Obituary of David Campbell
It is with profound sadness that we share with you the passing of the lovable man in our life.
Suddenly at Kingston Health Sciences Centre on Monday, March 20, 2023 after 7 weeks of finding the liver mass. David Gerald Campbell, his sweetheart of 46 years to Lil (his words) dedicated Dad to Carly and proud Poppa to his darling Rylee.
Predeceased by his Dad, Jerry, and his Mom Donna McCleverty (Nels).
Dear step-son of Dorothy in Pembroke and her family.
Dave was so easy going, always willing to offer a hand with anything. His charm, wit and patience (especially golfing with Lil) made him a pleasure to be around.
Because of these qualities, he was a member of so many different families.
First his Livingstone clan in London - his Aunt Donna and 25 cousins and their families.
His Campbell family; Darlene, Greg and Dorothy, Jim, Melanie and Barbara (John) and numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
His Jeffrey family who also loved him dearly. Betty, Bev and Jim, Elaine and Marty and his numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Games were always amended to Dave's rules. A good BandB to him was a barbecue and bonfire and of course other "B" words. His stories were legendary or so out there. He always wanted to be the last at the fire with anyone willing and able.
Dave moved to the military base in Kingston when he was 14 and it was an easy place to start so many lifelong friendships . He then started at LaSalle Secondary School when it opened and joined the Black Knights family. The basketball team, soccer team (coaching later) and football team brought more friends into his life. The football team continues to have their get togethers, the latest just around Christmas. Paul Twiddy kept his boys united to this day.
Then onto St Lawrence College with many of the LaSalle basketball team (his brother Greg included). He finished with a business admin diploma but instead decided to join Corrections Canada where he became a part of that work family. Soon he became a Recreation Officer at Pittsburgh Institution for 30 years. He still saw so many of those friends on a regular basis and attended most of their retirement functions.
Then he had our neighbour friends and family, always willing to offer a helping hand with anything or anyone. Always time for a visit or chat with some funny comment. Our heartfelt gratitude to them all for their love and comfort since the beginning of December when he was overwhelmed with exhaustion. Your help with snow removal when he couldn't. Your constant supply of food and treats, but most of all your genuine friendship, calls and emails kept us going. Your offers of heated ubers to the clinic were most appreciative.
His Army, Navy, Air Force (A.N.A.F.) club where he spent a good part of his time, were such a fun group for him. He loved the pool league, the horseshoe league, the golf tournaments and volunteering at any function he could. Most of all the friendships were the most special to him.
Last but not least his golf buddies, the lifelong friendship from the base some as long as 57 years. They had many golf trips to PEI organized by Dave Noble who made sure they were stocked to the rafters on those memorable trips. About 5 years ago, they decided to just go to the Collingwood area to avoid that long drive but continued with the week get away.
Dave was able to have bragging rights to getting 5 holes in one. Three at the Colonnade, one on their golf trip in Dundarave (designed by another Black Knight friend) and one at the Hide Away in Ft. Myers.
Despite life's challenges, Dave and I were able to forge on and do what we could, when we could. So many incredible trips, cruises, cottages and anything else we could squeeze in. An incredible trip to France and Newfoundland and countless, fun filled trips to Ft. Myers. We were so lucky to go to Whistler in September for Jamie and Alison's beautiful wedding with the most incredible weather.
Our sincerest gratitude to Dr. G. Scott, Nurse Practitioner Dale and his caring team. Dr. N. Veltri from Calgary, Dr. D. Pichora, Dr. J. Biagi at the Cancer Clinic and all of the dedicated staff there. The Emergency staff, the paramedics -Bob and Paul, with such professionalism and dedication, you all are amazing. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. M. Wernham for your quick return call and comforting words and to Emily McMillan, Connell 9 Manager for your guidance.
Our lives will never be the same. Dave you wrote a good story but we hated your ending.
You will be greeted by so many family members and friends. I hope you are already playing cards with Art, John and Bob and golfing with Jamie.
Hug your loved ones a little tighter. Love you forever.
Cremation has been entrusted to James Reid Funeral Home. There will be a Celebration of Dave’s life on Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm at ANAF, 317 Gore Road. Please join the family for a drink to toast Dave’s memory. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation dear to your heart. Ours are UHKF - Cancer Centre, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Alzheimer’s Society of Canada or Partners in Mission Food Bank. If you would like to bring food donations for the Food Bank, the family will be collecting during the Celebration of Life.
