Francis (Frank) Cameron Obituary (1940 - 2011)

Randolph-Francis 'Frank' L. Cameron, 71, of Randolph died at the VA Maine Health Care Center at Togus on Tuesday, Sept., 6, 2011. Frank was born on August 16, 1940. He was a Portland native, the fifth of seven children born to Mildred Anne O'Brion and Louis D. Cameron. Frank married Claire Smith of Westbrook in December of 1963 and enjoyed her companionship for some 48 years. He also leaves the couples four children and their families including Patrick and Laura Cameron and Laura's two children Christian and Amber Gilman of Winthrop, Christopher Cameron and his companion Karen Priputin and his three boys Scott, Adam and Aaron of Kansas City, KS, Beth Anne Cameron and her daughter Alanna of Waltham, MA and Michelle Cameron Madore , her husband Jeff, and their daughter Maya of Stafford, VA.He was predeceased by his parents, two brothers, William Peter in 1987 and John Paul in 1996, as well as one sister, Louise Pettis who passed 1991. Surviving immediate family members include one brother, two sisters Catherine Burgess and her husband Oren George Burgess, Jr of Falmouth, Stephen Cameron and his wife Jean of Florida, Mary Rose Stein and her husband Roger of Windham, and sister in law Anna Cameron widow of John Paul Cameron, maternal aunt Edna O'Brion Lyden of Portland and Peaks Island. There are also a large number of nephews and nieces as well as many grand nephews and grand nieces.Frank was a 1958 graduate of Chevrus High School. He was 1962 graduate of UMO. He was a Viet-Nam era Army veteran, serving from 1963 to 1965. He later earned master's degrees in both education and clinical social work from USM and the University of Arkansas respectively.Frank's professional career was spent primarily as a clinical social worker or clinical social work supervisor with the Togus VA Medical Center. He retired in June 2004He was an active member of St. Joseph Church in Gardiner and a volunteer at the Gardiner Food Bank. He was an active member of Canabas Council # 1299 Gardiner. During and after his VA career Frank volunteered for the TEA (Togus Employees Association) as part of the team that opened and supervised early morning use of the gym and pool by staff.Frank always enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Family holiday meals or outings were his favorite way to celebrate special occasions. Following retirement he began playing more golf. His favorite foursome included, brother Steve, in laws Smokey and Roger and himself. He really valued his old friends and maintained close ties with a group of fellow Chevrus graduates, helping to organize annual cook-outs and restaurant group outings for the gang. He also valued his newer friends from St. Joseph's in Gardiner. He always looked forward to Saturday night cards and Sunday morning breakfasts with this group.Visiting hours will be held Thursday 5 to 8pm at Staples Funeral Home 53 Brunswick Ave Gardiner. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gardiner. Burial with military honors will be held Monday Sept 12th at 9am at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery Mt Vernon Rd Augusta.