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
Mary Davies
Lonelle Selbo
Mr. Kamcke was one of the all time greats. An incredibly special person whose presence changed the mood in every room, he taught us history in the Oxfordian way and with a surplus of humour and intelligence. I liked him so very much and am so very sad to learn of his passing. We never met as adults and I'm sorry for that, I hope we can sit together again in some spiritual capacity to swap tales of life and death and all the good things in between. Rest in peace, Mr. Kamcke.
Carrie (Davidson) Chong
Meghan and family, an obituary that made me laugh and all these memories that make me smile - this is a truly lovely tribute to your Dad. I can attribute so much of my love for dear old Trafalgar to your Dad's leadership. The National Military Cemetery is such a beautiful place for him to be laid to rest and I will be sure to stop and pay him tribute the next time I'm in Ottawa. Many hugs and love, Carrie
Robyn keon
My condolences Meghan to
You and your family. Mr. Kamcke will always be remembered.
Carrie Cruickshank
For certain, an era has passed. He was tough and he was fair, and as an adult, I can now appreciate the patience Mr. Kamcke must have had; it takes a special kind of person to make a boarding school work. The world was a better place for him being in it. Virtual hugs to Meghan!
Jennifer Khan
Hi Meghan,
Please accept my condolences for the loss of your dad. I have a lot great memories of him, especially of his history class and the candy bowl that was always filled. He was a great teacher and leader.
I am very sorry to hear the news of Mr Kamcke's passing. He arrived in my last year at Trafalgar and brought with him a wave of enthusiasm and much needed change. His ability to transition Trafalgar from the old entrenched ways to his own dynamic ideas was remarkable-and fun to watch. He had wit and decency and was fundamental in helping to put Trafalgar on the path it is on today. Our hearts are with you during this difficult time Meghan.