Cameron Albert Jaeger
June 18, 1987 - April 27, 2024
It is with immense sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Cam.
Cam will be eternally treasured by his parents, Rod and Sandy, cherished by his brother Conrad, and passionately loved by his soulmate Kayleigh Montgomery. He loved all of our family’s springer spaniels, as well as his own furry boys, Robbie and Leo. In his early years, Cam was supported and doted on by his late grandparents, Roger and Edna Jaeger and Anne and Ralph Cameron. He will always be missed by his extended Cameron, Jaeger, Plaschewsky, Storrs and Montgomery families throughout Alberta.
Cam was born in Canmore and joyfully lived his first seven years in Kananaskis Country. He and his brother Conrad explored the forests and trails near our park ranger home in Bow Valley Provincial Park, listened to the elk bugle from our front lawn, and looked upwards to the soaring Yamnuska peaks.
Cam’s next base of discovery was in the northern community of Lac La Biche. He took on the role of apprentice fisherman as our family explored beaches, lakes and the larger playground of Lakeland Provincial Park. It was here that Cam began swimming competitively, which led to him becoming an accomplished varsity swimmer with the University of Calgary. Cam also loved being a Jack Rabbit cross-country skier, a passion he pursued with his family and Kayleigh.
Cam returned to Cochrane when Rod ventured back to Kananaskis Country. Here, his passion for friends, sports and outdoor adventures flourished. He participated in the Alberta Summer and Winter Games for cross country skiing and swimming. Cam also discovered hiking, paddling, backcountry ski touring, ice and rock climbing and hunting with family and friends. He was a proud graduate of both Bow Valley High School and the University of Calgary and became a designated Professional Geologist.
Cam also thrived on the adventure and service of being an Alberta Wildland Firefighter for six seasons. He served in Alberta, BC, Ontario, Quebec, Montana, and Idaho with many of his closest friends during the busy wildfire seasons. He pumped water away from people’s homes during the 2013 Calgary flood, chain sawed through downed trees blocking homes during ‘Snowtemper’ 2014 and hosed down blazing forest fires that often burned over 100 feet tall.
Cam met his soulmate Kayleigh at the University of Calgary, and Cam and Kayleigh’s adventures were legendary. They supported each other’s careers, aspirations and passions. Both Cam and Kayleigh had challenging and rewarding careers with Teck Mines in Sparwood, B.C. Finding their own special world in Hillcrest Mines in the Crowsnest Pass, they made a home where everyone was welcome, and adventures were just around the corner. With their two furry companions, they hiked, skied, fished, camped, rock climbed, ice climbed, loved, and laughed. They greeted ostriches, cage dived with sharks, danced with children and explored rock faces throughout South Africa in 2012. They surfed in Nicaragua, climbed in Mexico, and trekked through Patagonia. Best of all, Cam gave the best hugs and was our beloved son, brother, soulmate, friend, nephew, cousin and doggie-dad!
Cam’s last day was spent mountain biking with two of his closest friends in Montana. While biking home, he was struck and killed by an impaired driver in a hit-and-run incident. We are comforted by the fact that he found joy with best buddies and lived life to the fullest.
As we struggle to find a path forward, Kayleigh has given us words to do better: “Don’t drive under the influence. Don’t text and drive. Watch for wildlife. Watch for kids. Be aware of the angle of the sun. We drive these dangerous machines and become complacent…Love each other harder that you ever have. If you’re mad about something, take a step back and see if it’s really worth it. Never stop saying I love you because you will be eternally gratefully when those three words become your last with the person you love most in this world.”
We have been hugged, loved, fed, cried with, and been sustained by so many – our friends in West Terrace and Cochrane, Westbrook School, Kananaskis Country, Lac La Biche, our dog friends, Cam’s school mates, fire buddies and his colleagues at Teck. We will be eternally grateful for their kindness in this time of loss.
As Cam had a deep love and compassion for all animals, we would be most appreciative if you might consider a donation in his name to the Pincher Creek Humane Society or your local animal rescue organization. Donations to Pincher Creek can be made through the secure website www.canadahelps.org.
Cam’s service will be held on May 25th in the Crowsnest Pass. We hope to have a recording available later for those unable to attend.
With love,
Sandy, Rod, Conrad and Kayleigh
