Hi everyone,
Unfortunately I am the bearer of sad news. Dave Cameron passed away on the evening of 24 March 2025 (New Zealand time). He was 91. Dave had battled with some health issues for the past few years and was living in an assisted living facility in Auckland.
A fan of boxing & wrestling since childhood, Dave competed in both activities as an amateur. He also picked up in interest in writing (and later added photography to that) and his earliest published articles appeared in The Ring boxing magazine & MAT wrestling magazine in the early 1950's. Dave moved to the UK in 1958 hoping to get into professional wrestling due to the wider range of weight classes, but he was still undersized and only had a handful of bouts for Dale Martin promotions. However, he found other roles in photography, journalism and publicity. He also met his wife Shirley, in London. Moving back to NZ around 1964, Dave & Shirley then alternated between NZ & the UK for the next few years, settling for good in New Zealand in 1971. Dave remained in contact with many wrestlers from the UK for the rest of their lives, whether they stayed in the UK or moved somewhere else. Dave had many great memories of his time in the UK and a huge collection of memorabilia, which he loved to share with people. sincerely,
Steve Ogilvie.
Such sad news. Dave's contributions were always interesting and informative and over the years have been seen in numerous publications. RIP
RIP The Legend.
Thanks for all the kind words everyone. Dave had so many great memories of his time in the UK, the wrestling scene there, and the many wrestlers he befriended.
Sad news, but 91 is a great age, we should remember that.
Dave was very generous giving Steve the access to his huge collection, which Steve has kindly shared with us.
RIP Dave Cameron.
Very sad news as Dave has contributed so much to wrestling history. We have added a permanent tribute page.
Dave Cameron
This is a great shame, and many condolences to Dave's family. Sounds like a life very well lived.
I remember when I used to receive my copy of The Wrestler every month, Dave Cameron was a name that frequently featured and I read his contributions with interest.
It has been great in recent years that The Ost has kept us aware of Dave and shared many fascinating parts of the collection. This is what Wrestling Heritage was designed for.
Really Sad to hear This News Steve!-I Know Dave was a Long-Standing Good
Friend of yours!-Although 91 is a Great Age to Achieve-The Loss of Anyone so
heavily involved in Our Beloved Sport of Wrestling is Tragic really!
One by One We are Losing People Now-and Dave's Huge Knowledge and Vast
Experience about The Wrestling Business was Second to None!
His Contribution was Immense!
MM
Sad news. Read about him on Wrestling Heritage. Sounds like a good man.
Very Sad news Steve , Dave made a huge contribution. Thanks for sharing the news.
RIP Dave