Donald Robert Cameron

Big Don passed away quietly April 26th doing what he loved, relaxing in the sun on his patio in Arizona. He is survived by the love of the second half of his life, his wife Jeannie, daughters Dawnmarie Rob, Casey Steve, Jodi and his brother Bruce Karen as well as family and friends, too numerous to mention.

He was preceeded in death by the love of the first half of his life, his wife Carolyn, his parents Donald and Violet and his beloved Mindy, the cat. Big "D" was born October 26, 1935 and raised in Seattle. After serving a term in the US Air Force and working by his father's side at Seattle Cedar in Ballard he joined the Seattle Police Dept. in 1960 and quickly worked his way up the ranks to become a Detective Sergeant.

He spent the bulk of his 39 years as a detective in Homicide. He loved being a "cop" and said, "Anyone can be a police officer, but not everyone is a 'cop'." He truly loved his job and the people he served with and often said he could never ask for a better group of people with which to work. His squad became part of the extended Cameron family. He had a way of touching people, even if they met only briefly, you couldn't help but be drawn to him, his strength, security, compassion and amazing sense of humor.

A giant teddy bear who was truly larger than life. He cherished the time spent with his family and the duties he held as a Mason and Shriner. He was Past Potentate of the Nile Shrine, Past Master of Rainier Lodge No. 189, Past High Priest of Rainier Chapter No. 52, member of the Royal Order of Scotland, St. Alvan Conclave Red Cross of Constantine. He had a heart of gold and was a tireless volunteer for the Shriner?s and the Nile to make sure "kids" were taken care of without cost to their families.

Upon retirement this Seattle native fell in love with the sun and the heat of Arizona where he and Jeannie bought a home and became snowbirds. It was here, he discovered his love of sunbathing in his goofy straw hat. We've lost our husband, our father, our brother, our mentor, our friend and our hero.

Rest in peace Big "D" until we're all together again. We would like to thank the Fire Dept of Green Valley AZ for their efforts and the staff of Swedish Hospital, who over the years have taken such great care of Don and our whole family. His family would like to extend special thanks to The Seattle Police Dept and Joe Frisino of the King County Medical Examiners Office for all of their support & help. A very special thank you to Gene Ramirez, he loved you like a son, we would have been lost this past couple of weeks without your help.

It is Don's wish that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Nile Shriner?s DAD?s Fund, 6601 244th St SW; Mountlake Terrace, WA. 98043-2750 or the Shriner?s Children's Hospital, 911 West 5th Ave. Spokane, WA. 99204-2910. There will be a graveside service at Evergreen Memorial Park 11111 Aurora Ave N. Seattle on Monday May 14th at 11:30AM followed by a celebration of his life at the Nile Shrine Center at 1:00PM.