Harry Dale Cameron , a.k.a. "Squirrel," passed away peacefully on August 25, shortly after being admitted to hospice care at the Veterans Administration Hospital following a brief battle with cancer. Known as Dale, he celebrated his 75th birthday in May.
Dale acquired the nickname Squirrel while tending bar at Jackson's Restaurant and Cabaret on upper Powell Street in the early 1970s. It's not clear if he was best known for serving or sampling pink squirrel martinis, which were popular at the time. The name carried over to Squirrel's Liquors, located at 549 Castro, which Dale owned and operated with his life partner Tom Ogg. They were the toast of the Castro in the 1970s and 1980s. Tom died December 23, 2008.
After closing the store Dale began a new career at Schlage Lock and was their factory production manager for many years. Born and raised in Colorado, he was particularly proud of his service in the U.S. Navy during the first Formosa Crisis in 1955. He served on a ship that sat in the straits between Taiwan and mainland China blocking military escalation. He recently received commemorative medals from the Republic of China honoring that hazardous duty.
Bright and creative, Dale studied Spanish at City College in his 50s and became quite fluent. He was an accomplished artist, mastering Oriental bamboo painting. And he had fun as an actor at the Eureka Valley Playhouse.
Dale is survived by his brother Larry in Colorado, sister Paula in Idaho, nephew Charles in Wyoming, and many good friends in San Francisco and beyond. Per his wishes, his body has been donated to the University of California medical school for uses in the advancement of health care. No services are planned.