Cameron Menary will now be “forever 22”, according to his family and friends, as they mourn the loss of the kind-hearted young man known for his “mischievous smile” and “sarcastic humour”.
Speaking on behalf of the Menary family, his sister, Natasha Lester, said: “His sarcastic sense of humour would have us laughing, always. And that mischievous smile was always beaming.”
Cameron, known as ‘Cammy’ to friends and family, died suddenly at home on August 15.
His family said that Cameron was at his happiest with a can of Coke, a bar of Milky Way chocolate and Walker's crisps, and his family ensured that when he was laid to rest in the graveyard of Aghadrumsee Church, he had these things with him.
Other items close to his heart were buried alongside him, including a model Nissan R34 Skyline car, his mobile phone, pictures drawn by his nieces, and a baby grow for his nephew, who will be born in a few weeks’ time.
Cameron, who was born on September 21, 2001, received his early education at Maguiresbridge Primary School and Fivemiletown High School.
Family was important to the young man, who was the middle child of seven siblings: Natasha, Kyle, Jordan, Scott, Jamie and Nikita.
Continuing the tribute to Cameron, Mrs. Lester said: “During his school years he had a great love for football.
“Cameron played for Lisnaskea Rovers and then Fivemiletown United. He also supported Liverpool Football Club – some of his brothers would disagree with that choice.”
Cameron had a great love of cars and that was reflected at his funeral when friends paid tribute to him with a ‘burn-out’ as they revved their cars in tribute to the young man.
Mrs. Lester noted that Cameron had a particular love of Mark One Escorts, Mark Two Escorts, R34 Skylines and “anything to do with drifting”, as well as enjoying watching Formula One racing.
His love of cars was reflected in his desire to look after them and, indeed, also of his caring nature, his sister said.
“Every Friday without fail, he would bring his dad's car up the back street and give it a good clean. He really did not like a messy car.”
Cameron was a keen musician and played in Feaugh Pipe Band, playing the tenor drum, and enjoyed attending band parades with family and friends.
His family noted: “Cameron was a great handyman around the house. He could turn his hand to anything. If he wasn't sure how to do something, he would take to Google and soon find out.”
His family was his ultimate love, and that was reflected by his adoration of his two nieces, and his excitement about the arrival of new babies to the family in the coming weeks.
Mrs. Lester said: “Cameron absolutely adored his two nieces, Brooke and Zara. He would do anything for them.
“To be honest, I think they had him wrapped around their little finger, his two girls.
“Cameron was also looking forward to the arrival of his nephew (Natasha and Christopher) , and another wee baby (Jordan and Jodie).”
The Menary family have expressed their thanks and gratitude for all of those who provided love, support and comfort at this difficult time.
Cameron Menary’s funeral took place at St. Mark's Parish Church, Aghadrumsee, followed by interment in the adjoining churchyard where he was laid to rest alongside his late grandfather, David McCartney.
He is survived by his parents, Trudy and Tom; siblings Natasha (Christopher), Kyle (Micaela), Jordan (Jodie), Scott, Jamie and Nikita; his nieces, Brooke and Zara; two unborn babies, known to him as ‘Squirt’ and ‘Blossom’; and his grandmother, Minnie McCartney.
Funeral arrangements were carried out by Ronnie Moffatt.
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