By Larry Judkins
Glenn County Observer
William “B.C.” Cameron, a south county firefighter of almost legendary reputation, died recently, his granddaughter, Carol Chrestensen, reported on Tuesday, May 28.
Along these lines involving Mr. Cameron’s semi-legendary status, this writer recalls a humorous incident from 2008. In October of that year, the Orland Ace Hardware store on Fifth Street caught fire in the early morning hours.
Orland firefighters arrived on the scene almost immediately (the Orland fire station is physically adjacent to the hardware store), but other county fire departments had to be called to provide mutual aid.
One of the south county firefighters who showed up was none other than B.C. Cameron. When he appeared, five or six north county firefighters pretended to bow and scrape before him.
In her statement on Tuesday, Carol Chrestensen said, “My grandpa was a man who was very involved with the community. In his time since coming to Willows, he was a firefighter, EMT, and search and rescue member.”
She continued, “He saved lives, he listened, he gave advice.” Some of this advice, Chrestensen added, you may not have wanted to hear, but needed to.
Ray Mudd commented, “Lots of good memories and stories over the years with B.C. at Thunderhill Raceway. He was an amazing man.”
Likewise, Eric Diamond stated, “B.C. was a great friend and always an asset at Thunderhill.”
Brigitta McGarr said, “B.C. was a special friend who gave it all to whoever needed him. And what can I say, the best Santa ever! He left our family with great Christmas memories, with planned surprise visits to our house, accompanied by his wife, Carol (alias Mrs. Claus), in the mid-1990s.”
Dennis Asbury posted, “I will miss and remember B.C., friends for more than 30 years. It was always a fun time working fires or floods with him. He always made a tough job go better.”
Asbury added, “A new friend was someone he hadn’t met yet. He was a Real Person.”
Germaine Burrows remarked, “He was like family and even came to our native dance in Grindstone. RIP, B.C. I’ll always remember you!”
Carol Chrestensen invited anyone who would like to celebrate her grandpa to “join us on Saturday, June 1, at the Willows Fire Department. We will be departing at 9 a.m. and following the fire engines through town for his one last ride.
“We will end up at the Kanawha Fire Department, where there will be food and laughs and stories. Please bring your own drinks.
“And we hope to see you there!”
The Glenn County Observer 
Thank you for the wonderful tribute to our Papa BC. He loved his community and being a volunteer firefighter and EMT. That is where his heart was. He will be missed.
LikeLike