THE life of World War II naval veteran and community service stalwart Colin Cameron OAM was celebrated at a recent funeral service after he passed away on August 9.
Mr Cameron, 99, was born on July 17, 1918, and enlisted in the navy in 1943, serving as a teletype operator – sending messages across Australia.
On his return to Mount Gambier after the war, he became heavily involved in community service activities, in particular at the local Returned and Services League and Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West.
In a moving tribute, his daughter Sherry Harvey spoke about his recent birthday shortly before his passing.
“He celebrated his 99th birthday on July 17 surrounded by his family,” she said.
“It was wonderful to see the look of joy and surprise on his face when he saw his two granddaughters – Kirsti and Mandy – walk in followed by Jordan and Nicholas, his two grandsons.
“Even though he was not well and confined to bed, it was a great day.
“There was a revolving door of people popping in to see him and he thoroughly enjoyed himself.
“I quite expected him to be exhausted the following day, but he was remarkably bright.”
Ms Harvey said her father was a cherished dad.
“For us, he was just dad,” she said.
“A dad who worked hard, loved his veggie garden, took us to school, taught us to drive and took us to Port Mac for summer holidays.
“Dad loved music and theatre and sang at weddings and in the St Andrews choir.
“He also played the piano and organ.
“One thing he was passionate about was this city.
“He was born here and lived all his life here apart from the years spent in the navy during World War II.”
But the great joy of his life always remained his grandchildren and great grandchildren – Kirsti and her husband Simon, their two sons Jordan and Nicholas and Mandy.
“They were the lights of his life and he always wanted to know they were doing and how they were getting on,” Ms Harvey said.
“Although death is always a time of sadness, it is also a time of celebration as we look back on what – in dad’s case – was a full and wonderful life.”
In her tribute, granddaughter Kirsti Sapranidis said in a sense the family thought “grandpa would life forever” as he had always been a constant in their lives.
“Now that you are gone, it feels strange,” she said.
“Our greatest wish was for you to reach your 100th birthday, but I guess you are now required for bigger and better things.
“I am sure grandma has been busy getting ready for your arrival.”
Ms Sapranidis said she admired her grandpa for the love he showed to his great grandsons.
“I loved seeing the smile they put on your face, always interested in their lives, what they were up to and you just beamed with pride whenever you spoke of them,” she said.
“Grandpa, I am forever thankful for all you have done for us over the years, you helped out in times of need, you never wanted anything in return, your love was unconditional and I can’t thank you enough.
“You have been a wonderful role model on how to live life to the fullest, how to love your family, how to give and not expect anything in return.
“I hope we can carry on these amazing traits you have displayed throughout your life.
“Always a true gentleman, a devoted husband and a wonderful father, grandfather and greatgrandfather.”
