I was saddened to hear that a good woman like Ida had passed away. She was a remarkable lady! Initially, I only really knew her as Mark's mom when the two of us played "cars" in the sand around the Cameron's campsite at Sturgeon Bay Provincial Park. It seemed every summer my parents kept returning and so did Mark's and so a strong friendship developed between us kids. Mrs. Cameron would always make him his sandwiches before us going out on my Dad's boat for the day. She was terrific and supportive. I recall her sending us for errands, reading a book, knitting, getting the best tan, or just talking to all of her many friends in the trailer park.

As I got older we actually then had real conversations that replaced - "make sure you two don't get into too much trouble and bring him back in one piece!" or "can you bring back some blueberries?"

Eventually I left Ontario for New Brunswick but continued to made an annual trip with my family to Sturgeon Bay Park to see my parents. And although the Cameron's were no longer camping I would make sure my family stopped by to see her at 105 Church Street when we made our one trip into town.

Seemed she was always there. Ida always spoke so proudly of her children and grandchildren but in an unusual way. She balanced it by saying what was good and not so good and always with a big laugh or a chuckle or a tear in her eye. I felt myself responding the same way. And so our visit would end with a big hug.

One summer I was at the Park with my two teenage children and my intention was to visit Ida on the way back to New Brunswick, but somehow passed Parry Sound. And to myself I was saying "But Ida is waiting for my visit" - but I never even told her I was in the area. Well wouldn't you know it that dam twinned Highway 69 wouldn't let me turn around!! By the time I got a chance we were a good distance south and it just wasn't going to happen. I was sour for a few hours and the kids were wondering what was up with Dad? We didn't phone or write - just an annual visit to catch up on life.

Will miss them visits

Rest in Peace Mrs. Cameron

Ed Trippel