Cameron Johnson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Cameron Sky Louis Johnson, aka “Bush”, in Wallaceburg on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Cam was born July 1, 1980, to Colleen and the late Louis Johnson. Auntie Jen remembers that even as a baby, he slept with his eyes open. Those eyes wide open exemplified his life. Even as a child, he was fearless, speeding through life with a sense of wonder, curiosity and above all, adventure. He created remarkable memories with his siblings: Carson Kiyoshk (the late Pamela Fawn), Autumn (DJay Nahdee), Aimee (Christopher Prince), Shayne (Cody), and Odjig. As a child, Cam learned the ways of life in the bush from his dad and great-uncle Roy Smith and how to handle himself in the water from his great-uncle Smitty (Earl Smith, Sr.) and Uncle Carl Smith, Sr. For Cam, fishing was as necessary as food and water. Growing up, he played travel hockey with the Walpole Island Minor Hockey League. His toughness on the ice earned him the nickname of "little Probert” and on occasion would be sent to the ice being told, “Ok Cam, they think they’re tough, go show them what tough is!”. Cam was raised in the powwow tradition, dancing fancy with the guidance of chosen uncles, including Thurman Bear, Jimmy Klein Sr., JB Schuyler, John Snake, and Ponchie Plain, all of whom have since passed away. He also sang with his family with the Naahii drum. Those role models, together with Ken Soney, Sr., saw him sign with the US Marine Corps on his 18th birthday. Later, he would work as a dog sled musher in Whistler, BC, salesman extraordinaire, builder, welder and cell phone tech. Bush was one of a kind. He was fiercely loyal and protective of his family and friends, always there to help with a laugh or to solve their problems. He was known for finding solutions and fixing whatever was needed with whatever he had. His laughter, stories, and company will be missed by all who had the honour of knowing him. Cam blessed us with his two beautiful children: son Kalan Pinnance and daughter Laniah Greenbird. He will be greatly missed by special friend, Sarah Snake, and little buddy, Evander Wiman. Cam was predeceased by grandparents Evangeline Thomas, Stanley “Stash” Dodge, and Lillian Jensen. He will be remembered by Aunties and Uncles Lorraine John, Wayne and Jen Fisher, Garnet Billy Dodge (late Joanna), Ellen Thomas (late Sam Peters), Eric Thomas, JoLynne (Marc), Erica and Michael Jensen, and the late Ava Hammock, Linda Thomas, Leona Isaac (Cecil), Jeffrey Thomas (late Denise), and JC Thomas, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and chosen family. Cam will be celebrated at home with a sacred fire and open visitation at 140 Peters Road on Sunday, August 30th, after 5 pm through Monday, September 1st. All are welcome. The funeral will be held at the Walpole Island Sports Complex on Tuesday, September 2nd, with visitation at 11 am. The funeral service will begin at 12 pm with a feast to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Walpole Island Community Service Program. The family would like to say Gchi-Miigwech for all of the support from our amazing community during this difficult time.