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BORN
1954
DIED
2011
Cameron Dinkel Obituary
Cameron Dinkel, of Thousand Oaks, died peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on May 30, 2011, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Cameron was born in Newton, Mass., Nov. 29, 1954, to Paul Dinkel, and to Marie Therese O'Connell Dinkel, who preceded him in death. He was raised both in Massachusetts and California. A talented builder of fine homes and commercial buildings, he headed his own construction company.
He leaves behind his five brothers and their spouses, Mark (Cheryl Baggen), of Concord, Mass., Jonathan (Darcy), Craig, of Austin, Texas, Peter (Michlynn Hines), Timothy (Cindy); and his father and stepmother, Ellen Herman. He also leaves behind many friends who were devoted to his care in the last months of his life.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Cam's memory to the Cancer Research Institute, One Exchange Plaza, 55 Broadway, Suite 1802, New York, NY 10006.
Arrangements are IN THE CARE of Aabbey Memorial, Funeral Directors and Cremation, A Heritage Life Tribute Center, Thousand Oaks, 487-4200.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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Sonya Merian
January 14, 2025
When in Newton Highlands, I always walk by to sit on the bench dedicated to Cam, and think of all the times in school and California, and how he brought levity to every situation, with a brilliance and wit unique to him. You were a special person, Cam, and will never be forgotten!
Jo-Ann Dery
January 13, 2025
Cam, it's going on 14 years you've been gone. How can it be that long? I miss you, and think of you often. I could really use to talk with you right now. What wouldn't I give to luxuriate in your hug, hear your sweet-gruff voice call my name, and receive some of your wisdom? I love you always, Cousin! xoxoxo Jo-Jo
Charles Harrington
January 9, 2025
Really Great Person to Work for and Really A Great Friend.
Charlie Harrington
Theresa Mauro
November 29, 2020
"I Still Miss Someone" by Johnny Cash
Terry Mauro
March 25, 2019
It will be going on 9 years this May 30th, 2019, since you've been gone. I meet you in my dreams, always past The Old House up the road, and you tell me not to get out of my truck, because "It's not your time yet. You're not ready. You still have things to take care of." All I want to do is leave the truck and walk up that hill with you. Janet and I went up to Solvang, last year, on the Memorial Day weekend, and had to take the back roads because the 101 was gridlocked. I, inadvertently, was visiting all the places we used to ride through. Janet said, "You're still carrying that torch after almost 40 years." I know whomever reads this will surely think I'm out of my mind, in the worst state of denial, and should seek psychiatric help, but I've been there, done that. Every time I hear a Harley go by, I think it's you're way of saying "Hi," to me. All I know is that I wait, and when the dream is finally my time, I'll turn off the ignition, and walk up that road with you.
March 19, 2019
It's been a long time since yesterday. I still miss you. See you soon.
July 16, 2016
I think of him every day too, I am lucky enough to have a Daughter named after him so I hear his name every day. Several times!
Cam and Marie
Sha Dinkel
July 16, 2016
Theresa Mauro
February 10, 2016
Today is February 10th 2016. Nothing of great importance, but when I look out the window in our break room at Santa Monica-UCLA, I see beautiful views of the mountains on this very clear day in Paradise (L.A.). I am reminded of our rides up PCH on a fantastic afternoon, such as this. I miss you, and dream of you in dreams so real, I wish they would never end. With love,
Terry
December 1, 2015
It's still hard. Very hard. I miss you so much brother.
Terry Mauro
November 29, 2014
Year 3. I still dream about you. I'll be meeting you in heaven, before long.
July 2, 2014
I think of Cam often. Time does have a way of softening, I agree.
Chuck, Cam and Tom
May 31, 2013
Cam & Cara
May 31, 2013
Tom & Cam
May 31, 2013
Tom & Cam
May 31, 2013
Terry Mauro
May 30, 2013
May 30, 2013
Year 2
Time has a way of softening the feelings of profound loss.
November 29, 2012
November 29, 1954 - May 30, 2011
Missing you.
Theresa Mauro
May 31, 2012
Cam was the "gold standard" by which all other men who came after him, would be judged. And, he was a tough act to follow, too. Very few could hold a candle to him, no pun intended.
Michaela Armstrong
May 31, 2012
We only recently heard about Cameron's passing and are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers and sending our love to Paul, Mark, Jonathan, Craig, Peter and Tim and their families. Over the years we have reminisced about our fond memories of times spent with you in Newton Highlands. We share your sadness and wish you peace as you continue to remember Cam's vibrancy and his dynamic personality.
Love, the Hartnett family
Terry Mauro
May 30, 2012
You left this earthly plane one year ago today. It is I, who now must turn the page, and close the book on this chapter of my life. For in doing so, I release that part of your spirit which I have held close to my heart for the past thirty-four years.
"Against the wind
We were runnin' against the wind
We were young and strong, we were Runnin' against the wind."
Lastly, this one is for your dear and sweet Mom, who always treated me so kindly.
"Danny Boy"
Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountain side
The summer's gone, and all the flowers are dying
'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide.
But come ye back when summer's in the meadow
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow
'Tis I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow
Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so.
And if you come, when all the flowers are dying
And I am dead, as dead I well may be
You'll come and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an "Ave" there for me.
And I shall hear, tho' soft you tread above me
And all my dreams will warm and sweeter be
If you'll not fail to tell me that you love me
I'll simply sleep in peace until you come to me.
I'll simply sleep in peace until you come to me.
With love, I set you free.
Always,
Terry
Lynne Storm (Sattelberg)
December 29, 2011
I just googled Cam and learned of this now. Ages ago I lived in Thousand Oaks and Cam and I used to go out. Several times we ended up pushing his old Helms Bakery truck "Beaulah" when she died on us. With Cam, even that was fun. You had to love that guy... His heart, warmth and humor are with me still and always will be. Sha, my old friend, hope it helps to know how many people share your loss with you and your family. Cam will always live on our hearts.
Sonya Merian
December 5, 2011
To all of the Dinkel Brothers:
I was walking at around 5:30 this morning in Newton Highlands, and passed through the English Garden over the Walnut Street Bridge. I saw two beautiful benches, and was so saddened when I read the inscription of Cam's passing. He was a great person, who helped me during my days in California that know one would have known about, and he was a good friend throughout our days at Hyde. I want to express my condolences to all of his family and friends, and am greatful to hear that he was surrounded by his family and friends at the end. May he rest in peace...
Sonya Merian
Terry Mauro
November 29, 2011
Today would have been your 57th birthday.
November 29, 1954 - November 29, 2011.
With fond rememberances and love.
Always,
Terry
Ronnie Palache
July 24, 2011
It is July 24, 2011. Its been a while since Cameron has called me to check in. I was his case manager at the insurance company and we became friends. I've been thinking of him and finally Googled him today and read the news... He was such a great guy. He didn't give in easily to his cancer and fought it all the way. I always admired his strength, his will, his love for life. I also admired the bond he had with his family. It was a pleasure to know him and I am so happy our paths crossed in this lifetime.
Tim Moriarty
July 17, 2011
Cam was my friend he taught me the meaning of friend he showed me cool he demonstrated persistence and courage when he spoke there was a reason he said more by not saying alot I am grateful to know him and his family
Eric Skaggs
July 9, 2011
Cam will be missed by many!!He had a Great personality !always willing to invite you over for a beer! Or just to hang out. Rest in peace Cam!
pete
July 8, 2011
I miss my Brother,,He was the best
June 22, 2011
Cam, you are a joy to me. I feel so blessed to call you friend, for over 25yrs.Your zest for life was contagious. I will cherish all the late night conversations between you, Jerry & myself. You were always there, listening to Jerry's stories, with tongue in cheek & a glint in your eye, humor & sarcasm lacing any & all your comments to him-you are the only person I know that could do that without getting his 'dander' up! He loved playing guitar with you. He loved your absolute 'high,' that you got from his music. You were his most devoted fan . I have to tell you,he was devoted to you & it always blew him away that you regarded him so highly. 'PAPA COOL,' WILL NEVER DIE--NOR WILL YOU. You have graced us all with your presence. We are richer for knowing you. I keep every memory of you, like a priceless gem, tucked away in my own, personal treasure chest. Any time I need to be with you, I pull out a memory. I may laugh. I may cry, but no matter what, I will be joyous. It is so hard to imagine this life without you in it. I do know one thing for sure. You would not want us to grieve for our physical loss of you. Moreover, you would want us to celebrate your life and carry on in a manner that would make you proud. I promise you I will. You are more powerful, more able to help those you love, now that you are no longer encumbered by a body that was becoming so tired & weak. You have never had the word 'weak,' in your vocabulary.you never gave up. you are an inspiration. I will think of you more than often & you shall forever dwell in my heart. Your nieces have got the best guardian angel possible! 'Carry on and have yourself a lovely ride. Think of me when you finally reach the other side.' ...a song by T. Malone, from the subdudes. Thank-you for showing me the true meaning of being 'real.' You have always been 'bigger' than life, yet humble at the same time I could not have asked for a better role model for my 4 children, or for a better friend & confidant. With gratitude & appreciation, I send you all of my love and I know that PEACE is yours. Infinitely your sister/friend, Donnell Scotland.
Tom & Cara Ward
June 20, 2011
Paul, Ellen, Mark, "Sha", Pete, Tim and Craig,
We are so sorry for your sadness and loss of such a wonderful brother, son and friend. We loved Cam immensely and are truly broken hearted.
All of you were such beautiful support to him. We were in awe seeing the deep love and devotion you all showered on Cam. He was so very blessed to have you all!
Tom and I are so thankful to have been able to spend so much time with him the past few years. We want to thank you for inviting us to be with him just before his passing. It was the most love filled, peaceful and gentle time for us and we hoped these feelings were felt by him.
We are so thankful that he shared his life with us.
May God bless you all
Cara & Tom
Xina Uhl
June 19, 2011
My husband and I met Cam when he worked on building an addition to our house. When we moved to the same street as Cam we saw him semi-regularly. I'll always remember his exuberant personality and droll sense of humor. He stayed positive until the end. We'll miss him and we wish his family well in this difficult time.
Terry Mauro
June 19, 2011
My heartfelt condolences to his wonderful family and friends.
I last saw Cam in September 2008, after finding a link his father had put up on the internet. I last spoke to him by phone a year later, and a few months after his transplant. He sounded well and positive. I was going to hook up with him again, and make him a sirloin stew like back in the late 70's and early 80's, when he was the love of my life. We had some wonderful times touring through the Ventura County countryside on "Brownie," and "Blackie." I will always cherish the memory of his positive work ethic and his equally positive outlook on life. He was a great friend, and a man of honor. I "googled" his name today, and this is what I found. In the words of James Taylor, "...But I always thought that I'd see you, baby, one last time again..."
jeff stone
June 17, 2011
i knew cam from his days in newton highlands as the epitome of cool. his circle of friends included the brother of one of my best friends (steve capone) so i was often a witness to his commanding presence. during a cross country road trip i took with steve in '75 we were offered a stay at cam's thousand oaks home. he had transported the same graciousness and friendship i knew from home to his new surrounds. as a young impressionable teenager cam seemed to be an everyman's hero.
Ever the tough guy.
Cam Dinkel
June 16, 2011
Cam's great smile.
Cam Dinkel
June 16, 2011
Ralph (Ruti) Robart
June 16, 2011
I have two powerful impressions from this experience, Cam's utter refusal to surrender in the face of overwhelming odds remaining good natured all the way through it and his families unbending support through his illness, they show what is possible as the highest expression of human
connection.
Julie Hand
June 15, 2011
When I met my husband John Hand he always talked about his cousin Cam. Awesome, cool, tough and genuine are just a few words used to describe him to me.
When it came time to pick names for our child (who is now 16 months old) John said "if it is a boy I want to name him after my cousin Cam Dinkel." At the time I had not met Cam but when the day came and we had a boy we named him Cameron.
I was lucky enough to meet Cam last year. Cam told me stories of growing up, living in California and mostly the importance of family and friends. He treasured all of his relationships and I am so grateful to have had the chance to meet and spend time with him.
I am honored to have our son as his namesake and we will continue to tell Cameron throught his life about the wonderful man he was named after.
Love to the Dinkel Family
Ben/Phyllis Evans
June 15, 2011
My husband Ben, and I send our sincere
sympathy to the Dinkel family. Cam, was
a great friend to our son, Rick. We shall
always remember Cam's loving smile when
he greeted both me, and my husband Ben.
Cam, enjoyed coming to Squam Lake with
Rick, Tom, and all the friends of Newton
Highlands.Cam will be missed by all that
knew him. Ben and I are very sad to hear
of his passing.
Stacey Sherman Post
June 15, 2011
oh how i will treasure all my memories of Cam. i am so lucky to have had him in my life and i know there are countless others who feel the same way. i send my deepest sympathies to his family and friends during this difficult time. he will be forever in my heart . may he rest in peace.
James O'Connor
June 15, 2011
From his childhood to grown man Cam always did things his way.I knew and loved him through it all.From his huge smile to thunderous laugh he seemed to put everyone at ease around him.There are too many stories to tell,but the memories will remain special.I will miss our late night long distance phone calls.I will forever be proud and thankful that Cam considered me a friend.He was a great inspiration and always will be
My condolences to his family and many friends Cam will truly be missed by all who knew him
Mark Hand
June 14, 2011
Cam was larger than life and tough as nails. He was always cool, riding his motorcycle to family gatherings, weekends at Winnipesaukee or to our house in Sherborn. I remember thinking - this long haired guy on that bike is my cousin? Wow...opened my eyes in the best way.
He was also the king of pool in our world. I always thought my dad was at the top, but when Cam came to town my dad was always in awe of Cam's talent & love of the game. Cam taught us trick shots & helped me with my shooting style. Although I was shooting pretty good with my 3 finger overhand style (that was my only option when I was younger, since my eyes could barely see the table). Cam told me to change my grip to the proper way of holding the back of the stick. I was reluctant, but I also knew Cam was the best, so I better listen.
Cam, thank you so much for being a friend to my Mother and for being so cool. She told me before she died that she had the best talk with you about life. She was literally glowing, when I asked her about it. She knew that would be her last conversation with you, but she was so happy she had that opportunity. Your heart was so big and you were so kind to everyone.
I will miss knowing you are alive on this earth, but I hope you are with my parents laughing it up and having a great time. They both loved you so much, it was palpable. I loved you too, and I miss you already.
Matt Sabetti
June 14, 2011
Though we say goodbye to you on a physical level, the strength of your essential spirit will continue and eventually allow your family to find peace in the consciousness of your shared love. In the end,it's all that matters, and your presence has made those you've known and loved richer individuals.
Anna Zuckerman-Vdovenko
June 14, 2011
Cam was one of the most lively people I have ever known. He was loved by everyone that knew him. His smile and laugh were so warm that he could uplift a room full of people with his huge spirit. He will always live inside each and every one of us that knew him. My deepest condolences go out to the entire Dinkel family who had the great pleasure of being a part of his life for so many years. And to you, Cam, thank you for all your kindness and love that you showed to me at family gatherings and events. You always made me feel like I was a part of your family and that you enjoyed having me be with you all. I was very proud to know you and to be able to call you my friend.
Paul Bergerot
June 13, 2011
Cam used to bug the heck out of me, and I'm positive I bugged him. I remember him giving me a measurement for a board to cut, and before I could repeat it back to him, just to be sure I got it right, I'd hear "HURRY UP!"
He kept us all on our toes, and although at the time it seemed like the day would never end. It would, and he would act like we were on the beach in Hawaii, just relaxing hanging out together, being friends. That was his way of sharing what he knew with us. You had to earn it! We all (Me,Sha,Pete,Dennis Reid,) learned valuable stuff from him.
So when the time came when I was running the biggest job of my life,in way over my head, feeling scared to death about what I might do wrong,.....Cam constantly told me how good of a job I was doing. I KNEW that with him next to me, it WAS going to be OK. He gave me the confidence that I carry with me today.
He was a real friend and I loved him dearly, as did my entire family. We are all heartbroken to hear of his passing.
And he better save me a good seat!!!
Sarah Hand Murphy
June 13, 2011
For all of us who loved Cam, this is very hard. He was my cousin, growing up with him first living in Newton, Massachusetts and then on the west coast. He seemed to always do his own thing, his way. I think he was loyal through and through, to those he loved - and he had a heart of gold. He also had attitude, and it makes me smile now that I'm thinking about him and remembering times spent with him at all those family gatherings. Thanks Cam, you were a free spirit, something I truly admire.
Lots of love to the Dinkel family.
Sarah [Hand] Murphy and family
Linda Ravalli
June 12, 2011
I'll always remember Cam as full of life and one of the most memorable characters. His enthusiasm for life and great personality made him all the more lovable. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. My sincere condolences to the Dinkel family.
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