Kenneth Alan Campbell

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Dear Friend, Husband, Dad, Uncle: Ken Campbell. Ken passed peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of February 13, 2023. He was 82 years old.

I’m going to switch modes and speak from the heart as Ken wasn’t just my Dad, he was my best friend. So, ‘Dad’ was born in Vancouver on October 25, 1940 to Eva and Peter with a gap of 10 years to his nearest sibling. Dot, Glo, Lyla, and Ray adored their baby brother and completed his family growing up in East Vancouver. Dad developed his work ethic as a young boy, delivering meat for a butcher on the slopes of East Van on a single speed bike with no gears. This hard work also began to develop his legs and stamina which would come to play huge roles in his sporting success. He was fiercely competitive and played to win! He loved the competition 'nearly' as much as he loved being part of a team. He also loved his cars and motorbikes; one of his favourites was a black Harley Sportster.

Aside from his physical strength, Dad was a naturally gifted athlete and played football with the Renfrew Trojans and Vancouver Meralomas. GO 54!! I will remember always his seemingly endless row of trophies for ‘Best Lineman’. He even tried out for the Lions. Genetics only, failed him here. His talent and huge heart could not make up for the size needed to play professional football so his 5’11 190 pound frame retired him from the game he loved. When football ended rugby began and surprise to all wound up being his true sporting love (until later years when it became golf ;). And there was fastball. He played catcher (quarterback) and his BC Select Team won Gold at the Canadian Summer Games in Halifax in 1969! His medal was proudly displayed alongside his trophies.

Backing up a bit, he married the love of his life, Nena, on August 6, 1966 and they honeymooned in Reno. In June of 1967 they had me, Rick, and in November 1969 my baby sister Darlene came to bless us.

Dad was razor sharp smart and his work ethic matched his mind so not surprisingly he achieved the highest level in his field of Insurance. He spent the majority of his career as International Risk Manager for Canadian Forest Products.

Dad was the most supportive and generous person I know. His love for his family was unconditional and huge. He was passionate. You could see his spirit in his clear blue eyes. His wit was cheeky and quick. He was sensitive and emotional - and a stubborn hardass. He was ALWAYS there for all of us. ALWAYS. Dad was very involved in our lives growing up. He coached baseball and managed hockey. But perhaps the greatest gift he gave to us as children was the love of the outdoors and the passion for fishing. My happy place until the day I am gone is and will always be on the lake. My sister took fishing and camping to another level and we might have to label her as obsessed.

Fast forwarding to March 2016 we lost our dear Darlene. Her sudden passing disrupted the natural ‘way-of-things’. Parents are not supposed to lose children and it cut deep. The peace we find in Dad’s passing is that he is no longer in pain. And we know that Darlene, his sisters and brother, parents and dearest friends were waiting to welcome him with light and love. That he is with Darlene again nearly offsets the broken hearts Mom and I feel being left behind. One day - I wish nothing more than to be with you again.

Since we get the last word here Dad, “We love you more.”