Walford Gordon Cameron AKA Robbie, passed away peacefully on Wednesday June 8, 2022, at age 102 . He remained calm, coherent, and poised to the end, surrounded by two loved ones, youngest daughter, Cheryl, and a beloved granddaughter, Ronda, along with his relief aide, Ms. Monique. Walford did not suffer. He predicted the day he was going to die and also told his main aide, Beverley Jones, with whom he shared a close bond, that he did not want her to witness his passing. He became aware of a day she had a planned absence and departed this world precisely on that same day.
Walford was born on January 16, 1920, at Pourdereyen, West Bank Demerara, Guyana, to parents William A. Cameron and Mary Belitia Cameron, née Downer. Walford’s mother passed away when Walford and his siblings were very young. As a student of Queens College, a premier high school in the English speaking Caribbean, and as the eldest male among his siblings, Walford was forced to drop out of school to largely fend for himself and for all of his siblings. It was during this process of intense struggles that live-time bonds among them were formed. Eventually their long, hard struggles gave way to stories of not only survival but eventual triumphs.
Walford learned to drive while working at a very young age as a car cleaner and eventually worked for the US army as a 19 year old civilian truck driver when the US Army built the Atkinson Air Force Base, which is now Guyana’s national airport, the Cheddi Japan International Airport. He subsequently became a life-long driver owning and operating his own taxi service in Guyana.
In his adult years, which were many, Walford epitomized generosity, kindness, an abiding sense of gratitude, and a deep sense of poise and dignity. When he dined while still independent he was known to dine using knives & forks exclusively. He was known for his exquisite penmanship, a love of words and language and a capacity for incisive writing especially aimed at authorities and for seeking redress for wrongs or injustices. Walford was also known for his strikingly good looks, his keen wit, and a strong sense of humor. His tremendous work ethic was exemplary and inspiring. His strong indomitable spirit served him well in his many struggles throughout his long life which he sought to always live in ways that would help others.
Walford—beloved son, nephew, husband, and father— is preceded in death by his parents and his dearly beloved Aunt Nan. Walford is also preceded in death by the three mothers of his three sets of children: Agnes Persaud, Rita DaSilva, and Gloria Seecharran, respectively. In addition, Walford is preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Nanette Cameron-Figueira, three sons Ronald Cameron, Raymond Cameron, and Andrew Cameron. Walford is further preceded in death by his beloved sister Ena Cameron-Jordan AKA Dolly, and younger brothers Henry Cameron, and Vivian Cameron.
Walford is survived by siblings Winifred Texiera née Cameron, Wavney Ratray née Cameron, Joyce Cameron, Yvette Madhoo, and Carl Madhoo.
Also, Walford is survived by his children Yvonne Cameron, Eustace Cameron, Marie Semple née Cameron, Samuel Cameron, Pamela Matthews née Cameron, Rudolph Cameron, Wilfred Cameron, Carol Cameron-Thomas, and Cheryl Cameron-Jonas.
In addition, Walford is survived by his sons-in-law Lennox Semple, John Kenny, David Thosmas, and Joseph Jonas; and daughters-in-law including widow Swaro Cameron, Illina Cameron, Claudette Cameron, and Keron Cameron.
Further, Walford is survived by grandchildren Kenneth Cameron & Patrina Cameron; Rosanne Figueira, Leon Figueira, Trevor Figueira, & Sharon Figueira-Cooper; Eustace Cameron Jr., David Cameron, Stephan Cameron, Kevin Cameron, & Nicole Cameron; Kendall Semple, Andrew Semple, Dennis Semple, & Onika Semple; George Cameron, Vivian Cameron, Crystal Cameron, Kimberly Cameron, & Brian; Natasha Cameron-Ali, Subrina Cameron, & Anna Cameron; Subrina Matthews; foster granddaughter Inez Faria, Ronda Cameron-Evans & Ryan Cameron; Arti Cameron & Sarah Cameron; Rene Thomas & Daniel Thomas; and Joel Jonas.
Walford was the great grandfather of Braeson Voglezon, Dekeira Hepburn & Deja Hepburn; Aliyah Ali & Ashley Ali; Rhen Koné, Sariah Evans, Shania Evens, & Tyler Evans; Jace Jonas; Jermaine Smith, Justin Colon, & Amiya Colon; Alpha Semple, Asona Semple, Anna Semple, Dennis Semple Jr., Angelina Rogers, & Nathaniel Rogers.
Finally, Walford was the great, great grandfather of Jalesie Alstrom.
Walford Gordon Cameron was dearly beloved and deeply honored by his family who guarded his well-being with their hearts and very best endeavors. Walford leaves behind a great legacy of courage, kindness, and tenacity in the face of trials many—he also leaves behind very big shoes to fill for the following generations of a hundred years and more. May he have eternal peace in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
