Cameron Housler was the sort of young man who was hard to miss whether it was because of his unmistakable physical prowess, his endless determination, or his insatiable sense of adventure. He had a love for more “unusual” animals and an active imagination. Known as “Cam” or “Cam Cam” to some, and Cammy Jo to others, he was a ruthless opponent in whatever sport he took on, yet was also fiercely protective of his younger sisters. Why some are given a lifetime in which to impact the world around them while some are given a mere whisper in time, is a question that has no answer. Yet it is this very question that resounds in the hearts of all who knew Cameron, a young man whose hopes and dreams for the future came to an abrupt halt much too soon.
The year 1989 was an eventful year that is remembered by most Americans in one way or another. It was during this year that the ruptured tanker, Exxon Valdez, sent 11 million gallons of crude oil into Alaska's Prince William Sound, a United States jury convicted Oliver North in the Iran-Contra affair, and a San Francisco Bay area earthquake, which measured 7.1 in magnitude, killed 67 and injured over 3,000. This was quite a memorable year in the family of Daniel and Shannen (Ruden) Housler as they celebrated the birth of their son, Cameron Joseph, on October 20th in Riverview, Michigan. Cameron joined older siblings Brandon, Danielle, and Matthew in his family, and then with the births of his two younger sblings, Abigail and Mackenzie, the Housler family was complete.
In many ways, Cameron was a typical boy who was always hanging out with his older brothers and their friends and also antagonizing his sisters, although he didn’t mind hanging out with them as well. Cam was around three or four when he lost hearing in one ear as the result of a disease. It also became apparent at a young age that Cam had enormous strength that would serve him well throughout his life. He used his strength not only in his athletic endeavors, but also to serve as a protective brother to his sisters and cousins. Cameron additionally had a very active imagination as young boys so often do.
For his education, Cam attended local schools. Although academics and school responsibilities were always a bit of a struggle for him, he excelled in sports. His large stature and great strength were a good fit for several of the sports he participated in. As a wrestler in seventh grade, Cam had several opponents who refused to wrestle with him based on his physical prowess. He enjoyed wrestling and was known to take on anyone, anytime. He loved hockey and played some during his younger years, although he couldn’t skate a lick! As he got older, Cam chose to pursue football, playing nose tackle in both 10th and 11th grades. Just as in wrestling, Cam’s physical presence made him an unshakable defender on the football field. He was even nicknamed “puppy” because he looked like a pit bull. Cam graduated from Portage Central High School in 2009.
Although sports certainly kept Cameron quite busy, there were a variety of other interests he enjoyed as well. He loved reptiles and even owned a pet Boa constrictor that was passed down from Brandon’s friend to Mike’s friend before it ended up in Cam’s hands. He enjoyed watching both Animal Planet and the Military Channel on television. Cam also played video games like Rock Band where both his imagination and sense of adventure came to life. As a family, the Houslers enjoyed playing paintball for a time. After they collectively decided to make some places to hide, Cameron, in true Cameron fashion, decided that a 12 by 12 ditch that was nine feet deep was the perfect place!
With what would seem to be his whole life ahead of him, Cameron was working towards a bright future. He worked doing maintenance with his uncle, and he also worked in the restaurant industry. Cam had thoughts of attending a trade school to learn more about woodworking or perhaps of becoming a farmer. He was also recently working on a Camaro that he purchased.
In so many ways, Cameron Housler made a significant impact on the world around him during the short time he was here. He was a young man with great strength and determination that allowed him to accomplish nearly everything he put his mind to. Cam was a beloved son and brother who enjoyed spending time with his family no matter what they were doing. Even though life was not without a few challenges for Cameron, he faced each trying time head-on and never backed down from anyone - or anything. Although his family and friends now say goodbye, they will forever hold dear every precious moment they were given to share with Cameron while cherishing every memory they have of such a remarkable young man. He will be dearly missed.
Cameron Joseph Housler died on Monday, January 25, 2010, at Bronson Hospital. Cameron’s family includes his parents; 5 siblings, Brandon, Danielle, Matthew, Abbigail, and Mackenzie Housler; 6 grandparents; 20 aunts and uncles; and many cousins. Family and friends will be received Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes – Kalamazoo, MI, 6080 Stadium 375-2900 where a prayer service will be held that evening at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at St. Catherine of Siena Church at 10 a.m. where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Food and fellowship will be shared immediately following at the church. Private interment Portage South Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the Cameron Housler Memorial Fund c/o the funeral home.
