Clarence Porter Cameron

Clarence P Cameron - 

“ The Owlman” age 83 passed away on Monday, June 3, 2024.  Clarence was born in Beloit, WI, on May 19, 1941. He was the son of Murphy and Thelma (Johnson) Cameron. 

Clarence attended Beloit public schools and graduated from Beloit Memorial HS in June 1959. He was one of the “fine of 59”.

After two years at the UW- Madison, Clarence began an apprenticeship as an undertaker at Fitch-Lawrence Funeral  Home in Madison. Once he had finished his apprenticeship he went to the WI Institute of Mortuary Science in Milwaukee. After graduating he returned to Madison and worked for Fitch-Lawrence funeral home. Briefly, he also worked as a physical therapy aide at UW Hospital Rehab Center. Eventually he accepted a position as a manager at a funeral home in Oregon, WI. 

By 1965, he changed careers and opened a hobby ceramic shop on Park St in Madison. He sold ceramic supplies, taught classes, and started making ceramic owls for art fairs. As a result of his ceramic owls he was dubbed "The Owlman" . He sold the shop in 1976 and worked from a studio in the basement of his home. He soon was carving his owls from soapstone and began entering his larger pieces in the International "Birds in Art" exhibition in Wausau. He exhibited at this show fourteen times with one piece purchased for the Woodson Museum’s Permanent collection. Clarence was honored by being selected to become a full member of the Society Of Animal Artists. Additionally, Clarence was renowned for his founding of the organization known as "The Wisconsin Alliance of Artists and Craftspeople" and his co-founding of the "Madison Art Fair OFF the Square." 

Clarence met his lifelong partner Robert Lockhart in 1961. He and Bob lived a life celebrating their love, Art, Architecture, and good friends for 63 years. They were legally married in 2013 in Vermont at an exhibition of The Society Of Animal Artists. 

They enjoyed classical music, travel, art fairs, and many many friends. They also attended Barak Obama’s Inauguration in January of 2009 . 

Bob passed away on February 26, 2024, at the age of 94. 

Survivors include his sister, Cynthia (Steve Espinoza) Cameron of Tucson, Az; niece, Susan (Chuck) Holstein of Bull Shoals, AR; his nephew, Larry (Renee) Curcuro of Shelbyville, MI; and many great and great-great nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by his beloved parrots, Nigel and Sierra.

In addition to his partner, Robert Lockhart, Clarence was pre-deceased by his parents and his brother, Murphy C Cameron Jr. 

Clarence’s family would like to thank Clarence’s care team/neighbors Laurel Kinosian, Tim Enright, Agrace Hospice, and Senior Helpers. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Clarence’s name for the WI Alliance Of Artists and Craftspeople at http://www.artcraftwis.org/home.html.

A Celebration Of Life is being planned for Saturday, August 3, 2024 (11AM) at The First Unitarian Society 900 University Bay Dr, Madison, WI.