Donald R. Cameron

Donald R. Cameron, 78, passed away peacefully Monday, December 12, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona, holding his wife Sally's hand and comforted by his son, Scott, his daughter, Beth and his son-in-law, Bryan Hammond. 

Donald was born August 7, 1944, in Washington, PA the youngest of three sons of Wilfred and Genevieve Cameron.  Don attended East Washington High School, where he excelled in football and basketball, and where he was always eager to participate in class activities and social organizations.  Graduating with a class size of 29 in the spring of 1962, Don went on to attend Waynesburg College before transferring to Parsons College in Iowa.  Don served in the United States Army Reserves.

After college, Don returned to join his brothers Pete and Dick in the family-owned business, Cameron Coca-Cola.  Don and his brothers grew a small family run bottling organization, employing 19 in 1966, into the ninth largest Coca-Cola Bottler in the United States, employing 350+ people by 1999.  He was a driving force in the growth and expansion of the family business.  During his tenure, Cameron Coca-Cola serviced customers throughout Western PA, northern West Virginia, and northeast Ohio.  The most exciting time for Don and the family was the purchase of the Pittsburgh Bottling territory in the 1980's.  

Generous in everything he did, Don saw success in business as a win for everyone.  He knew the life changing impact a job could make on an individual and their family.  Don knew providing a living wage, a wholesome purpose and a secure life for a person would have compound ripple effects across an entire community.  Aware of the impact the family business could make on the community, Don spearheaded company efforts to sponsor and promote as many public and private industries and organizations as possible.  Generously, he outfitted little league teams, bought countless scoreboards for schools in need, sponsored golf outings, county fairs, hockey stadiums and much more. For Don every venue, at the very least, needed a beautiful Coke vending machine.  He believed the act of offering an ice-cold beverage to quench one's thirst was an honest way to build a livelihood.  Don had an eye for spotting just the right location for a beautiful Coke cooler in any business from a small corner-store to a local pizza shop to gas station etc.  He especially enjoyed and took pride in seeing a grocery store aisle full of gleaming Coca-Cola products.  Don sincerely wanted Washington PA to be known for businesses like Cameron Coca-Cola, firmly believing that such enterprises created a strong foundation for the community.

He served on many boards and helped many charities with fundraising and leadership support.  Don particularly liked helping the disadvantaged.  Locally, he served on the Brownson House Board as well as made a major gift to Washington and Jefferson College's athletic program in 1999 that led to the College Field being rechristened Cameron Stadium.  Cameron Coca-Cola also sponsored basketball teams at the Brownson House, and Don coached and played on some of those teams.

Nationally, Don was on the Dr. Pepper Marketing Board for many years and served as president in 1998.  There were many contributions Don made on this board, one highlight being his suggestion to having a Diet Dr. Pepper vending machine fall through the ceiling above to thirsty patrons below in a successful national TV commercial in 1992.  The commercial can be viewed on YouTube by searching: "Diet Dr. Pepper vending machine falling through ceiling commercial."

Don proudly served on many charitable boards including Ronald McDonald House and Children's Hospital.

Forthright and determined in the way he lived his life, Don loved getting up every day.  He had many friends from all walks of life.  To be Don's friend was a social activity.  He met you on the golf course, a racquetball court, out to dinner or at any local sports event.  Don dearly loved his family and his friends and the memories that brought him such joy and hope throughout his lifetime.

He was a mentor to many people throughout his years.  Treating everyone as an equal, his welcoming smile, firm handshake, and sharp sense of humor could make even the most serious-minded person laugh and feel relaxed.  

Throughout Don's life, briefly summarized above, he kept his family close and those family relationships were most important to him.  His relationship with his wife, Sally, formed the bedrock of his family life, and he was unfailingly loving to, and supportive of his kids, grandkids and extended family.  Don and Sally made their homes in Washington and Scottsdale places where all were welcome, and lasting memories were made.

A competitor and a fighter through and through, Don loved life and never wanted to give up the battle.  Don faced his array of illnesses with steadfast courage, dignity and optimism, his wife Sally fought the battle with Don as a steady and strong presence at his side.  When the time came for him to part with this world and move onto the next, Don did so bravely.  His was a life well-lived, filled with love for his family and his numerous friends, a love that was returned many times over.  Don was a force in this world, and the world is a better place because he was in it.

Don is survived by his wife, Sally of 30 years, his three children by previous marriages, Donnie, Beth (husband Bryan Hammond) and Scott. Don is also survived by five grandchildren, Andrew, Michael, Jackson, CJ and Alley.  He is also survived by Sally's dear sister, Chris Scott and brother, Ed Scott and sister-in-law, Carol.  Don was the proud and loving uncle of Amy & Jeff Widdup (children: Hannah & Aliza), Reeda & Jason Thorne (children: Kyrstan, Kullen & Cody), and Melissa & Craig Thomas (children: Jake & Elana).  Lastly, Don is survived by his Old English Sheepdogs, Tank & Gunner who don't understand why "Dad's" not coming home?

Friends will be received on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 P.M. in the Warco-Falvo Funeral Home, Inc., Wilson at East Katherine Ave., Washington, S. Timothy Warco, Owner/Supervisor, Holly Renay Warco, Director, S. Timothy Warco II, Director, Park N. Crosier, Director.  A funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, December 29, 2022 in the funeral home.  Interment will follow in Washington Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made in Don's memory to the following charities: Humane Society of Washington County, PA, Humane Society of Greene County, PA and the Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter for MS - 1-800-344-4867.  Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com.