Chicago, IL — Cam Findlay, a deeply loved brother, friend, and respected member of the Chicago community, has passed away tragically following years of health challenges stemming from a long battle with the aftereffects of cancer treatment he received as a young man.
He died on the morning of July 11, 2025, at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago, after making the courageous decision to end his care. He was surrounded by love and peace in his final moments.
Born and raised in Elkhart, Indiana, Cam faced adversity early in life. In 1978, he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. At a time when cancer treatment was still evolving, Cam underwent aggressive radiation therapy that successfully saved his life but left him with significant long-term health complications.
Despite these ongoing challenges, he refused to let illness define him. Cam approached life with strength, optimism, and a generosity of spirit that inspired all who knew him.
Over the decades, Cam endured the physical consequences of his earlier treatments, including extensive radiation scarring that eventually led to severe heart damage. In recent months, his condition worsened, and a heart transplant was considered.
However, due to his complex health situation, the transplant was not a viable option. Cam spent the last two weeks of his life at Northwestern Hospital, where he was cared for with compassion and dignity.
Early on the morning of July 11, Cam made the deeply personal decision to discontinue further medical intervention. He passed away peacefully about an hour later.
His brother, David Findlay, shared the heartbreaking news with friends and loved ones, writing, “Cam will definitely be missed. My brother Cam passed away this morning. You might recall that he had Non Hodgkins Lymphoma in 1978 and his treatment included heavy doses of radiation. The radiation’s impact has created many challenges over the years, and most recently heart damage from extensive scarring put him on the path to a heart transplant. But the transplant option was not viable given his condition. He’s been in Northwestern Hospital for two weeks and made the decision early this morning to end his care. He died an hour later. He had a terrific life and was a great guy.”
Those who knew Cam remember him as someone who never complained, even in the face of incredible difficulty. He lived with grace, humor, and kindness, remaining actively engaged in the lives of his friends and family.
He had a sharp mind, a generous heart, and a quiet resilience that earned him deep respect from everyone fortunate enough to know him. Cam built his life in Chicago, where he became a familiar and friendly face to many.
Though he carried the weight of his health issues, he lived fully — valuing deep conversations, meaningful relationships, and small joys. He made an impression on people with his authenticity and warmth, and he left a mark far beyond what any illness could ever erase.
Cam Findlay’s passing is not just the loss of a life, but the loss of a spirit who showed others how to live with courage, humility, and love. His story is one of endurance, grace, and quiet heroism. He will be remembered not for the battles he fought, but for the life he lived and the people he touched along the way.
He is survived by his brother, David, and many friends and loved ones who will carry his memory forward. Details regarding memorial services will be shared by the family at a later date.
