Born Aug. 27, 1928
It is with great sorrow we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our Dad, husband and grandfather. Don passed away peacefully in the loving presence of his family at Peace Arch Hospital, White Rock, B.C. on May 21, 2003 at the age of 74.
Don was born on August 27, 1928 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was the fourth of nine children born to Harriet (new Clegg) and Hector Campbell. In 1931 he moved with his family from Winnipeg to the Fairview area. It was there he attended school and grew up on his parents farm. In his late teens Don moved to the Lower Mainland for a period of time to work on bridges and construction. He later returned to the Fairview area where in 1951 he met and married Jocye Cameron. They settled on a section of land near Fairview with a small cabin on it and the first four of their children were bone there.
In 1955 Don traveled to Burns lake for a few months work. Enjoying the work Don decided to stay a little longer. Then on a cold winter day between Christmas and New Years he moved Joyce and their four children to Burns Lake. Their first home was a small cabin they rented on Gerow Island. The months turned into years and the temporary move became permanent.
For the first few years Don worked in the bush falling trees. Then wanting to be closer to home he took a job apprenticing with a local carpenter. As the family increased Don built the family a larger home on Gerow Island. For most of Don’s life he was a contractor and the owner of Burns Lake Construction and Millwork Rental Business. In the early years of the Tom Forsyth arena Don worked winters care taking and ice making in the arena. During these years he was very involved in minor hockey and coached for many years.
For years Don was very involved in the Search and Rescue. He was also an active member of the Tweedsmuir Rod and Gun Club where he spent over thirty enjoyable years target practicing and helping the club get ready for Shoots. Don was a man of honesty and integrity, he had a great sense of humor and generosity that always put others happiness and well being before his own.
Some of the best years of his life were spent on the acreage he bought east of town. There his children enjoyed snowmobiling, horseback riding, skating, swimming and fishing. In later years holidays were especially enjoyable for Don when the children and grandchildren came over to play ball, practice golf, or target practice. Don also immensely enjoyed watching and photographing wild life that passed through his yard and was very knowledgeable on bird species.
Don is predeceased by his parents and his sister Shirley Clark. Don is survived by Joyce, his loving wife of fifty-one years, and his children Caren (Tom) Neville, Diana (Dave) Brown, Donald, Russell (Lucy), Joy (George) Gerow, Blaine (Leona), Rhonda (Gary) Goertzen, and Cameron. Don also left behind grandchildren, Jeff, Mark and James Neville, Charmynn (Jeff) Viani, Amber (Jimmy) Higginson, Keith and Clayton Campbell, Sheryl (Kenton) Friesen, David and Cristy Brown, Gale, Russel, Tracy, Sally, Chuck, and Jenny Campbell, Pam (Jay) Higginson, Heather (Ron) Waters, Jordan and Candice Campbell, Terri (Kelvin) Shields, Mandy and Quinton Geortzen, as well as five great grandchildren. Don is also survived by his sisters and brothers, Marion, Hector, Ken, Doreen, May, Alice and Vivian.
We give thanks to God for blessing us with such a wonderful father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by family and friends. We would like to thank those who shared in his life and made donations in his memory. Also a special thank you for those who gave generously of their time and support during our bereavement.
A memorial service was held at the Penticostal Church, Thursday, May 29, officiated by Rev. Dave Hauser. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Tweedsmuir Rod and Gun Club at the Royal Bank.