Martin Edward Cameron

With deep sorrow, we, the loved ones and family of Martin “Babe” Edward Cameron, age 87, announce his passing on November 25, 2023, after a very sudden decline in his health.

He was born on June 17, 1936 to Martin and Esther (Coady) Cameron and raised in Margaree Forks, Nova Scotia. He had a tough upbringing and would later often share his stories of struggle and perseverance with family and close friends – which served as a reminder to him of just how far he had come in his life. Indeed, those early years shaped him in a deep way. Survival required grit, strength, and determination.

He moved forward from his youth with exactly those qualities and overcame various adversities. At a young age, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), becoming an aircraft mechanic. However, his heart was always close to home. He would send the bulk of his income to his family in Margaree in an effort to help support them. While stationed in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, he met Darlene (Turner). They married and built a family as he moved from post to post across Canada, from Saskatoon to Trenton, Ontario and finally Greenwood, Nova Scotia.

After a successful career in the RCAF, Martin returned to Cape Breton, moving to Baddeck. It was there where he and Darlene began pursuing multiple business ventures. Eventually, they resettled to his family’s homestead in Margaree Forks, where they continued to build an enterprise that included forestry, fishing and farming operations, among other business activities. Martin took immense pride in all that he and Darlene were able to accomplish. They were constantly in motion; backed by a ferocious work ethic. He was never happier than when he was working the land that he loved or tinkering on one of his bulldozers, which was desperately in need of restoration.  This was a constant source of ribbing from his family. Through the years, one could often find him riding along in a truck or tractor with one of his loyal German Shepherds by his side.

After heartbreakingly losing his beloved Darlene to cancer in 2008, Martin carried on and was blessed to have Jean Chiasson come into his life. They married and, together, continued to fish, farm, and take care of the land that he loved.

In addition to his parents and Darlene, Martin was predeceased by his two brothers, John and Thomas, and his daughter Lynne. In addition to his wife Jean, he is survived by his daughters: Laurie Cameron, Halifax; Leslie Pottier (John), Ottawa; Leanne Cameron, Berwick; and son, David Cameron (Maureen), Detroit. He also leaves behind adored grandchildren: Emily and Seamus Corkum; Amanda (Robert) Beauregard and great-grandson Gavin; Catherine and Mathew Pottier; Kieran MacGillivray; Joshua (Erica), Lara and Merrin Fraser; Liam and Isabel Little, and Dominique Cameron.

Based upon Martin’s wishes, a grave site service will be held on December 9, 2023, at 1:00pm at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, South West Margaree with Father Silvichan Dominic officiating, followed by a reception in the Memorial Parish Centre.  Donations in Martin’s name may be made to the St. Joseph’s Cemetery Fund or the Canadian Lung Association.