OHL mourns the passing of longtime Kitchener Rangers voice Don Cameron

 

It is with deep sadness that the Kitchener Rangers share news of the passing of Don Cameron on Thursday after a brief illness.

Cameron, the former play-by-play radio voice of the team, had been a part of over 4,000 broadcasts and the Rangers primary play-by-play voice for 50 seasons.

“Don had a passion and understanding of the game that was unmatched,” said OHL Commissioner David Branch. “A fixture in the broadcast booth for 50 seasons, he is considered as one of the true builders of the OHL. On behalf of the OHL family I offer my condolences to his wife Carole, his family and friends, members of the Rangers organization and community, and to everyone who had the pleasure of meeting one of our game’s great gentlemen.”

Longtime voice of @OHLRangers, Don Cameron, has sadly passed.

The #OHL family joins @CoachsCornerDC, @RonMacLeanHTH, and the entire hockey community in mourning the loss of a true gentleman and legend of our game.

MORE: https://t.co/oGAq4Q0W6c pic.twitter.com/LSQG9dkgCH

— OntarioHockeyLeague (@OHLHockey) June 8, 2018

The voice of the Rangers is silent < @OHLRangers report by @BrownRecord #OHL https://t.co/NFAIC9kdxv

— WR Record (@WR_Record) June 8, 2018

Affectionately known by many listeners as simply “The Legend”, Cameron began covering the team as its radio play-by-play broadcaster during the team’s inaugural season in 1963. He called games every season until 2015-16, with the exception of two – 1974-75 and 1975-76 – when the rights were owned by a competitor. During those two seasons, Cameron still reported on the team.

Even after he stepped away from the team prior to the 2015-16 campaign, he still came back to The Aud and put the headset back on for the odd game; most recently Game 6 of the Western Conference Final vs. the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

One night before a game, Don fell and needed 14 stitches in his head. He still called the game. Here’s a look at us during Game 6 of this spring’s series versus the Soo. April 29, 2018. Godspeed, friend. pic.twitter.com/B4OVNaeMK4

— Mike Farwell (@farwell_ohl) June 7, 2018

Though he didn’t need to, Don paid for a Rangers season ticket in each year since he “stepped away” from the mic. He wouldn’t go into the media room when he wasn’t working. It’s the Don Cameron Media Room.

That’s about all you need to know about Don Cameron, the man. #TheLegend

— Chris Pope (@_ChrisPope) June 7, 2018

STORY: A legend, mentor, and friend. Don Cameron has passed away, and our community is mourning #OHLRangers https://t.co/AwiQnakUx2 pic.twitter.com/nVaiEpYbFL

— 570 NEWS – Kitchener (@570NEWS) June 7, 2018

Stunned by news of the passing of legendary sportscaster from Summerside – Don Cameron! For over 50 yrs, Don helped make hockey Canada’s game with his stories, esp. for his beloved @OHLRangers fans! My condolences to his family and friends, and his @570news & @OHLHockey families! pic.twitter.com/RNdGAxle8G

— Berry Vrbanovic (@berryonline) June 7, 2018

Born in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, he began his career covering his hometown senior squad, the Summerside Aces, for CJRW in 1956. Soon thereafter, he landed in Ontario, taking a job with CKTB radio in St. Catharines where he went on to cover the Jr. “A” Teepees.

He came to Kitchener in 1958 as the Sports Director for CKCR Radio and later CKKW where, after a one game tryout, he was given the responsibility of covering Kitchener-Waterloo Dutchmen senior hockey games. He eventually travelled with the team to California for the 1960 Squaw Valley Winter Olympic Games where the team laid claim to a silver medal.

He coached the Kitchener Kieswetter Ladies Senior Fastball team from 1973-1978, with the team winning the Canadian Championship in 1975 and finishing second in 1976.

He also served the community through the Children’s Youth Organization, Big Brothers, the KW Press Club, Knights of Columbus, the Granite Club and the Jazz Club.

He was named as a recipient of the Radio-Television News Directors Association (RTNDA) Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.

Thank you to Don Cameron for the passion, professionalism and class he brought to every day. He will remain an inspiration for anyone who is given the privilege to speak into a microphone.

— Mike Stubbs (@stubbs980) June 8, 2018

In 1989, before the first @OHLHockey season for the @OwenSound #Platers, a guy in KW told me that if I ” was 1/2 as good as Don Cameron, I’d be fine. ” It’s continues to be a career goal to be 1/2 as good as Don. #HewasGreat on air…& off pic.twitter.com/0eQNqhS8LM

— Fred Wallace (@BayshoreFred) June 7, 2018

As the face of Don Cameron Potato Night through the House of Friendship for 21 years, he helped raise donations and meals for those in need in our community, including more than 500,000lbs of potatoes (a signature sustenance of his native PEI) last year alone during the Rangers home game vs. the Saginaw Spirit.

Today, we remember our friend, Don Cameron, who for 21 years was the the face and champion of Don Cameron Potato Night. He used his voice to help raise more than half a million pounds of food for our neighbours in need. Thank you, Don. You will be missed.#PotatoBlitz @OHLRangers pic.twitter.com/T5Y1Hntsfx

— House of Friendship (@hofwatreg) June 7, 2018

Over the course of his media career, Cameron also covered such events as the Brier, Skate Canada, and the Canada Summer Games.

The Rangers have not yet been made aware of any visitation or funeral arrangements.

We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Don Cameron, and will be forever grateful for the professionalism, passion and memories he shared with us.

Cammy’s calls: Don Cameron on best Rangers team to never win a title, best leader, most talented player, Mem Cup unsung heroes from ’82 and ’03, best goalie, most unique Ranger and more: https://t.co/gYJuAMTa43 #ohl pic.twitter.com/xUP7LlTRHW

— Josh Brown (@BrownRecord) June 8, 2018

My condolences to Don Cameron’s family and friends and to the City of Kitchener who have lost #TheLegend . Once a ranger always a ranger
Rest In Peace @OHLRangers @OHLHockey

— Adam Mascherin (@amascherin_23) June 7, 2018

Sad to learn the news of legendary voice of the @OHLRangers Don Cameron passing today. A staple of Friday nights at the Aud.

— Mike McKenzie (@MikeMcKenzie11) June 7, 2018