David Cameron CRAMM

David Cameron CRAMM

Passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton, in his 96th year.

Dave was a devoted father to his children John (Janice), Colin (Sandie), and Ellen (Brian), and a proud and loving Poppa to grandchildren Melanie (Kain), Gillian (Nathan), Holly, Laura, and Mary, and great-grandchildren Ella, Henry, and Louis. He was predeceased (2020) by Margaret, his wife of 68 years, his parents Roy and Marie, and siblings Marjory and Don.

Dave grew up on a farm in Pinkerton, Ontario, and graduated from the University of Toronto in 1948, 2nd in his class in Civil Engineering. After graduation he went to work as a bridge engineer with Parker Consultants, where he had a long and distinguished career before retiring as Chairman in 1991. Dave was a member of numerous professional organizations and technical committees and was elected a fellow of the Canadian Society of Civil Engineers in 1985. Road trips anywhere in the province were punctuated with sights and stories of bridges he had designed or inspected over the years. He was a long-time member of Ryerson United Church, Ancaster, and was instrumental in developing Ryerson Ancaster Homes, non-profit seniors housing adjacent to the church.

Dave was keenly interested in history, belonging to several historical organizations, and compiling a varied collection of books on local history and genealogy. He enjoyed travel and would often combine this with his other interests such as touring the canals of France, England, or New York State. His reputation as a gentleman followed him wherever he travelled. Blessed with a natural curiosity and love of learning, he continued to explore new things such as genealogy, yoga, tai chi, and even Facebook into his final years. Most of all, Dave loved his family, always remembering each birthday, anniversary, or special event with an appropriate card.

Family gatherings, especially with a butter tart or piece of pie, were always a highlight for him. He was much loved by his family and will be sadly missed. The family sends their thanks to staff of the Meadowlands Retirement Residence, Ancaster, and to the staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital who helped care for Dave and kept him comfortable during his final days.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 24, with details posted on the Dodsworth & Brown website: www.dbancaster.ca. If desired, donations in memory of Dave may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Dodsworth & Brown Funeral Home, Ancaster. Online condolences may be provided through: dbancaster.ca