Cam Downey, a fixture at The Ward Night time Market and the native LARP group, was described as a pleasant, type and useful individual
Cameron Downey was an “incredibly friendly” individual in The Ward.
He was usually a vendor at The Ward Night time Market along with his freeze dried sweets he known as WTF (Woah That Froze) Candies. “He’s incredibly friendly. He was kind,” stated Meredith Sweeney, a fellow Ward neighbour and director of The Ward Night time Market, in an interview with GuelphToday.
Final Thursday, the Guelph man died whereas working in Mississauga. The Ministry of Labour is investigating.
“He certainly had a natural gift for drawing people in,” Sweeney stated.
On the markets individuals have been serious about who he was since he had lengthy hair, wore an attention-grabbing outfit together with a prime hat, jewellery and handmade leather-based cuffs. If he wasn’t merchandising at one of many markets she stated individuals would ask the place the “candy guy” was.
Downey joined The Ward Night time Market across the time it began in 2021. In the summertime, one of many market themes was impressed by him since he was concerned with the Dwell Motion Function Taking part in (LARP) group. The Ward Night time Market placed on Ward Ren-Faire and inspired individuals to decorate up in renaissance apparel. Sweeney knew he was the individual to achieve out to for recommendation in regards to the theme and to counsel individuals to be distributors.
She described him as a secure individual and “in a non-patronizing way, like a teddy bear.” He would assist individuals arrange tables and tents on the markets. Folks didn’t ask him for assist, he would simply step as much as it and instructed individuals “I’ll get it.”
The Friday earlier than final, Sweeney had spoken with Downey and his mother Charlene, who instructed her about all of her son’s qualities. “They’re a really admirable family,” stated Sweeney.
His mother let Sweeney know on Oct. 11 that he had died the day prior.
Peel Regional Police say they responded to an industrial accident at Dundas Road East and Wharton Method in Mississauga at about 6 p.m. on Oct. 10. An grownup male in his 20s succumbed to his accidents.
“The industrial accident was not deemed suspicious and the Ministry of Labour took over the investigation,” stated Const.Michelle Stafford, public info officer with Peel Regional Police, in an electronic mail.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the worker during this difficult time. It is being reported that the employer is SecurU Inc. and that the worker was fatally injured after coming into contact with high voltage wires. Two MLITSD inspectors attended the scene to investigate. As the investigation is still ongoing, no further details can be provided at this time,” stated the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Coaching and Expertise Growth (MLITSD) in an electronic mail response to GuelphToday’s media inquiry.
Sweeney instructed a good knit group of distributors of Downey’s passing after which posted a video with clips of him on social media.
“Cam’s charm, positivity, and bright smile made him a standout presence at every market he attended, and it was always a joy to have him front and centre where his big personality drew everyone in,” learn a part of the submit.
“I remember how much joy this guy gave us every time we went to the market, like we were friends even though we were strangers. He will be missed by so many,” stated one commenter on The Ward Night time Market’s Instagram submit.
“The sweetest man. Thank you for these heart lifting/breaking memories,” wrote one other commenter.
“He was such a sweetheart! His absence will definitely be felt. Rest in peace, Cam,” stated one other.
Sweeney stated Downey went to John F. Ross for highschool and in Grade 10 he was part of the Group Environmental Management Program. A program that counted towards faculty credit and was surrounded round outside expertise and management. Sweeney was in this program throughout the Higher Grand District Faculty Board years prior.
Figuring out Downey was a part of this system and volunteered on the Royal Metropolis Mission confirmed he was an unimaginable individual “who was on a trajectory for doing such amazing things in this community, and already had so it’s just a big loss,” stated Sweeney. She’s devastated for his household. After listening to about him from others she needs she knew him higher.
She known as him an incredible one that may have been greatest associates with a whole bunch of individuals.
In his honour, donations will likely be collected in his identify for the Royal Metropolis Mission at The Ward Night time Market on Oct. 24 at Holy Safety of the Mom of God Ukrainian Catholic Church at 115 York Rd.
“Knowing Cam and his spirit, we definitely want to have a good time,” stated Sweeney.
“I know he enjoyed Halloween, and I know he enjoyed the markets, and he would want us to keep going and not just make it a sombre time. So we’re going to proceed with the market kind of as usual, but with that donation in mind. And I know that he’s going to be on our minds,” she stated.
