Cst. Robin Cameron laid to rest: 3,500 attend celebration of her life
By Rod Andrews
Cst. Robin Cameron's funeral procession to the Beardy's & Okemasis First Nation Cemetery, Friday afternoon, saw over 800 members of the RCMP and representatives of various police services from across Canada line the route from the Willow Cree Memorial Arena to Highway #212. Officers saluted the hearse carrying Cst. Cameron as the procession made its way along the route. The procession was led by a member of the RCMP on horseback leading a saddleless horse without a rider symbolizing their fallen comrade. First Nations drummers on a flatbed trailer preceded the hearse, which was followed by family members walking and in vehicles. The interment at the cemetery was private, with just the immediate family present.
A celebration of life – Cst. Robin Cameron’s life – took place before approximately 3,500 people at the Willow Cree Memorial Sports Centre Arena Friday afternoon.
Funny stories about the late RCMP officer, personal reminiscences, as well as the sadness of her death, were related at the service for her, which was broadcast live across Canada. Cst. Cameron died on Saturday, July 15 from gunshot wounds she sustained while on duty chasing a suspect. Her death in hospital in Saskatoon came just two days after her life support was stopped. She passed away several hours before her partner, fellow officer Cst. Marc Bourdages, who died of similar injuries while both were investigating a domestic dispute at Spiritwood where they were posted.
A regimental funeral service for Cst. Bourdages was held yesterday, July 25, at the RCMP Depot in Regina with a private family ceremony to be held at his home in Saint-Eustache, QC.
The journey home for Cst. Cameron took place one week ago today, when an RCMP honour guard carried her Canadian flag-draped casket into the arena. Her mother, Denise, sobbed as the procession was led to the south end of the arena where the Beardy’s Band member was to lay in state until the funeral service on Friday. Lines of people passed by the casket for two days, with people touching the casket during the wake service and while paying their final respects to her Friday morning.
In attendance at the funeral service on Friday were a host of dignitaries and over 800 peace and law enforcement officers, both active and retired from across Canada and the United States. In addition, relatives of Cst. Cameron’s who serve with the Canadian Armed Forces and United States Marine Corps were seen at the services. While much sympathy was expressed by those at the service, the most heartbreaking moments came during the eulogies by family members, especially when Diana Laliberte, Cst. Cameron’s sister, read a letter written by Shayne, Cst. Cameron’s daughter, which has received much media attention following the service.
The letter was written by Shayne, who is 11, while her mother was in hospital in the intensive care unit. “Dear Mother dearest: The best person in my life. I’m writing this very moment when you’re going away. I’m thinking this a nightmare but why won’t I wake up? I’m saying this right now, with all my heart, that I love you. You’ll be with me wherever I go, whatever I do in life, and in my prayers. I love you so much. You are my world. I’m telling you this with my tears and prayers. I will see you again someday. I will see you in my dreams, mind and heart. You’re not going away forever. Me and the family are thinking you’re on a real long job for a while, but we don’t have to worry about you anymore. Tell Marc I said ‘hi’ and I asked to watch over these people: Me, Teori, Sharis, Zander, Nunitz, Diana, Alexis, Allison and Diane. You might not be there after school or in bed with your book and a cup of tomato soup, with your hair wet in a bun, saying, ‘My girl, how was your day?’ But I promise I will talk to you every single day. I’m tough and you’re tough. We both have big deer eyes, (the) same humour. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of Darwin and Teacup. Don’t worry. Every day I’ll try and come to your bed and deliver a honey cruller with a large doubledouble. I’m glad you’re fighting, especially for me. But don’t worry, Mom. I’ll be OK. I know you’ll be there for me. You’ll see me graduate, have my own kids. And my daughter will be named Robin and know that her grandma was a hero. I know I saved your life once, but I don’t think I can do it again. And when you’re up there, make my house next to yours, and it will be made with chocolate. I love you, Mom. Your Pumpkinpits, Shayne.”
Also during the eulogy, Doug Gamble, an uncle, said Cst. Cameron “had a smile that touched his heart, and hers was a loss felt deeply by everyone.” He said he celebrates and honours her by telling her story so people see what an inspirational person she was, and continues to inspire, and “shows how a beautiful life should be lived.” Dennis Gamble talked about the humorous side of Cst. Cameron, the pride the community felt for her and the daughter the community “will cherish all of our lives.” He said with the deaths of the constables, Earth has lost two beautiful people, but Heaven has gained two angels.
Ivie Cameron, an aunt, said Robin did not bother with the “what ifs” but “she lived each day to the fullest. “She did her job and did it with pride,” said Cameron, pointing out Cst. Cameron did so in order to fulfill the RCMP motto to “serve and protect”, doing so in order to be a positive influence on others.
Cst. Christina Holovach, a member of the Saskatoon Police Service who was a friend, said she remembered that Robin carried a plastic shopping bag as her purse, and had the ability to find or produce whatever was needed. “Robin left us prematurely in the prime of her life. We only had her for 29 years, but she will live in the warmth of our hearts, minds and fondest memories for all eternity,” said Holovach.
Derek Cameron, the officer’s uncle, said: “It’s a sad and sombre day for our community, but as we make our way through the program and the service, something will lift us. I know Robin is going to be amongst us and in our own special way, we will send her home in a good way.”
Dennis Gamble, another uncle, spoke of being proud of his niece, who was “sweet and kind” and always had a smile that could touch hearts.
In bringing condolences on behalf of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, Lieutenant Governor Lynda Haverstock said Cameron’s death was a senseless and unfair loss, but she has left a legacy people already know about. “Some people make the sky more beautiful to look upon,” said Haverstock. “They leave footprints on our hearts and we are never, never the same.” Lt. Gov. Haverstock said Cst. Cameron believed in her country and played her role in keeping peace and order in Canada. “Simply put, Cst. Robin Cameron lived well,” said Haverstock.
Chief Rick Gamble, an uncle, as well as a former member of the RCMP, announced that at the suggestion of Dave Seeseequasis, band council has agreed to rename the Willow Cree Educational Complex as the Cst. Robin Cameron Memorial Educational Centre. “Cst. Robin Cameron was a gregarious young lady who had a winning smile and a talent for making acquaintances. “Robin didn’t demand respect. Instead, she commanded respect by the way she carried herself, by the way she treated people.” Gamble was bitter at the “heinous act of aggression” which had robbed the reserve of a source of inspiration, but asked questions about the predisposition of life and fate.
Chief Ed Thomas of Witchekan Lake First Nation, where Cst. Cameron worked, praised Cst. Cameron for building bridges between the RCMP and the people of Witchekan Lake and Pelican Lake, especially the influence she had on the reserve’s young people. “Her spirit shall never leave us . . . she came and taught a lot of good lessons.”
Commissioner Giuliano Zaccardelli of the RCMP described Cst. Cameron as being “the classic Mountie” from the reports he had heard of her. He said she was a “very special person” who had the “heart of a Mountie” and “knew what it was to be a Mountie.” Commissioner Zaccardelli said she learned from an early age – from her father and other relatives who were in the RCMP – about serving and protecting and the duty to Canada. During his presentation, the commissioner said Cst. Cameron had indicated she was willing to serve anywhere with the national police. “Robin has gone to where she has been sent,” referring to both her, and his, faith and belief in God. “I believe on July 15 she was called home,” he said, pointing out this was a comfort for believers. “Robin will never be forgotten,” said the commissioner, who also spoke of the perils of being a peace officer. “What happened to Robin and Marc can happen any day, anytime . . . but do we walk around being afraid that today we might get shot? Do we think about the loss our families will have to bear or whether our partner will get hurt or whether we really want to do this job in the face of this risk? No, we don’t, because we are – as Robin was – first and foremost, Mounties,” said Commissioner Zaccardelli.
Assistant Commissioner Darrell McFadyen, commanding officer for the RCMP in Saskatchewan “F” Division, described the situation surrounding the death of two officers as a “nightmare”, but the RCMP has to stand tall. A/C McFadyen said Cst. Cameron “had potential” for “doing good things” in the RCMP, was very competent and a role model for those she dealt with, especially youths. “She believed in what she was doing,” with people asking to speak to her personally on matters due to the respect people had for her. Quoting Cst. Cameron, he said she “loved her job” with the RCMP and “loved putting on the uniform.” He said she will not be forgotten by those who knew her and by the RCMP and Canada, who would remember her in special tributes.
Alphonse Bird, grand chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, said the death of the Beardy’s Band member was like a “blanket of sadness” descending. Bird said her death released a lot of joy seen in those who knew, or those who have heard about, Cst. Cameron’s accomplishments – “accomplishments which live on.” He said Cst. Cameron was brought up well, by a father, Howard, who was in the RCMP and Denise, a hard-working mother, who helped her work to achieve the goals she wanted. “My heart goes out to her and her little girl,” Bird said, adding that he hopes people stay true to their memories of her.
Lawrence Joseph, vice-chief of the FSIN, said members of the Saskatchewan Indian Veterans Association have high regards for Cst. Cameron and consider her as a “comrade”. He said she will be remembered and others will “follow your spirit into the RCMP,” he said, bringing condolences on behalf of the chiefs of the province’s First Nations.
Saskatchewan Premier Lorne Calvert said the message attributed to Jesus of Nazareth – “There is no greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend” – applies to Cst. Cameron and the route she took in life. Calvert said a century ago, Cree leader Chief Poundmaker talked about going on or sitting by the trail, rather than to make changes, the latter of which was something that Cst. Cameron would not do. The premier said we cannot forget what happened to the two police officers, and spoke of the great gratitude with which we should honour them for their service.
Stockwell Day, federal minister of public safety speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister, said when we go to work and say goodbye, “we never think about never coming home . . . but RCMP officers do.” Day said that is always on the minds of police officers, and their jobs are different from the rest of us. He said Cst. Cameron likely “never thought about that” on “that fateful night”, going to work to protect us. “You have made your entire country proud,” said Day.
A video feed at the high school next door, as well as five outdoor tents, were set up to handle the overflow of people attending Cameron’s funeral which was a combination of RCMP and aboriginal traditions. After the service, Cst. Cameron was interred at the Beardy’s & Okemasis First Nations Cemetery with only members of the family in attendance.
Curtis Dagenais, 41, of Spiritwood has been charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of the two constables. He is also charged with attempted murder following an incident on July 7 that saw three RCMP shot at. Dagenais has been in custody since Tuesday, July 18, ever since he turned himself in to the RCMP in Spiritwood.
Cst. Robin Cameron
