Obituary of Cameron Hackney

Cameron Ray Hackney, beloved husband and father, of Morgantown, died unexpectedly November 2, 2012. Cameron was born on October 24, 1951. He was preceded in death by his parents, James E. and Vivian Hackney of Blount, West Virginia. Cameron is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Debbie of Morgantown, and his beloved daughter, Lauren Hackney, of San Francisco. He is also survived by brother Richard P. Hackney of Blount and sister Jeanette Schindler Wingrove of Marietta, OH. Cameron was a devoted husband and father, a dedicated teacher and administrator, and an avid runner. Cameron received a B.S. in Animal Science from WVU in 1973 and went on to receive an M.S. in Environmental (Agricultural) Microbiology from WVU in 1975. He then moved to Raleigh and received a Ph.D in Food Science with an emphasis in Food Microbiology and Food Science from North Carolina State University in 1980. Cameron began a life dedicated to teaching in 1980 at Louisiana State University, as an assistant professor of Food Science. In 1985, Cameron left LSU as Associate Professor to direct an extension station at Virginia Tech. Cameron spent fifteen years at Virginia Tech as an associate professor, full professor and from 1995 to 2000 was Department Chair of Food Science and Technology. Of his many honors, he was most proud of receiving a Virginia State Council of Higher Educationâs Outstanding Faculty Award in 1997, the highest teaching award given by the state of Virginia.Cameron came back to Morgantown in July of 2000 as Dean of the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design and Director of the West Virginia Experiment station at WVU. When he left his deanship in June of 2011, he was the longest serving ag dean in WVUâs history. Cameron was very proud of his alma mater, especially his college and its faculty and staff. He was extremely proud of the collegeâs accomplishments in research, particularly that the college had the highest research dollars per faculty in the University. Cameron was a builder under his leadership he oversaw planning and construction of the South Ag Sciences Addition, envisioned and secured funds of over $8 million for the new greenhouse complex, and worked tirelessly to envision and plan the new building for the Agricultural Sciences. Cameron was proud of the 25% increase in student numbers under his watch, and he excelled in development. Since July 2011, Cameron had served as Special Assistant to the Provost. Throughout his career, Cameron most loved working with and taking care of people. Throughout his life, Cameron always took care of his family and friends. His family, friends, students, and colleagues will deeply miss him. Family and friends will be received at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, One Guthrie Lane, Morgantown on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 from 5 PM until 7:30 PM at which time a Scriptural Wake Service will be held to conclude the evening visitation. Additional visitation will be held in the church on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 from 10 AM until the celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM with Reverend Father Mark Ward, CP, VF as celebrant. Following the Funeral Mass, Mr. Hackneyâs wishes for cremation will be honored.At the request of the deceased and his family, the casket will remained closed during visitation hours.