Campbell Melrose
MacLean
Born August 8, 1921 in Lachine, Quebec…one year from the day
Cam’s parents landed in Canada from Scotland to begin their new life.
On August 21st Cam died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 95.
Marje, Cam’s high school sweetheart and loving wife of 71 years predeceased Cam last September. Since meeting in 1937 Cam and Marje were inseparable other than during Cam’s service as a dashing Spitfire pilot in the United Kingdom and Europe during WWII.
After a brief post-war demobalization Cam rejoined the RCAF and served until 1970 on bases in Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia and Washington state. After retirement, Cam was always keen to attend veterans’ gatherings across Canada and was most proud to attend ceremonies in Europe in 1995 that marked the 50th anniversary of the end of the war.
After retiring from the military, Cam started a second career as a realtor in Victoria, B.C. and shared many good times and many more laughs with his partner in crime, Gerry Dewhurst. Cam and Marje resided at their home in Metchosin B.C. for more than 40 years where they enjoyed their family and friends and rural life. In years gone by, Cam was a frequent visitor to the Abbottsford air show where he particularly enjoyed the sound of the Merlin engines in restored Spitfires.
Throughout his life, Cam enjoyed many sports and in his younger years, he was an avid participant in both golf and tennis. Those who came under Cam’s watchful eye on the driving range or on the course will always remember his most succinct (and helpful) tip…“don’t forget to pause at the top”. He was well known for his sense of humour and he loved to laugh and make others laugh. He also loved music, especially jazz…Chet Baker, Oscar Peterson, Shirley Horn...all the greats. He was forever welcoming to all people regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion and age, and particularly to those less fortunate than himself. Cam was the stand-in father of the bride at the weddings of a number of RCAF enlisted women on bases where he was posted, and later, for Rondie and John. Many high school friends of Cam’s children would visit years after Cam’s children had left home just to ‘hang out” with Cam. But perhaps most of all, Cam was incredibly perceptive…his five senses were always fully engaged with the most discerning interest. He knew intuitively what was right and what was not right…and always to an incredibly high standard.
Cam is survived by his 9 children, 15 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren: Craig, Susan (son Michael and his daughter Jesse), Carol (Wayne Hyslop and children Ryan, Heather and Graeme), Brent (Andrea Seraphim and children Marianne and Andrew), Norma (Ted Dick and children Jill and Cam(Melinda Clarke and sons Liam and Aidan)), Cam Jr. (sons Dylan and Alex), Ede (Evan Conklin and daughter Sarah), Janet (son Levon Mitchell and Levon’s beautiful dad Mike) and Jill (Greg and children Jared, Claire and Luke).
A very special thank you to Virginia who showed incredible and unconditional kindness and caring to Cam and Marje during their last few years together.
To the end, Cam kept a special place in his heart for Virginia.
Finally, many thanks to Dr. Fletcher and all of the staff of Eagle Park Health Care Facility in Qualicum Beach for their patience, care and support given to Cam, particularly in his final months.
At 95, Cam had a great run and will be missed by all who knew and loved him…wheels up one last time Cam…
Family remembrances will be private.