Image: The returning Sexsmith soldiers after WWII. Back – Bill Card, Dan Rycroft, Simon Haakstad, Jack Campbell, Andy Innes, George Cameron, Dale Harris, T. Copeland, Samuelson. Middle – J. Bond, G. Gerow, E. McDonald, G. Rix, Scotty Boyd, J. Siluch, Bryce Burns, L. Rasmussan, D. McNaughton, T. Forsythe Front – Jack Waters, H. Knight, B.Brown, L. White, C. Foote, C. Thomson, D. Wright, B. Murray, G. Kusyk, B. Moody, G. McQuitty, J. Thorpe. Photographer’s stamp: Art Craft, Grande Prairie, Alta. 1945 (SPRA 644.01.08)
George Cameron was the stepson of William Umbach, and his step-brother was Norman Umbach who also served in WW II. In 1933 he moved (from Edmonton) to Sexsmith AB, taking a position at Sexsmith Supplies Ltd. Also he took over the hardware and machinery in the L. C. Howard Hardware Store in Sexsmith which his step-father purchased in 1930 for George and Norman. Being a hockey goalie previously in Calgary and Edmonton, he joined the Sexsmith Hockey Club, and soon became the manager. George was married in 1936 to Gertha Hillman of Sexsmith, and they had 2 daughters, Donna and Heather. After serving in the Armed Forces in WW II from 1940 to 1945, George returned to Sexsmith and the hardware business, which he eventually sold in 1956. George was active in social and athletic activities, especially baseball. Gertha died in 1971. Remarrying in 1978 to Dorothy McDonald (McMillan), George and his new wife moved to Fort Saskatchewan AB. He passed away at age 71, in 1981, in Fort Saskatchewan.
Source: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 715, p. 1149 – name in Roll of Honour, p. 1162 – Photo
AGS Website – Obituary Index
Northern Tribune Oct. 26, 1933 p. 4 c. 1
Northern Tribune Feb. 8, 1934 p. 4 c. 2
Northern Tribune Sept 3, 1936 p. 4,7 c. 1,4
Soldier Spotlight highlights veterans from the Archives’ online Soldiers’ Memorial. Each week, our volunteers select a remarkable individual to showcase in this blog series. The Soldiers’ Memorial commemorates more than 1,100 WWI veterans and 2,300 WWII veterans from our region. Three dedicated volunteers have contributed over 1,200 hours to this project by researching and writing biographies. Our goal is to have all South Peace soldiers acknowledged for their service. If you know of someone who lived in the South Peace and should be listed on the Memorial, or would like to get involved by researching a local veteran, please contact the Archives.