CAMERON, Ferdinand 'Ferd' Felix - (November 20, 1944 – October 13, 2020)
Ferdinand (Ferd) Felix Cameron passed away peacefully at the Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, on October 13, 2020 with his children Marissa and Mirabai at his bedside, and Melanie who joined via video from Yellowknife in the North West Territories.
He was born on the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on November 20, 1944 and grew up with his parents and was the eldest brother to his eight brothers and sisters.
Ferd attended the Malik Roman Catholic School and later the Mount Saint Benedict’s College in St. Augustine, Trinidad and finally San Juan Secondary School. In 1968 he migrated to Toronto, Canada where he pursued a career in the print publishing industry. He later changed careers and became a successful real estate broker and then entered public service with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, where he spent over 20 years.
He was also a founder member of the Caribbean Alliance Club (“Good Times”), actively involved in community work assisting where there was a need.
As a young man, Ferd had a keen interest in photography and cooking. He trained himself and became a very popular chef among his family and close friends, dishing up a wide variety of delicious Caribbean dishes. Always a fun loving and charismatic personality, he never missed an opportunity to invite friends over to his house and have a good “lime” (small gathering of good friends to enjoy some jokes, eat great food and have copious amounts of Scotch and other fine liquors).
When growing up in Mt. Lambert there was a term used by the young people of the day; “spreading joy”. It meant having a real good time, in a personal, selfish sort of way. Ferd’s life was a lot about spreading joy, yes, but it was a joy in which everyone was required to participate. The larger the crowd the better; addressing an audience, running a lime at his home, a family day, whatever. If there were people, Ferd was in his element. At the root of his dark moments, and we all have those, was always the fact that something was taking place over which he had no control and therefore could not work his customary magic.
Apart from the fun and joyous nature there was a part of him that was about deep caring and empathy for the unfortunate. Ferd went out of his way to maintain relationships with all his friends remembering birthdays etc. Two friends in particular, Kenneth Downes and Mr. Wright he would visit regularly bringing their favorite treats (“doubles” in the case of Kenneth) and even helping to feed him if necessary. These visits were not just a quick stop, Ferd would spend quality time doing what he did naturally and effortlessly, “spreading joy”.
Ferd is predeceased by his parents Inez and Bertie Cameron, his siblings, Cheryl and David. He is survived by brothers Garth, Brian and Henry and sisters Marguerite, Odette and Vivienne; Daughters; Melanie, Marissa and Mirabai; Granddaughter Cree and Great-granddaughter Nas; Pam Cameron and Carol Lewis and his friend and partner Paula Massiah.
He leaves a large community of friends and other extended family across North America and the Caribbean. He was greatly loved and will be dearly missed. May his soul rest in peace.
Arrangements entrusted with Paul O'Connor funeral home, Scarborough.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Memory of Ferd Cameron to Sunnybrook Foundation – designation to the Odette Cancer Centre at https://donate.sunnybrook.ca/tribute.
If you wish to donate in Memory of Ferd Cameron via regular mail, send to: Sunnybrook Foundation Odette Cancer Centre Room KGW-01 2075 Bayview Avenue Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5
Blessings!
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