Allan Camelon

Camelon, Allan McDowell (Mac)

1931-2023

Allan McDowell (Mac) Camelon passed away peacefully on March 25, 2023 in his 92nd year.

Mac was predeceased by his beloved wife Patricia (2002) and best friend, Joan Hamilton (2018). One of eight close sisters and brothers, he is survived by Iva, Dorothy and Mervyn(Helen) and was predeceased by Stirling, Grace, Muriel and Glenn. Much-loved father of Janis (Russell), Jennifer (Jacques), Mary (Charles) and John (Eva). Cherished grandpa of Caitlin, Michael (Fontaine), Annie, Marc, Charles, William, Desmond and Fiona. Proud great-grandfather of Mabel. Dear uncle to his nephews, nieces and their children.

Born in Almonte on June 19, 1931 to David Lloyd Camelon and Annie Luella McDowell, Mac grew up in Carleton Place during the depression. He worked on farms in Carleton Place, Almonte and Pakenham, saving his money to attend university. In 1957, he graduated from Queen’s University with a B.Sc. (Mining Engineering). He met his wife, Pat, through his roommate and future brother-in-law, Matt Schwarz. Mac and Pat were married in Ottawa in 1958 and moved shortly after to Sudbury, where Mac started his career working for Inco there and later in Lynn Lake, Manitoba. He supported his teams of dedicated miners, doing his best to ensure they were safe and treated fairly when he worked  and maintained an interest in mining through his life.

In 1963, Mac and Pat returned home to family in Ottawa where Mac pursued a career in teaching, which he loved. He taught mathematics at Bell High School for over 30 years where he was dedicated to his students, colleagues and a healthy school environment.  Mac was an active member of the OSSTF helping to negotiate strong pensions and working conditions for those having chosen the teaching profession. In the early 1970’s Mac and Pat moved to a small farm in West Carleton where they were both active in the community; Mac acting as church warden at St. John’s Anglican Church, Carp and a junior league soccer coach. Mac and Pat were ahead of their time in being almost self-sufficient with their farm and large vegetable and fruit gardens, raising cattle and chickens, and making a perfect country home for his horses, many dogs (which he loved) and cats (which he grudgingly tolerated).

Mac had a positive outlook on life and was always genuinely happy to spend time with family and friends alike - camping, curling, barbecuing, hosting family, playing cards and board games. He often spent much time with his beloved parents-in-law (Gerry and Neva) and close family (Matt and Carol), hosting family Sunday meals, and special events (including Camelon family reunions) around holiday occasions for his extended family and coworkers. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, ensuring the family pool and farm were inviting for all, and he was instrumental in the preparation of all large family dinners. His keen interest in mining, current events and finance was matched by his love of sports including the Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Blue Jays. He was always very proud of his family and the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren alike and they will miss his support.

In his later years, after the loss of Pat, Mac returned home to Carleton Place where he was very fortunate to have Joan as a life partner, sharing dear friends and childhood memories for many happy years. He remained proudly independent into his 92nd year, still enjoying country drives through his beloved Lanark County.

Family and friends are welcome to say their farewells and share their stories at the Carp Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes, 115 Rivington Street, Carp on Sunday April 2, 2023 from 2pm to 4pm and from 7pm to 9pm. The funeral will be held at St. James Anglican Church (3774 Carp Road, Carp) on Monday April 3, 2023 at 2 p.m. A private family burial will follow in June.

The family would like to thank Dr. Ivanovich, Dr. Power and the wonderful caring staff at the Waterside Residence in Carleton Place for their support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mac’s name to the Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital.