Even before Robert Burns “R.B.” Cameron took the reigns of Maritime Steel and Foundries Limited, this New Glasgow native’s distinguished military career preceded him. He attended the Royal Military College at Kingston, Ontario and left in 1939 at the outbreak of the War. Cameron became known as a genuine war hero through his service during the Second World War. The young officer was personally awarded the Distinguished Service Order by King George VI for his actions in the breaching of the Gothic Line during the Italian Campaign of 1944.

Following his extraordinary military service, Cameron completed his engineering studies at the Nova Scotia Technical College in 1947. Soon after, he established a construction company, Cameron Contracting - a successful venture that first showcased the drive and strong leadership abilities for which Cameron would be renown for in his later days.

When Cameron became president of Maritime Steel and Foundries Limited in 1961, the company’s changing and expanding markets in the steel foundry and structural steel industries were leading it to expand and renovate its facilities throughout much of the following decade. Based in New Glasgow, the company soon expanded to Dartmouth and then Prince Edward Island.

In addition to manufacturing, Cameron ventured into the real estate market and was responsible for the construction of the Royal Bank building in downtown Halifax. His business interests over the years also included a building material business, automobile dealerships, a drug store chain, and sand and gravel business, among others.

Cameron also forayed into the world of newspaper publishing in 1977, founding Cameron Publications Limited. In addition to being one of Atlantic Canada’s largest printers, Cameron Publications Limited published many community newspapers such as the Yarmouth Vanguard and the Kentville Advertiser.

Cameron also applied his leadership abilities to many endeavours outside of his own enterprise. These included Cape Breton Development Corporation, Deuterium of Canada and the Tidal Power Corporation. In January 1968, he was appointed President and CEO of Sydney Steel Corporation by the provincial government. At that time, the mill employed 3,200 people and was considered the economic backbone of Sydney, Cape Breton. While parent company Dosco had already made plans to close the mill in 1968 due to losses of up to $1 million a month the previous year, Cameron lead a management team that saw the mill gain a profit in 1968. Cameron remained at Sydney Steel until 1972, but retained involvement well into the 1980’s. He went on to become the Director of several companies, including the Royal Bank of Canada.

In 1969 he was recognized by the Sydney Kinsmen’s club as ‘Citizen of the Year’ for his outstanding leadership in reviving Sydney Steel, and was recipient of the Medal of Service, Order of Canada in 1970.

Both Cameron and his wife Florence were well known for their philanthropic involvement. In honour of their daughter, Margaret Ann (Peggy), they established a fund dedicated to the Department of Urology at the Dalhousie University Medical Centre for the treatment of Renal Disease. Cameron was an avid supporter of many regional hospitals as well as the Kidney Research Foundation. He was also a great supporter of many local educational institutions such as Dalhousie, Saint Mary’s, Mount Allison and Mount Saint Vincent Universities. He served as a Governor of Dalhousie University and was also a member of the Nova Scotia Voluntary Planning Board.

In addition to his Engineering degree, Cameron was honoured with an LL.D. from the Nova Scotia Technical College in 1969, and went on to receive one from both Saint Mary’s University and Saint Francis Xavier University.

Cameron passed away in 2000 at the age of 80, leaving behind Florence, his wife of 57 years, and children: Christine, Hugh, Robert, Elizabeth, James, Donald and Harry. He was predeceased by his daughter, Peggy.

Through his years of professional and personal accomplishments and accolades, Cameron lived a storied life in the service of his community and country. Famous for his class and compassion, as well as an influential business leader, Cameron’s legacy will be remembered with high regard.

RB Cameron, along with J. William E. Mingo, and Graham W. Dennis was inducted into the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame on June 7^th, 2005.