Christening of ABYC mark/pin boat named to honour of Jack Cameron

by Katie Nicoll on 4 Jun 2012 As a now Honorary but long term member of ABYC, Patrick Lymburner was asked to say something about Jack Cameron, at the christening of the new mark/pin boat named in his honour. Pat was quick to point it that, 'It is not hard to think of the many whose lives were touched by this man, as his contribution to the Sport of Sailing is legendary.'

Jack was an International Judge whose career spanned many years and many World Championships. He was known for his great understanding of the rules and for his strict adherence to proper procedure. He mentored many of us for many years and it was rare indeed that our actions went without some valid suggestion for improvement. It made us all better.

His career at the Bank of Montreal brought him to Toronto from Pointe Claire Yacht Club where he was a past Commodore. He was also a Past President of the St. Lawrence Valley Yacht Racing Association. He was a Past President of the Canadian Yachting Association and he was involved at CORK almost from its inception. After becoming their Chief Judge he succeeded in raising the standard of Judging to its highest level and set the benchmark that most of us are still trying to achieve.

He became a member of Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club and took up duty as the Chief Judge there where he was instrumental in bringing many young people into the world of officiating both as Judge and Race Officer. There were many lessons learned over a beer in Duffy’s Lounge at ABYC listening to Jack answer questions or have discussions.
His contributions to CORK were recognized by its members when they made him the first recipient of the Douglas Heath Award for outstanding service as a volunteer. It was only one of many awards that Jack received.

He was named Volunteer of the Year by CYA in 1982 and his volunteer activity did not diminish right up to his death. In fact, he was still reviewing Sailing instructions when he passed away.
It has been hard to find a method of adequately responding to his memory, not just for ABYC, but for those that numbered amongst his friends from outside of the Club.

For those of us involved in the Sailing Community he will be missed. His contributions were numerous but it will always be his steady counsel, advice, guidance, the jocular socializing and all those other things that made him our friend that we will remember. There are so many who were touched by this man.

Ashbridge's Bay Yacht Club is to be commended for taking the initiative to recognize Jack Cameron's significant contributions. The naming of their new boat will carry on his legacy. Its presence on the Lake at the many events ABYC graciously supports, will honour this great contributor to our sport. It is a legacy I know he would be proud of and one which will remind us all that our contributions are not forgotten and that our legacy is the people we leave behind to carry on the work. His work resides in all of the officials who ever worked with him and to see his name carried to the many events he loved to participate in is indeed a fitting tribute. On behalf of all the Officials, we thank you for this. He was and continues to be in our hearts, as our friend and mentor.'