Obituary of Cameron McKinnon Stevenson
Cameron "Cam" McKinnon Stevenson
MD CM FRCPC
1930 – 2022
With great sadness we announce the death of Cameron Stevenson on June 15, 2022. He died peacefully at the Kingston General Hospital with children at his side, after a brief illness. He will be greatly missed by his sister, Frances Crowe; his children Brian, John, Carol, and Janet (Lawrence Van Camp); grandchildren Shonagh, Briana, James (Krista), Delanie, Anthony and Corey; great grandchildren Claire, Riley and Augustus “Auggie”; and all of his extended family and friends. Cam is also survived by ex-wife Mary with whom he shared many happy years.
Cam was born in Picton, Ontario to Harry and Marguerite Stevenson. He spent his first eight years growing up on the family farm in Wellington, Ontario, before they moved to Kingston. He excelled in school, attending KCVI. Wanting to be a doctor from an early age, he entered Queen’s University Medical School at age 19. He graduated in 1955 (already married to Joan, and with a baby). He interned for one year before taking over a general practice in Kingston. By 1959 he and Joan had three children, and he started training as a specialist in psychiatry with the Ontario Ministry of Health at the newly expanded Ontario Hospital Kingston (Kingston Psychiatric Hospital).
Dr. Stevenson was certified in psychiatry at The Royal College in 1963, and his family expanded with the arrival of a fourth child in 1966. He became a Fellow in Psychiatry in 1977 as well as Medical Director of KPH. In 1989 he retired from KPH and started a private practice that he continued until recently. He was an Associate Professor (adjunct) at Queen’s University for many years, and supported the development of research activities at the KPH, including the Treatment and Evaluation Unit and Psychopharmacology Unit. Above all else, he was a caring doctor and applied great skill and effort in diagnosing and helping his patients.
Cam loved to golf and loved to tell the story of when he almost scored an eagle on the first hole at Cataraqui. He could often be found at the gym or indoor track at Queen’s. Having worked as a Guard during his student years, he enjoyed attending events with the Fort Henry Guard Club of Canada. He had many other interests and hobbies, too numerous to mention here. One thing he was really good at was caring about others and offering his support – to family, friends, co-workers, neighbours, and strangers alike.
Special thanks to Caroline for her support over the last year which allowed Cam to live at home. Dad and all of us really appreciated everything you did for him. Thank you to all the staff at KGH for the care Dad received in his final few days.
In keeping with Cam's dedication to mental health care and advocacy, donations may be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association – Ontario Branch.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday June 25, 2022 at 2:00pm with words at 3:00pm in the Reception Centre of the James Reid Funeral home, 1900 John Counter Blvd, Kingston, ON K7M 7H3. Please enter through the doors at the rear of the building.
