Much-loved Batemans Bay High School teacher Michael Cameron lost his two-and-a-half year battle with leukemia on Friday, December 22.
Mr Cameron was diagnosed in August 2015, spent many months travelling to The Canberra Hospital for medical treatment, placing a strain on he and his wife, fellow teacher, Kelly.
Mr Cameron had returned to work after a bone marrow transplant, but his recovery did not go to plan.
Principal Greg McDonald said staff and students would sorely miss Mr Cameron.
“He was a very passionate teacher, well regarded by staff and students alike,” Mr McDonald said.
“He could adapt his hand to everything, and teachers like that are much appreciated in a high school.
“We really feel for Kelly, who has been a member of staff for ten years.
“The school is doing what it can to support her.
“He will be sadly missed by everyone at Batemans Bay High School.”
Mr McDonald said Mr Cameron had battled leukemia with dignity.
“He fought up to the end, and was very stoic,” Mr McDonald said.
“He was realistic, but he was not willing to let it define who he was or what his future would hold.
“He dealt with cancer on his own terms.”
His funeral will be held on Friday, December 29 at Broulee.
In late 2015, Bay High students rallied behind the couple.
On November 10, Mr Cameron’s birthday, the students visited him in his oncology ward – armed with something to make sitting out the term just a little more comfortable.
With money raised at school in September, they approached Bunnings to purchase outdoor furniture for patients using the oncology garden at the hospital.
They walked away with more than they had bargained for, with several outdoor settings for a garden near the oncology ward.
“Our students assembled the furniture quickly and presented ward manager Sue Langdon with a plaque and card,” a proud and grateful Mrs Cameron said.
“They were able to visit with Mr Cameron for a period of time to celebrate his birthday and then the ward staff brought the students a pizza lunch as a thank you for all their hard work. It was an amazing day for everyone.”
The Canberra Hospital Foundation thanked the students.
