Canadian D-Day veteran Bill Cameron dies just days before 80th anniversary events
CTV
Second World War veteran Bill Cameron died just one day before turning 100 and less than a week before he would join a delegation of Canadians to France to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Bill Cameron was looking forward to this week for a long time.
The Second World War veteran was planning to be part of Canada's delegation heading to Normandy, France, to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6.
Last Friday, his daughters Cheryl Powell and Donna Roy helped him get ready and the three had lunch together.
After months of preparation, including getting medical clearance, everything was set for a Saturday morning flight from Vancouver.
Sadly, Cameron fell ill and died the night before at 100 years old.
"We just couldn't believe it," Roy said in an interview. "His bag was totally packed. We were ready to pick him up."
Powell said the staff at the care home where he lived had planned a special sendoff, knowing how excited he was for the trip. The last few days have been surreal, she said.
