Vale Ewen Cameron

Ewen passed away peacefully at Warringal Hospital on Sunday, 21st July, 2004. His wife of many years, Pat, had previously died August 2023 and, in the material below, some tributes to her follow those to Ewen.

Tributes to Ewen Cameron from members of our Opera group – Ewen died in July 2024

1. Ewen became a great friend to me, I think partly because we often had opposing but well-thought-out takes on so many things, and respected each other’s thinking. Even on the mighty Met Opera see-saw “machine” for the Ring Cycle! Hard to believe, but we found each other fun. It also took me a long time to see the many Ewens, each born from a stage in his multi-faceted life. Like many, I will be much the poorer for the passing of a warm and wise man.
2. My thoughts are with the family of Ewen at this very sad time of their loss. We valued his input so highly in our Opera group.
3. Remembering Ewen for his passion for Wagner. He had great knowledge and shared it generously with the group. He will be greatly missed by friends in our Tuning in to Opera group.
4. Another of the ‘originals’. Always engaged in discussions, especially Wagner. My condolences to his family.
5. So sorry to hear this sad news. He was such a character, and doing his best to cope after he lost his dear Pat. I always enjoyed his comments. Vale Ewen.
6. Thank you for sharing this sad news about Ewen, gone to join his dear Pat. RIP, Ewen.
7. The passing of an Era. Both Pat and Ewen were dear friends to many. I have them to thank for my introduction to The Ring Cycle all those years ago. Winter nights just four of us (Brenda and I, Pat and Ewen) met once a week with shared meals, beside Ewen’s cosy fire, to view that infamous Met ‘Machine’ Production.
8. Opera Australia dress rehearsals, Opera at the Palais, The State Theatre and The Ring Cycle in Melbourne and more, all shared and richly discussed. I first met Ewen through his wife Pat in the early days of my retirement. A Western District boy, Ewen’s interests were wide and varied. We shared an interest in all things Japanese, especially Kyoto where Ewen took up a 3 month residency as a visiting artist, along with his young family. And of course we shared a passion for opera, though our views did not always align. So many trips to opera productions over the years. So much to discuss. Then along came Lyn and Tom and we were lucky enough to be part of the newly formed Opera Group with them at the helm, and our circle of friends grew as did our knowledge of all things pertaining to opera. So many precious memories. You are and will be missed Ewen. Vale.
9. As a former colleague at Hurstbridge High School – that was when I first met Ewen but it was later with the opera group that I really appreciated his knowledge and love of Wagner and in particular The Ring Cycle.
10. Ewen adored Russian Opera and reminded us the time he and his wife Pat sat in the stalls four rows back at the new York Metropolitan, New York to see a production of Eugene Onegin by Tchaikovsky. Bravo Ewen.
11. I was sad to hear of Ewen’s passing. My condolences to his family. So sad to hear of Ewen’s passing. Now he is the arms of his love Pat. We will miss him. May he rest in peace.
12. It is with much sadness that I send this message. Ewen and Pat were both so knowledgeable and I really enjoyed their input within the group. They will be sadly missed.
13. My memories of both Pat and Ewen were of two people who gave time to answer any of my questions about opera. Ewen taught me a lot about music in general, lending me DVD’s about the study of music. Even through his sadness he still had a smile on his face and through his love of Russian opera I learnt so much. And he made me laugh.
14. Deepest sympathy to Ewen’s family. A true gentleman, I learnt much about Wagner Operas from his significant knowledge. Ewen will be very much missed from the Friday group of friends.
15. My thoughts are with the family of Ewen at this very sad time of their loss. We valued his input so highly in our Opera group.

Tributes to Pat Cameron from members of our Opera group – Pat died in August 2023

Pat was a founding and always encouraging voice in the launching of our Opera group in 2016, and part of planning and exploring opera with us ever since. Her messages to this list were addressed to ‘special opera friends’ and she talked of our meetings as the highlight of her week.

1. What sad news. Pat had been such an integral part of our opera group from its inception and her knowledge will be greatly missed.
2. I’m so sad to hear about Pat. It’s a massive loss for Ewen and his family as well as the whole Opera group. I didn’t know her well – really only on zoom, but she was always interesting talking about Opera.
3. This is such sad news. Too many people are leaving us. I didn’t know Pat well, but she seemed such a sweetie, and she and Ewen such a couple. Opera group won’t be the same. My most sincere condolences to Ewen and to all of Pat’s family and friends.
4. I thought a lot of Pat. She was so kind to me and could often make me laugh with her comments. Sadly will be missed.
5. I am deeply saddened by Pat’s passing. I didn’t know she was so unwell and I’ve taken a while to actually process this email. As I have reflected on my friendship with Pat, I realised that this covers over 30 years. We were teaching colleagues at Banyule High School in the 90’s, then reunited through the Diamond Valley Bushwalking Club and most recently through the U3A Opera Group. Although not close friends, it was always a pleasure to share her company and knowledgeable conversation. My husband taught with Ewen at Macleod High School in the 70’s, so the connections go even further back. We both send our sincere condolences to Ewen and their family. It’s always difficult to face the realisation that someone you’ve known has passed away. I know the friends I made through the Opera Group will mourn Pat’s passing as I do. Rest in Peace dear Pat.
6. So very sad about Pat, what a loss for us all. Deepest condolences to Ewen.
7. Pat’s family attended a school where I taught in Geelong. Pat had left before I arrived, but I knew her sister, Jenny. Pat and I at one time shared memories and memorabilia that we had saved of the old school, and you probably heard me greet Pat with: “Coo-ee” when we used to meet at the courthouse. Pat was familiar with lots of the local flora, and she was very happy to identify plants and flowers for her many friends and colleagues. We will miss her and her quiet, cheerful manner.
8. My deep condolences to Ewen and his family for the passing of Pat. She had a beautiful demeanour and touched all of us with her personality and warm smile. Rest in peace Pat.
9. It’s hard to believe that our dear Pat has passed away. My thoughts are with Ewen, her stalwart supporter over many years of Pat’s declining health. Thoughts go also to Pat and Ewen’s family. I feel so fortunate to have called Pat a good friend. On retirement I joined the book club of my dreams and Pat’s warm welcome was the beginning of many other shared interests: regular Opera Australia performances, Greek classics study and, of course, our Opera group. We also shared a special interest in all things Japanese, especially Kyoto. What great times and discussions we shared. Pat had deep knowledge of many areas of interest, she was erudite and knowledgeable, as well fun, kind and very hospitable. A visitor to Pat’s never left empty handed. My last gift, about three weeks ago (I think), was a beautiful bunch of daphne. The perfume always reminds me of my favourite aunt, now it will also remind me of Pat. So sadly, Vale dear Pat, we will miss you.
10. My condolences to Ewen and family. I have just returned home to hear the news of Pat’s passing. Sadly I have lost a special friend of many years. I first met Pat and Ewen on base camps and treks with the Diamond Valley Bush walkers. Later on we have shared a passion for opera (though not necessarily the same ones). For years, Pat, Ewen and I attended the final dress rehearsals of Opera Australia. It has been a further joy to be able to see and compare the finest operas in the world with Lyn and Tom. I will miss Pat’s kindness and generous nature. Pat, you have bravely fought ill health, so peace be with you now. With love.
11. This is very sad news indeed. What a wise and knowledgeable person Pat was. I always enjoyed her contributions to the group. To Ewen, my sincerest condolences.
12. Reading through the messages about Pat’s passing sent to the Opera group, I realise how much I am missing Pat. I miss her thoughtfulness, I miss her firmness in dealing with issues and people, I miss her breadth of conversation, I miss her great warmth and, above all, I miss her friendliness and friendship. Pat’s passing has left a huge gap. A very special person was dear Pat, how lucky we were to have known her.
13. I wish I’d known Pat sooner. I loved her friendship and her generous, eager sharing and seeking of knowledge in her many special areas. But I’ll remember her specially for her sense of lightness and fun, including her dogged distracting of a chat when it risked getting heavy. We shared a love of improbable plants (eremophila will be my Pat symbol) and goofy doggerel (bad rhyme limericks were her speciality). Missing you always, Pat.