Obituary - Hugh T. Cameron: Founding Member, Past President of AICC

Hugh T. Cameron, former owner of Cameron Containers, Toronto, a charter member of AICC, founder of AICC Canada and Past President of AICC International, passed away in December at the age of 90.

After earning his degree from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Hugh began his illustrious career in the corrugated box industry at Crown Zellerbach in Toronto. At age 32 he was hired as national sales manager of Bathurst Containers in Montreal where he remained for four years. He returned to Toronto and worked with an independent sheet plant for two years before starting his own company, Cameron Containers, in 1968.

While owner of Cameron Containers, Hugh was one of a small group of independents in the Toronto area to become charter members of the Association of Independent Corrugated Converters at its founding in 1974. Hugh, Dan McKeon of Select Carton Service, Toronto, and Keith Munt of Pro-Pak Ltd. in Hamilton, Ontario, were the founding members of AICC Canada. Hugh remained active in the industry even after the sale of his company. He was the executive director of ICPF Canada, supporting packaging education at Mohawk College and Humber College in the greater Toronto area. In 2005, Hugh was recognized for his contributions to the industry and was named a member of AICC Canada’s Hall of Fame.

Rick Eastwood, President/CEO of The Central Group of Companies in Mississauga, Ont., said of Hugh’s service to the industry: "I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Hugh Cameron over the course of my 30-year career in the industry. He was a living legend and icon who loved the corrugated business, was constantly active in all AICC and association activities as well as developing the next generation. He along with my Father, Rich Eastwood were both very active with ICPF and also supported packaging education at Mohawk and Humber Colleges.”

Hugh is survived by Bernardine, his wife of 67 years, four daughters, 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions can be made in Hugh’s name to his favorite charity, The Salvation Army.

Photo Caption: In 2005 Hugh Cameron was inducted into the AICC Canada Hall of Fame, captured in this photo.  From left:  Scott Andrews of Moore Packaging, then President of AICC Canada, AICC International President Steve Young;  Lee Shillito of Triad Packaging of Tennessee, AICC International Chairman; Hugh Cameron; and Stu Fremlin of Norampac.