Cameron Morrissette, a popular 2011 Bonny Eagle High School graduate who had a passion for music and life, died Saturday from injuries suffered in a car accident. He was 21.

Mr. Morrissette worked as a cook at numerous restaurants in southern Maine, including Maine Street Grill in Standish, Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que in Scarborough, and The Maine Table in South Portland.

He was remembered this week as a positive, cheerful and generous guy who made a difference in many lives. In one of his greatest acts of kindness, he was an organ donor. So far, his organs have saved four lives, said his father, Daniel Morrissette of South Portland.

“The doctor told me that Cam had one of the biggest hearts he had ever seen,” his father said. “We have known this all along.”

He also was the son of Lisa Morrissette of Standish. In addition, he leaves a sister, Sydney Morrissette, 12, of Standish; and two half sisters, Nicole Sardone of South Portland and Cori Morrissette of Lincoln, N.H.

Mr. Morrissette, who lived in Standish, had been a standout in the Bonny Eagle music program. In many ways, music was his life. He could play almost any instrument, including the trumpet, guitar, bass guitar and drums. His father said he was known to skip homeroom and lunch to practice in the music room.

Allen Thomas, a music teacher at Bonny Eagle, said Mr. Morrissette was a gifted musician.

“Cam was an easygoing person. He loved music,” Thomas said. “He was a good leader in class. If someone wasn’t getting something, he would take them aside and help. … What a tragedy.”

News of Mr. Morrissette’s death has shaken the tight-knit community, where he had many friends and relatives.

Mr. Morrissette was part of the school’s jazz band, concert band and select chorus. He also took elective courses like jazz improvisation.

“He was a standout musician,” said Jake Sturtevant, instrumental music teacher at Bonny Eagle. “He was one of the best players I have ever had. Pretty much every piece I gave him, he went above and beyond learning it and played it very well. “

After graduating from Bonny Eagle, Mr. Morrissette attended the University of Southern Maine to study music. He left school after his first year. His father said he was two credits shy of achieving a minor in music. Mr. Morrissette’s struggle was the other classes, his father said.

“If it involved music, it was easy for him. If it was anything else, it was pish-posh,” he said.

For the past three years, Mr. Morrissette worked at Maine Street Grill in Standish as a kitchen leader.

“He was a great kid … an amazing kid,” said Nate Tillman, the general manager. “He always came in with a smile on his face, whistling and happy. He was always there for people. Outside work, he was a friend to everyone. To me, he was like a little brother.”

Mr. Morrissette had many close friendships. Friends say he was loyal, energetic and fun to be around. He enjoyed playing disc golf and hiking.

Jim Levesque, a close friend, sobbed Tuesday recalling the years they rode the bus together in high school. At the time, they lived one mile from each other.

“He was my best friend,” Levesque said. “There wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t see or hear from him. I knew where he was and what he was doing every day. … I feel lost. I feel like a part of my life is missing.”

On May 30, the night of the accident, Mr. Morrissette was hanging out with Levesque and other friends in Buxton. He left the gathering to go home, as he had to work Saturday morning. The accident occurred around 10:45 p.m. when Mr. Morrissette was traveling west on Shaws Mill Road toward Standish. News reports of the accident said he appeared to have lost control of his 2003 Subaru Forester and drove off the road, crashing his car into trees. Mr. Morrissette suffered head trauma and was transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland. He died just hours later.

Mr. Morrissette’s father believes his son may have fallen asleep while driving. He said his son was a good kid and will be missed by many.

“I can’t say enough about the immediate warmth he brought into a room,” he said. “Without speaking, his smile and presence was enough.”

Mr. Morrissette’s services are being handled by Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral Home. Funeral arrangements have not been finalized.

Melanie Creamer can be contacted at 791-6361 or at:

mcreamer@pressherald.com