honor roll status and in 1993 he also attained top marks in french.

      The work habits and approaches to studying that Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" utilized in high school also served him well in college. Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" always seemed on a quest for knowledge. He was able to generalize, summarize and compile information for his classes, employing a matter-of-fact approach. Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" was intuitive and mentally alert, seemed to crave the challenge of solving complex problems. He studied fish and wild life and went back and took the law and security adminsitation program and graduated on May 13, 2006. His favorite courses were fish and wild life and law and security. His favorite professor was Mr. Robert Barbeau. He also enjoyed working in the field weighing deer and any sports activities.

      In a group of friends and acquaintances, Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" was typically the first person to take the initiative to go up and greet someone new. That quality made him very approachable by others throughout his life. This same quality brought Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" the reward of many friends. Maintaining loyalty to those friends was a trait that came naturally to Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red". He believed that he should treat others in a fair manner, in the same way he wanted to be treated. Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" also showed a great deal of appreciation for the accomplishments of his friends. While growing up, some of his best friends were Brent Bertolo, Aaron Klooster, Christopher Michaud, Christopher Miller, Jamie Seguin, Chris Pino, Frankie Pileggi, Katie Bertolo and Laura Giuliano. Later in life, he became friends with Christopher Michaud, Tony Chammas, Chris Pino, Frank Belinni, Ryan Darlow, Serge, Travis and Trisha Daynard and Andrew McCormick, Big John and many many more.

      At work Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" was viewed as a natural leader. He could marshal all of the available resources, including personnel and materials, in order to meet virtually any objective. He was great at developing strategies and made maximum progress with little wasted effort. Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" was also adept at uncovering new and more efficient ways of getting things done. He was able to establish and meet objectives and schedules through long range planning and was always able to keep the big picture clearly in sight. Although Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" might have been described by some as an overachiever, he was without question a dedicated and diligent employee. His primary occupation was working in the Cold Mill at Essar Steel. During his employment he loved all of his jobs including his security job at the mall and the cold mill at Essar Steel and he was also willing to try any job. He also worked at Community Living Algoma.

      Not only did Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" find pleasure in pursuing his various hobbies, he also enjoyed the discovery and research involved in learning about them. His skill at problem solving had a positive influence on these activities as well. His favorite pursuits were video games, baseball, floor hockey, travelling, fishing, swimming, boating, skidooing, and four wheeling, sea-dooing, water skiing and tubing, cross country skiing, washer toss and horseshoes.

      No matter what the activity was, Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" had the ability to motivate others. This talent influenced his participation in sports, too. He sought out the possibilities in a competitive situation, and he stayed cool and calm under pressure. He relished the stimulation of the action and energy associated with sports. In high school, Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" played curling and floor hockey. In his college years, Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" continued to stay active by playing softball. Recreational sports included bowling, floor hockey, baseball and football. He was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were hockey, baseball, football and basketball.

      Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" was a man who took pride in upholding his beliefs. When he became active in community affairs, he did so in the same determined and forthright manner that he applied to other aspects of his life, he loved to see children in sports and outdoor fun swimming, boating and camping.

      There were occasions in Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red"'s life where he would find himself involved in a cause or leading an organization and event where his drive to complete the project or meet the established goal was more important than his concern for the philosophy behind it. It was this kind of commitment and drive that earned him praise and honors throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included curling trophy's, bowling trophy's and his honor roll award.

      Traveling, especially vacations, was another way for Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" to apply his exceptional leadership and organizational skills. He liked exploring different places but also enjoyed designing and scheduling the trips in advance. He had real talent for developing the perfect itineraries. Favorite vacations included going to Detroit and Boston to baseball games with his dad John and to Nova Scotia where he crossed the Cabot Trail. He spent football days at home in front of the TV in their jerseys, spent many times at Ranger Lake fishing, hunting and snow machining. He went to the Canadian Hall of Fame with Phil and met Gretzky's dad and took the boys to WWF in Windsor and to the Big Bear Lodge. Andrew rode on the biggest roller coaster. He went to a Pittsburg football game in October, where he and Shelly were engaged.

      Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red"'s favorites was Peppi the first puppy who lived for 15 years. Amber was the second dog and lived 8 years and Milo was the third dog and is 6 years old.

      Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" passed away on January 1, 2014 at Sault Area Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Andrew was struck by a truck coming over the crest of a hill at Ranger Lake, .3 Kilometers from our camp at Ranger. He was on his ski doo. He smashed his leg and had too much blood loss. He saved his little friend Kohl Bennett who was on the machine with him. He is survived by his mother Marie, uncle Herman, aunt Phyllis, cousin Christopher Michaud, Susan and Steven Michaud (his God Parents), Fiancee Shelly Swire, best friends Wyatt Swire and Kohl Bennett. He was laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery in the family plot where he will be with his mom and dad.

      Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" Cameron knew what he wanted from life and never hesitated in going after it. He could be characterized as a driven individual, someone who understood the importance of achievement. Andrew Hector Scott "Big Red" was decisive and outspoken at times but was also positive and upbeat about most things. He was a leader, both intentionally and sometimes by default. If he saw that something needed to be done, he was always ready to step up and actualize, organize and implement a plan.

ANDREW CAMERON’S EULOGY

Hi everyone,

We are gathered here today to celebrate the life of Andrew Hector Scott Cameron.

You remember, some know him as Big Red, Teddy Bear, I sometimes knew him by

a few other choice names. Kohl and Wyatt knew him as Andy. Phil and Marlene

knew him as son Big Guy.

I would like to share today how Andrew came to John and me. I am sure some of

you have heard this story before but it does bare repeating as we did not expect

him to be.

Once upon a time a lady named Marie and a fella called John met, married and wanted

children. They tried and lost the first child-tried again and lost a second child – after

these happenings some surgeries had to be performed. We were told our chances of

pregnancy were like the ivory soap commercials. What was that?? Oh, yes 99%

to 1% chance of never being pregnant again. So the lovely couple moved on and

accepted this unfair opportunity of never having children.

Next chapter:

17 years down the road of our married life we decided to purchase a lot through

the Ministry draw and by luck of the draw we were picked. We built a camp at

Ranger Lake. We decided we would retire out there and enjoy life fishing and

relaxing.

While building our cottage in 1977, I did not feel well. I needed hemorrhoid surgery.

I was sent to a gynecologist and tested for any pregnancies before surgery. The doctor

said, “no you didn’t kill any rabbits, so the surgery could proceed”. A lot of things took

place before surgery, x-rays, upper GI’s and $96 worth of medications. To cut the story

short, next morning after the surgery I was very ill. I was in hospital for 14 days and sick

every morning with sickness and nausea every time a breakfast tray came in. I was

discharged and went home. I kept swelling up and having morning nausea and craving

french fries & gravy, oranges etc. John said, “Marie you have to go back to the doctor,

something is wrong.” I thought it was gas. I took enemas’ but they did not work.

I saw the surgeon and he tapped, tapped and tapped again. He said, everything would

be fine. Meanwhile, I was in the hospital and I met a lady in the next room. They thought

she was pregnant but in fact she was carrying an 18 lb. tumor. She died. So, when I

was going down to see the gynecologist, I was figuring, WOW! this must be a huge

tumor, because I couldn’t have babies or it is a huge ball of gas after surgery.

Next Chapter:

Are you all okay yet?

Next I went down and was examined and my stomach measured. The doctor thumbed

through my files and charts and faced me and said, “Marie, you are 6 1/2months

pregnant. I will not repeat what I said to him. It shot out of my mouth and not nice,

but I told him to his face he was a hum, hum liar. He told me I had to take iron

pills and go to prenatal. Well that was a joke time and lots of luck when they

finally realize this is a tumor or a lock of gas.

Closing Chapter:

Pain started while playing darts at Club “14” and carried on most of the day and early

evening. John said, “your mother thinks you better go to the hospital”, so I said oh,

okay. At the hospital the nurses called the doctor and eventually took me into have

whatever was going to take place.

Problems were happening so they called an anesthesiologist in. I kept arguing with

her, they will see it’s a tumor, she said, shut up and breath in, so I sucked (snnnn)

and was out. I did not see or know what took place until the next day.

Happy Ending – No

The nurse brought in a red headed baby, NOT MINE, John had black hair, I had dark

hair. My mom thought he looked like John. I couldn’t see how he looked like John.

I knew there was another lady in labour too that night who probably didn’t want

her baby and to cover up the doctors error so I wouldn’t sue they were going to

give me this red head baby. The nurses were horrified and continually kept

bugging me to name him. This went on for 3-4 days. I denied he was mine.

Finally between the nurses, John and the doctor they said when they brought

him in, Name Him Now, he is your son! I said oh well, he looks like an Andrew.

His dad John, asked if I could name him after his dad, I said not Claney, and you

can’t name him Kenneth because your brother Archie’s son is named Kenneth.

John said, how about Hector? I said no, my dad has a brother with that name and

he hates him.

So I want to tell you all in all Maggie Muggins, Our Son, Big Red

was a miracle given to us by John’s and my Higher Power whom

we always called God. He was born on February 24, 1978.

His name was ANDREW HECTOR SCOTT CAMERON and he was proud of every name.

When he signed anything it was ANDREW HECTOR SCOTT CAMERON.

The end for Big Red, Teddy Bear, Andrew Hector Scott was TRAGIC and HEROIC.

January 1, 2014 at approximately 6:15p.m. he went to rest in his father’s arms with

Shelly beside him.

I love you Son, as I know you loved me too. Last words we spoke that morning.

You were our Sunshine, our only Sunshine. Please, Rest in Peace!

A verse in closing –

An angel walks beside US

Each one of us receives an angel guardian at birth

Who walks along beside us, every day we spend on earth.

Invisible, these angels, never leave us day or night

They know our fears and whisper,

Things are going to be all right.

They give us strength and purpose,

Keep our hope and courage strong.

They fill our minds with wisdom and our spirits with a song.

We know we have found comfort in knowing

YOU HAVE BEEN GUIDED GENTLY HOME.

Composed & spoken from her heart by Andrew’s mother, Marie Cameron.

Hi, I’m Jeremy, one of Andy’s many friends.

I was asked by Andy’s mom to say a few words.

Since I’m not a speaker and I have to keep this

clean. This is hard, I just want to say, “Andy

was a great friend to everyone.” He helped a

lot of us and if need be and someone was

trying to hurt us, Andy would step in and kick-

ass if he needed to. Sorry that’s the way we

talked amongst ourselves.

Andy one night, us guys were in the car and

we got talking, what would each of us do, want

or say if we died.

Andy spoke up and said, I don’t want a bunch of

blubbering cry-babies standing around. I want

everyone to have a party, share stories, have a

drink of our favourite booze (yenger), talk of good

times we all had. I want to say thanks Andy for

wanting me as your best man.

Miss you bro. Thanks, Cheers and Rest in Peace.

Composed and spoken by friend Jeremy Fata

Listen, I will share with you a mystery!

In Andrew

the Spirit of Life and Love

came to visible expression

in human form

when he loved you Shelly, Wyatt, Kohl & his Mom & family

and friends,

when he called you friends,

when he laughed, when he cried,

when he did whatever you loved about him.

Where is Andrew now?

Well, he continues to dance

with the Spirit of Life and Love

in ways beyond words and images.

Andrew is with you, with me

and always will be

as this Spirit

continues to move in our lives.

Andrew is with you and me,

and always will be,

in the Spirit of Life and Love.

Andrew left his body on that day he died.

we believe that Andrew lives on

in the minds and hearts and lives of his family

and friends.

We believe also that Andrew now lives on in the Spirit of Life and Love that we call God.

CAMERON, Andrew Hector Scott 'Big Red'

Sunday, January 05, 2014

In the Gospel of John we hear Jesus say,

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.

Believe in God, believe also in me.

In my Father’s house

there are many rooms.

If it were not so, would I have told you

that I go to prepare a place for you?

And if I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come again and will take you to myself,

so that where I am, there you may be also.”

And in closing I would like to share an African Story.

Some African peoples believe that when a person dies,

a star falls from the sky to and tell life everywhere that something significant has happened.

It announces that a being who was once upright has fallen down. It is a beautiful image.

It says that at death something tremendous happens,

something which is irreversible, and

which causes reverberations in heaven as well as on earth.

It also says that each person matters

in the overall scheme of things.

This is what all of us want to know.

We want our lives to mean something.

We want to be valued for ourselves.

We don’t want to die and disappear without a trace.

At death, a person’s uniqueness is clearly revealed.

That is why we treasure last words and last memories.

A star (our Andrew, Big Red) has fallen in the firmament of our lives.

We gather to celebrate the life that was Andrew’s and to entrust him to his God who called him by name and loved him before he was even born.

Spoken by: Shirley Kindred, a special family friend.

Those Who Live In Our Hearts

We cannot control the movement of time

nor can we control our own destiny or the

destinies of those we love.

But we can take comfort knowing

that those who have lived in our hearts

are never really gone.

For as long as we keep them with us,

in our hearts and our thoughts,

they will be with us always.

For love which is timeless,

never ceases to exist.

Closing by: Uncle Herman with love.

CAMERON, Andrew Hector Scott “Big Red”– It is with heavy hearts that the family of Andrew announce his passing on Wednesday, January 1, 2014 at the age of 35. Precious son of Marie and the late John Cameron. Much loved fiancé, friend and soul mate of Shelly Swire. Proud acting step-father of Wyatt and Kohl. Grandson of the late Kenneth and Mary Anne Cameron and the late Albert and Georgina Bourdages. Cherished godson of Susan and Steven Michaud. Special “brother” of Christopher Michaud. Nephew of Herman Cameron and Phyllis Bourdages. Loved by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Big Red was a great friend to many and his smile and his quotes will never be forgotten. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home and Cremation Centre on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 from 2-4 pm and 6-9 pm. Funeral service will be held in the chapel on Thursday, January 9, 2014 at 1 pm. Memorial donations to Canadian Tire JumpStart Sault Ste. Marie would be appreciated by the family.

For anyone who knew Andy it was no secret that his favorite place in the world to be was at his family camp at Ranger Lake. Andy also had a genuine love for sports and he was quite often seen wearing a jersey of his favorite teams, from hockey, to football, to baseball. In honour of Andy please wear a jersey of your favorite team to the celebration of his life.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com.

* * * * * * * * * *

CAMERON, Andrew Hector Scott “Big Red”– It is with heavy hearts that the family of Andrew announce his passing on Wednesday, January 1, 2014 at the age of 35. Precious son of Marie and the late John Cameron. Much loved fiancé, friend and soul mate of Shelly Swire. Proud step-father of Wyatt and Kohl. Grandson of the late Kenneth and Mary Anne Cameron and the late Albert and Georgina Bourdages. Cherished godson of Susan and Steven Michaud. Special “brother” of Christopher Michaud. Nephew of Herman Cameron and Phyllis Bourdages. Loved by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Big Red was a great friend to many and his smile and his quotes will never be forgotten. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home and Cremation Centre on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 from 2-4 pm and 6-9 pm. Funeral service will be held in the chapel on Thursday, January 9, 2014 at 1 pm. Memorial donations to Canadian Tire JumpStart Sault Ste. Marie would be appreciated by the family.

For anyone who knew Andy it was no secret that his favorite place in the world to be was at his family camp at Ranger Lake. Andy also had a genuine love for sports and he was quite often seen wearing a jersey of his favorite teams, from hockey, to football, to baseball. In honour of Andy please wear a jersey of your favorite team to the celebration of his life.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com.