Passed away peacefully at home, after a 4 ½ year struggle with cancer. Dearly loved husband of Gwen Zappa. Survived by his two daughters, Christine Blais (André Julien) and Diane Blais (Olivier Braems). Grandfather to Anne-Marie (Éric Collard-Gauthier), Martin, Alison and Jérôme and great-grandfather to Lilirose. Also survived by three brothers and one sister, Onésime (Claire), Jacqueline (Gaston), Jean-Claude (Ida) and Denis (Francine). Predeceased by his parents, Bernadette and Onésime, as well as brothers and sisters, Emile (Rosalie), Henri, Cécile, Jean-Paul (Irma), Rita, François, Armand and Antoine.
Camille graduated from the Royal Military College, Saint-Jean, QC and the Royal Military College in Kingston and enjoyed 29 years with the Canadian Armed Forces. He served overseas with the 4 Canadian Brigade Group, NATO, with the Anti-Tank Company in Germany, with the International Control Commission in Vietnam and with the United Nations Forces in Cyprus. Cam was proud to have commanded the Trials and Evaluation Section of the Canadian Airborne Regiment in Rivers, Manitoba, the 3rd Battalion Royal 22e Regiment in Valcartier QC and the Canadian Forces Recruit School in Saint-Jean. He attended the Canadian Army Staff College and later was a Directing Staff (DS) at the Canadian Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Kingston. At the end of his career, he was the Executive Director to the Chief of Reserves. Camille truly valued the long-lasting friendships made during his military career which have endured to this day. He loved to learn and, later in his career, obtained an MPA from the University of Quebec and an MBA from the University of Ottawa.
After retiring from the Canadian Armed Forces, he worked for Canada Post Corporation for 15 years as Manager of Fraud Investigations in the Internal Audit Department. Cam was an active sports enthusiast; he played hockey (goaltender), soccer, tennis and was a skydiver (D-150) with over 600 jumps. Upon retiring from Canada Post he bought his Harley-Davidson and he and Gwen travelled to motorcycle rallies across Canada and into the USA.
A very special thanks to Dr. E. Daigneault, Cam’s family doctor, Dr. H. Alsaffar, his ENT Surgeon, Dr. J. Hilton, his Oncologist, and all staff at the Cancer Centre and Ottawa Hospital for their compassion and care during Cam’s illness. In keeping with Cam’s wishes, a private graveside service will take place at the National Military Cemetery at Beechwood Cemetery. In memory of Camille, please consider a donation to the Support our Troops Fund or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Digital Guestbook
Major (à la retraite) Jacques Grenier et Pauline (R22eR)
MGen (retd) Clive Addy
I salute a wonderful leader and selfless Canadian. Reposes en paix Camill.
denis blais et francine
mes sympathies gween et toute la famille et amis nous sommes avec vous dans cette epreuve nos prieres vous accompagne
5276 J. R. Digger MacDougall
On behalf of the Ottawa Branch of the Royal Military College Club of Canada, we extend sincere condolences to Gwen, Christine, Diane, family, friends and all whose lives were touched by Cam, our classmate, Ex Cadet, brother officer, colleague and friend. We are proud to have served with Cam and to have shared his leadership, friendship and love of life. He will be missed. May God grant the soul of Camille Blais eternal rest.
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the Sun
and in the morning we will remember them.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.
Georges Bernier et Denise Meilleur
Un grand et courageux ami qui a inspiré les soldats, souS officiers et officiers par son jugement, sa discipline, son intégrité et par sa détermination à accomplir sa mission et à réussir. Homme actif, poli, distingué et généreux tout au long de sa vie militaire, professionnelle et privée.
Nos sincères condoléances à sa tendre épouse Gwen qui l’a soutenu dans sa lutte contre cette terrible maladie au cours des dernières années, ainsi qu’aux membres de sa famille.
Général (à la retraite) Maurice Baril
Mes sincères condoléances à Gwen ainsi qu’à tous les membres de la grande famille de Camille. Je suis un de ceux qui a eu le privilège de servir avec lu à l’École des parachutistes, et sous son commandement au 3e bataillon du R22eR. Nous avons partagé ensemble, le fun de jouer au hockey, les défis de sauter en parachute et dernièrement, la passion de piloter un avion léger. J’ai particulièrement apprécié son mentorat, son amitié, son exemple et son courage jusqu’à la fin.
Au revoir Camille
Manon and Alain
The last time we spoke, you said you were ready to go. Your struggle is over; repose en paix. Gwen, you were there to support him every step of the way, with your incredible strength. May you find comfort in knowing your beloved Cam is no longer suffering. Our deepest sympathy to you and the family.
Manon and Alain, who miss seeing you around
Pierre St-Jean
Merci de votre support a la Cie A du 2r22r a Chypre en 1973
Nou vous offront nos plus sincères condoléances. Bien que je n'ai pas servi dans la meme unité, nous avons tres bien connu Camile.