'He lived a happy life and made a real difference' - tributes to the pioneering film star Earl Cameron who loved Warwickshire and made it his home

After we reported the sad death of Earl Cameron from Kenilworth at the weekend, he have had many messages from people in the town who have fond memories of him.

Below is a tribute from his family.

Click here to read our original story on Earl's passing.

Tribute by Jane Cameron, Earl's daughter

On Friday, we lost one of life’s greats. Nobility, generosity, wisdom, a mischievous sense of humour, decency, reliability, love for humanity, dignity, respect. These are just some of the qualities that come to mind when I think of our father and they are ones that he practised every day during his 102 years on this earth. One of his finest qualities was his patience and an inherent ability to listen, to absorb and offer his point of view based on his measured wisdom.

He truly was a fine example of what a supportive father should be. A loving and disciplined man, who could never resist the opportunity to have a laugh with friends and loved ones, given half the chance. There was that twinkle in his eye that we came to know so well as kids, slightly mischievous but always expressed in a spirit of joy. Dad always had a kindly word for anyone who crossed his path. He had universal love for all.

Dad was also a wonderful story-teller: I have fond memories when we were younger of his stories on long car journeys and then continuing these on subsequent journeys, all told off the cuff, whilst acting them out in his imitable voice and keeping us enthralled and looking forward to the next instalment.

Dad experienced a great deal during his lifetime: the UK ravaged by war, (he served in the Merchant Navy during the Second World War and arrived in London in 1939); there were difficulties in obtaining employment when he first arrived in England from Bermuda and during that time, he suffered a near fatal illness in hospital.

Then began his incredible career as an actor; Dad was the first black actor to break the colour bar, and received a CBE in 2009, as well as an Honorary Degree in Drama in 2013, all serving to confirm Dad’s status as an iconic and respected British actor. In December 2012, The Earl Cameron Theatre in Hamilton, Bermuda was named in his honour.

Dad lived a long and happy life, and one in which we would like to feel he made a difference. He has said, on many occasions, that the most important event in his life was finding the Baha’i Faith in 1963 of which he was a fervent believer.

Our beloved father leaves behind six children, 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren, and for one and all, he has been a repository of memories that we will cherish time and time again.

‘Dad was so happy to leave London and had decided to live in Kenilworth. He so loved the friendliness of the residents in this beautiful town and the stunning Warwickshire countryside.

At the age of 98, Dad finally returned his licence to the DVLA, much to the relief of the Kenilworth residents!

It has certainly been a life well-lived and as we look back to remember and commemorate Dad’s superlative life, we are bidding farewell to a lively, dignified soul who truly was one in a million, a soul that brought joy and fulfilment to many, and whose legacy will live on in our hearts forever.