Cameron McGinnis

Cameron Mitchell McGinnis, 68, of Cove, OR died on August 26, 2024 at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, ID.  A Celebration of life will be held September 7, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cove Ascension Campus in Cove, OR. 

Cameron McGinnis was born in Klamath Falls, OR on April 17, 1956 to parents Jessie and Howard McGinnis. From grades 1st to 9th he attended schools in Portland, Enterprise, OR and Spokane, WA. He graduated from Stayton High School in 1974.  From there he attended Eastern Oregon University from 1974-1976. He completed his college education at Oregon State University 1988-1990 with a BS in Horticulture.

Cameron met Valerie Nordquist at a donut shop in La Grande, OR. They were married October 15, 1977 at the Methodist Church in La Grande.

Cameron was a member of the US Navy from 1977-1987. During that time, he worked in nuclear submarine service, and was a machinist mate and nuclear welder. He was also a member of the USS Edison Decommissioning Crew. He joined the Navy Reserves from 1987-1993 where he made E7/Chief. Cam then transferred to the Army National Guard from 1993-1998.  Cam was very proud of his work with the USN/USNR and National Guard. He received 4 SSBN Deterrent Patrol Ribbons, 2 Sea Service Deployment ribbons, and numerous good conduct awards.

Cameron lived many places throughout his life including Orlando, FL, Ballston Spa, NY, Stonington, CT, Charleston, SC, Bremerton, WA, Ewa Beach, HI, Corvallis, Union, and finally Cove OR.

Following Cameron’s Navy service, he joined ODOT until his retirement.  He led with quiet grace and helped to make a difference.

Cam enjoyed his SEIU years as a Union Steward and was President of the SEIU 503 ODOT Local. 

He loved metalwork and woodworking. He read voraciously and treasured taking online classes on diversity, meditation and other subjects.

Cameron's favorite colors were OSU Orange and Blue. He loved all the OSU sports teams, the Seahawks and the Mariners.  Cam enjoyed all plant life as well as the unique beauty of each season. Summer was his favorite as this allowed the opportunity to garden, do outdoor projects and activities like fishing and camping.

Cameron adored singing and was a member of the Blue Mountain Barber shoppers. He was also a member of the EOU German Club, SEIU, and the Cove Community Association.

His life philosophy was “Be like a river.  Let emotions flow through you without shame, guilt, or judgment.” Love one another.  He would also say, “Think before speaking”. Cam chose Mindfulness as a way of life.

Memorable dates during his life include his marriage and the births of his 3 children. Cameron was a kind and gentle person, who could easily talk with anyone about anything.  He will be remembered for his love of family and friendships, of being an agent of change and bringing co-workers to a better place in their work lives.

Cameron was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; first born son Gordon A. McGinnis; daughter Gracie Elliot; father-in-law Darold Nordquist.

He is survived by his wife Valerie McGinnis of Cove, OR; son Ryan (Kendall; grand girl Marlo Ann McGinnis) of La Grande, OR: son in law Michael Elliott of Richland, WA; brother Gordon McGinnis; sister Nixie (John) Stark.

For those who would like to make a donation in Cameron’s memory the family suggests either, Union, Or VFW, Cove Fire Department or Art Center East in La Grande, OR through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, PO Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com