Craig passed away peacefully at home September 29th in his 85th year. The only child of Theodore and Ada Kamcke (Reid), he was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary (Coulthard) and will be sadly missed by his daughter and best friend Meghan (Watkinson), her husband Matthew, and two treasured grandchildren Sophie and Andrew. He will be fondly remembered by his many friends.
Craig was educated at Upper Canada College, Ashbury College and Victoria College, at the University of Toronto where he was active in alumni affairs for many years, serving on the Board of Regents for six of them. For fifteen years he taught at St. Andrew’s College and was principal of Trafalgar Castle School for seventeen years. He had a long association with the military as a cadet, as a serving officer in the regular forces, in the reserves, and as a cadet instructor. He was a long-term member of the Royal Canadian Military Institute. Active in church work, he served as a warden at both All Saints Anglican Church, Whitby and St. Matthew’s Anglican Church in the Glebe, Ottawa. He served on many committees and boards, often in a leadership role.
An avid if somewhat dangerous golfer, Craig enjoyed a life-time love of the theatre. Although his many productions exhibited more enthusiasm than talent, they were almost always crowd pleasers. His attempts at writing poetry attracted a small but loyal following; Northrop Frye was not among them. He enjoyed bridge more for the society it provided than for the competition. Never fully at ease if he didn’t have a good book on the go, he fully enjoyed his book club where consideration of that month’s selection was often eclipsed by a discussion of current affairs and much laughter. He blamed his addiction to ketchup on his 8 years in boarding school. Never a smoker, he had a hard time resisting the offer of a well put together manhattan.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Ottawa Civic hospital and the LHIN who provided excellent care following a stroke last week. Craig was so happy to return home and be surrounded by friends, family and music for his final days.
A private family service, where Craig will join Mary, will take place with Military Honours in the National Military Cemetery, located at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa.
A Celebration of Life will be organized at a later date when we can have the joyful music and jolly reception Craig wanted.
Donations in his memory to Victoria College, University of Toronto, c/o the Alumni Office will be warmly received.
Digital Guestbook
Marilyn J Broughton
Brian and Monica McClure
Our whole family are very sad to hear of Craig’s passing. We extend our deepest sympathies to you Meghan and your family at this time of loss. You will miss him very much. Remembering very fond memories of Craig as a friend, colleague and mentor.
Amberlea Eisenhut-Bundle
Oh my goodness. I’m so sad to see this! Sending love to the family! I will never forget sitting in front of him in his office being interviewed 1x1 for admission! He was like a giant to me... such a wonderful presence! ❤️
Helen Pluthero
I am so sorry for your loss. Sorry to hear this very sad news.
Tina Brillinger
Sorry to learn of his passing, Mr. Kamcke got to know our family first at St. Andrews where my brothers attended and later Trafalgar Castle where my sister Anne and I spent years as borders. His dedication to education was impressive and he made a huge impact on many of us girls in his charge, advancing and supporting them in leadership roles. I learned some valuable lessons from him and remember a special dinner as as head prefect at the military institute of which he was proud to be associated. I also remember his love and involvement with theatre. Sending hugs and our deepest condolences Megan.
Angela Shackleton
My condolences to Meghan and family. Mr. Kamcke was a presence at Trafalgar. Very serious, but always a small smile and twinkle in his eye not far away.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. xox
Sandra Melendez
My most sincere condolences to the family.
Tracey Bradley
Mr. Kamcke was an amazing man, he had a natural warm aura that made all of us girls away from home feel comfortable.
A wonderful soul.
Sending sympathy to family and loved ones.
Gigi Mo
My deepest condolences to you Meghan and your family. Mr Kamcke was the most humorous principal I've ever met. I'll never forget the funny poem he shared with us on our graduation.
Connie (Caputo) Thomas
Our deepest condolences for you and your family. It is with deep sadness to read this. He was a wonderful principal. He was strict but made us laugh too. I can’t every forget him because Trafalgar was such a huge part of all our lives. To our TCS brother - Rest In Peace.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family Meghan. I have great memories of your parents at Trafalgar and working with your father with the Board and Alumnae.