Archibald B. Cameron

Waltham – By all accounts Archie Cameron was a good guy. The kind that you could not help but like. By the time he drew his last breath at his Waltham home on Tuesday morning, the 19th of November, Archie had become the undisputed patriarch of the large and growing Cameron clan. And after 96 years the title was well-earned. The last time that the group got together 'at home' in Antigonish, Nova Scotia the event drew more than four hundred cousins and extended family.

Archibald B. Cameron was born in Antigonish, Am Baile Mór; "The Big Town" in Scottish Gaelic, on July 1, 1917, the same year as President Kennedy, although the paths of their lives were decidedly different. Archie's parents, Kenneth and Mary Cameron came from humble roots and raised a large family. Always proud of their Scottish heritage, they learned how to supply their own food, build their own home [and heat it well during the harshest of winters], farm the land, cut the timber and dance the night away to the fiddle and the spoons on a Saturday night.

After working as a farmer and a lumberjack Archie began operating a taxi service in town and also owned the Gael Restaurant, working as many hours as he could keep his eyes open.

In 1955 Archie moved to the States, soon to be followed by his family, where he quickly earned a reputation as a masterful finish carpenter, often working with his twin brother Donald in the trade. It was said, like many twins, that Archie and Don could complete one another's thoughts, including math equations, when working on a complicated project together. Always the first to be hired and the last to leave, Archie took great pride in his meticulous workmanship. He was a longtime member of Local 275 of the Carpenters Union.

Archie and his wife, Mary J. (Dorie) Cameron lived for a number of years in Watertown before they moved to Waltham more than thirty years ago. He was a longtime member of the Canadian-American Club in Watertown and the French-American Victory Club in Waltham. After retirement Archie was generous with his time and talent, always willing to help family and friends with their own construction and home improvement projects. He was the kind of a guy most other guys are envious of . . . he not only had the tools, but knew how to use them as well.

A highlight of almost every summer was the trip home to Antigonish where Archie and Mary would attend the Highland Games, the oldest continuous event of its kind outside of Scotland. Archie loved the sound of the bagpipes and the majesty of the events. They also enjoyed the Country Western events held at the Indian Ranch in Webster where they were senior members.

In addition to his wife Mary, Archie leaves his children, Lawrence E. Cameron and his wife, Karen, of Shrewsbury, Catherine A. Lochiatto of Waltham, Wayne B. Cameron and his wife, Cheryl, of Delary Beach, Florida, Gerald A. Cameron and his wife, Maureen and John A. Cameron and his wife, Susan, all of Waltham; his grandchildren, Joseph Cameron, Michele Pappas and Reneé Aucoin; his great-grandchildren, Alexa, Kaley and Cameron Pappas and Nicholas Aucoin and many nieces and nephews.

Archie was also the father of the late Deborah Cameron and a brother of the late Alexander, Angus, Catherine, Jennie, Margaret, Mary, Lawrence, Donald, John, Alan and Mae Cameron.

Family and friends will honor and remember Archie's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday, November 22nd, from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Charles Borromeo Church, 51 Hall Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Saint Patrick's Cemetery, Watertown.