Cameron E. Strand

Age 76 of Forest Lake. Loving Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Brother, passed away surrounded by family on February 24, 2016. Cameron E. Strand was born October 24, 1939 and lived with his parents and grandparents of Swedish heritage. He grew up on a farm and graduated from Chisago Lakes High School in 1957. Following high school, he attained a private pilots license while attending St. Cloud State College. Later, he studied at the U of M, and graduated from Dunwoody with an electrical license. For several years Cameron worked as a union electrician. In the mid 1970s, Pinelane Landfill was being developed by his father Ernest; Cameron joined as a manager and operator. Over time, Forest Lake Sanitation and Town Country Disposal were acquired, forming SRC, Inc. As owner of SRC, he was a focused boss, loved and respected by his employees. He never asked or expected anyone to do a job he wasnt willing to do himself. Common sense, fairness, integrity and wisdom described his character. He was never greedy, but could be stubborn when needed. He was a confident public speaker and member of the Forest Lake Rotary, Chamber of Commerce and Almelund Threshing Company. Cameron loved all trucks, tractors and machinery, and was gifted at diagnosing mechanical problems. He looked forward the annual Threshing Club event each August and participated whole-heartedly by hauling lumber, donating resources for restoration and bringing helping-hands to host the event. The sights and sounds of a good threshing show weekend made his favorite days. He shared his joy of machinery and the Strand family log cabin with others, especially the grandchildren. Auctions were a favorite activity of Camerons, and he learned from the best. Following his fathers footsteps, he frequented many auction sales. It was all about the hunt, socializing, and victory rush from winning the high bid. Good deals were not to pass by! Mr. Strand loved to argue politics and was an avid reader of political biographies and non-fiction history. He travelled with his wife, Marge and others taking many road trips across the US, and several abroad. He whistled loudly to raise attention and enjoyed teasing others, especially waitresses. He could be loud and boisterous, or very quiet when he chose. Above all, Camerons character provided a beacon for us. He shared a steadfast love with close and extended family; he will be missed by many. P den andra stranden, ska vi mta dig! Survived by wife Margaret and children: Mark (Kathleen) Strand, Rebecca Strand, Donna (Richard) Prahl, and Deann Alsaker. Grandchildren include: Cameron and Sweden Strand; Jason (Nina) McDowell, Josephine (Ben) Kamm, Jane and Jessica Strand; Molly and Eric Prahl; Adrian (Mike) Wilson, Jordan, Samson, Gabriel, and Seth Alsaker. Great-grandchildren: Candace, Caleigh, Beau, Bethany and another on the way. Also surviving is sister Carol Ann (David) Johnson and cousin/brother Tom (Mary Ellen) Lindberg. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Evelyn (Johnson) Strand and grandson Jacob Alsaker. A Celebration of Camerons Life will be 7 PM Tuesday March 1st at Roberts Family Life Celebration Home, 555 SW Centennial Dr., Forest Lake, visitation 4 PM until time of service. Private family interment. All memorial gifts will be given to the local food shelf.