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
Andrew Clark
Elaine York
My deepest condolences to you and your family, Meghan. Your father was the principal at Trafalgar during the few years that I taught there. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Patricia Goyeche
Sincerest condolences to Craig daughter and family. Craig was a treasured friend of Abbotsford House, sharing a friendly game of Bridge at the seniors centre and providing occasional entertaining and illuminating talks as part of our Speaker's Series. He is remembered fondly by Abbotsford members and staff alike. Such a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face made for many a warm moment.
Alexia Coakley
I extend my deepest sympathy to Meghan and family you are and will remain in my prayers.
Rick Trites
Very sorry to hear of your loss. Craig was a much loved St. Matthew's parishioner. I fondly remember his humor and gift for rhyming verse.
Jasmine Johnston
Deepest condolences to the family I have wonderful memories of my time at TCS and they included Mr Kamcke . Thankyou for being such an important influence . Always remembered , never forgotten x
Charlotte Roberts
Dear Meghan, My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I shall always be grateful to your father for taking a chance on a ‘girl’ from the west and hiring me to be the Dean at Trafalgar Castle - the best job I ever had, and much of whose rich fulfillment I owe to your father. God bless.
Raymond Leblanc
I enjoyed the friendly conversations with a kind man of all seasons, a poet, a gentle- man and a wise soul.
Irene Talent
Dear Meghan and family - I am so terribly sad to hear of Craig's passing. I have many fond memories…your Mom graciously hosting numerous events at the school, your Dad’s love of Theatre and History (which was only surpassed by his love for his family), his treasured poems and many, many more. I came to know Craig not just as a Principal but as a friend. He will be sadly missed. You are in my prayers.
Paul H. Morón
Was very sad to hear about the passing away of Mr. Kamcke. Arriving as a young foreign student in Canada at St. Andrew’s (1968-1971) ,
I experienced him to be a serious, fair and very bright teacher, especially in his History classes.
He will be missed.
May his Memory always be for a Blessing
Dear Meghan, my deepest condolences to you and your family on this very sad news. From the lovely obituary, it is clear your father was a wonderful man and also quite the character.