Words Of Kindness Regarding The Passing Of Deane Cameron

By FYI Staff

The outpouring of condolences yesterday from many was extraordinary by any stretch of the imagination. Our apology to any and all for not including your comments, but time constraints prevented us from including the entire Twitter feed. On Tuesday, FYI will publish a dedicated feature about Deane, as written by friends, allies and associates who were touched by this extraordinary man’s generosity, wisdom, kindness and dedication.

Posted to YouTube late Thursday

Deane Cameron, described as a champion of Canadian music for four decades, has died. He was 65. Tributes are pouring in for the former record label executive who, according to friends, suffered a heart attack while out for a walk near his cottage outside North Bay. Canadian performing rights organization SOCAN remembered Cameron as "a giant of the Canadian music industry," in a tweet. "Our sympathies go out to his many friends and family at this sad time." Sony Music Canada tweeted: "He was a leader, mentor and friend to those who knew him, and an incredible contributor to our industry."

And on Twitter – a partial recap of what was said:

Unison Fund

We're deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Deane Cameron today. Deane was one of Unison's first board members. His belief in Unison's mission is what allowed us to grow, so we could continue helping our community today. We extend our sympathies to his friends and family.

Bernie Finkelstein

Deane Cameron. One of the good ones. Farewell. RIP.

The Juno Awards & MusiCounts

It is with our deepest sympathy that we acknowledge the passing of Deane Cameron. He was a trailblazer in the Canadian music industry, dedicated to artist development, and part of the CARAS family from the beginning. The impact from his legacy will be felt forever.

Cameron Stewart

Not so distant relative of Casper the Friendly Ghost.

Tom Cochrane

My heart is truly broken, I will never forget my friend, Deane Cameron we travelled such a long road together, he was my brother, I will not forget you my friend.

Kim Mitchell

So sad to hear about Deane Cameron. He took Max Webster to England & was there when we recorded at Abbey Road for Top Of The Pops .. So many laughs together .. Always a huge interest in the Canadian music scene! My deepest condolences to his wife and family.

Sony Music

All of us at Sony Music Canada are devastated by the loss of Deane Cameron. He was a leader, mentor and friend to those who knew him, and an incredible contributor to our industry.

CMRRA

The music industry lost a great member today; RIP Deane Cameron, you'll be missed!

Jennifer Hardy

Still too shocked and upset to write about Deane. I need to process. My love and best wishes to his family. RIP: Deane Cameron, Known to many as 'Captain Canada'.

Chris Taylor

Very, very sorry to hear of the passing of Deane Cameron. He was music-loving advocate for Canadian talent. A true role model for us execs.

Piers Hemmingsen

RIP DEANE CAMERON who has passed away suddenly. President and CEO of The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall. Past President of EMI Music Canada. Deane mentored and supported the careers of many. Deepest condolences to his family.

Polaris Music Prize

Sad to learn of the passage of Deane Cameron into the next. He touched so many lives in Canadian music. He's the classic record exec; a musical patriot; a lover of artists and was an early champion of Polaris. He'll be dearly and massively missed.

Anne Murray

Very sad news. Rest in peace, Deane Cameron.

Larry LeBlanc

So saddened to hear that former EMI Canada CEO Deane Cameron passed away today. A real shocker.

Andy Kim

What happens to your body & soul when your friend calls you & sets a time to meet next week, only to find out today he’s passed on without warning? I crumble to my knees, thankful for his friendship. Deane Cameron was a pioneer soldier in the Canadian Music Scene. Onto the light.

Rush

So sad to learn of the sudden and tragic passing of Deane Cameron, a tremendous and longtime supporter of Canadian musicians and a driving force behind the Massey Hall revitalization project. He will be missed.

Donovan Woods

Feeling very sad this evening hearing of Deane Cameron’s passing. He supported my career and saw potential before even I did. I was and will always be proud that he thought I was a good songwriter. My thoughts are with his family and all the great people at @masseyhall tonight.

Damhnait Doyle

Devastated here today. Deane Cameron was a true Canadian Champion. God knows where I’d be without him.

SOCAN

All at SOCAN are mourning the passing of Deane Cameron, a giant of the Canadian music industry. Our sympathies go out to his many friends and family at this sad time.

Dave Bidini

very deeply sorry to hear about @westendphoenix subscriber and friend of Rock Deane Cameron. always a very easy guy to talk to, and a great friend of Stompin' Tom (he signed him for his comeback). Life is short. Enjoy every walk. Deane was the kind of guy who did.

Dave Macmillan

Deane Cameron, a wonderful man who did so much for the Canadian music business, has died. I am at a loss for words.

Glass Tiger

Glass Tiger is devastated and at a loss for words to hear of the passing of our dear friend and “president” Deane Cameron. Honored to be part of Deane’s musical “family” along with so many other great Canadian artists. #rip#canadianmusic

Ron Sexsmith

Sad to hear about the passing of Deane Cameron He was a true believer in the potential of Canadian Music and its artists. Big shoes to fill RS

Jimmy Rankin

RIP Deane Cameron. Deane signed The Rankins in 1992 and helped us and many other artists achieve many career milestones. Friend, champion, and all-‘round great guy – Deane you will be missed. Heartfelt condolences. – J.

Jackie Rae

I'm so saddened to hear about the passing of Deane Cameron. Worked with Deane on the

@CCMAofficial Board and always appreciated his calm, fair approach to the music business. We've lost a good one today...

Metalworks Studios

We are profoundly saddened by the passing of one of Canada's great music advocates and pioneering record executives, our good friend Deane Cameron. This is a great loss for the Canadian music community. RIP Deane.

Dalbello

Today, Canada has lost a true groundbreaker in the Canadian music business, an icon, a visionary. Am so profoundly sad.

Andrew Mosker

A very sad day of grieving for hearing of the unexpected passing of one of the founding pillars of Canadian music. Rest In peace Deane, music in Canada is better because of you! From your friends @nmc_canada

Triumph

We mourn the loss of one of Canada's truly great music men, Deane Cameron. RIP Captain Canada.

CIMA

CIMA joins the rest of the music industry in mourning Deane Cameron. Deane was a true gentleman who dedicated his career to the advancement of Canadian music. We are sincerely saddened by this news and know he will be deeply missed within our community.

Stephen Stohn

A true leader, a true visionary, a true gentleman, a true Canadian... RIP Deane Cameron So sad... Canadian Music Veteran Deane Cameron Dies

Nickelback

We are profoundly saddened to hear about the passing of our dear friend Deane Cameron. He was a champion of ours when we had few, made those around him feel like family and his belief and passion for Canadian music and Artists was second to none. Rest in power #CaptainCanada

Music Canada

Our team at Music Canada joins so many in the Canadian music community in mourning the loss of Deane Cameron. A passionate champion for Canadian music, Deane leaves a profound legacy on our industry.

Julie Adam

Dammit. I just heard the news about Deane Cameron. He was such a lovely, kind, smart man. Sending love to his family and to all that worked so closely with him over the years. Man, he’s going to be missed.

Tariq

Saddened to hear that former EMI Music Canada president, @deanecameron has passed away. Deane offered me my first record deal in 1997 w/ EMI. I’ll always fondly remember meeting him for the first time and thinking: Man, I really like this guy—I wanna work with him!

Brad Wheeler

He took me on a tour of unseen Massey Hall, way up in the rafters. I made a joke about Gordon Lightfoot. He laughed, before pausing, "Careful, you're talking about the boss." Not true. It was Deane Cameron, not Lightfoot, who was the boss.

Mike Tanner

So sad - and so hard to believe - that Deane Cameron is gone. A powerful, passionate leader, a resolute fan and supporter of music, and above all smart, funny, always gracious and positive. What a loss...sending all good vibes to his loved ones and extended MH / RTH family.

Richard Marx

So sad to hear of the sudden passing of longtime head of EMI Canada, Deane Cameron. We had great success together and he was really one of the good guys. RIP

Dave Charles

Deane Cameron lived music. He helped countless artists and was there to make sure new artists got their shot. You will be greatly missed, my friend. Very sad!

Tina Marie

So sorry to hear of the loss of a great supporter of yours as well as the industry. Prayers for peace!