Brian Campbell
June 25, 1944 – September 22, 2024
Surrounded by love with his family by his side, Brian Campbell, passed away on September 22, 2024 at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital at the age of 80 years.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years Bonnie, children Shannon (Jim), Brian Jr. (Stephanie), grandchildren, Jade & (Zach), Aria and Emery, brother Allan & Audrey, brothers-in-law Bobby, Ricky (Georgie), sister-in-law Sharon. Predeceased by parents, Emily & Pirie, brother Kenneth, sister Karen, mother-in-law Ollie, father-in-law Norm, and brother-in-law Ray.
Brian lived his early life in Kenora in Lakeside where he had many friends and played hockey as captain of the team. All of Lakeside knew the Campbell brothers.
As a young couple Brian and Bonnie moved to Winnipeg. Where Brian became a realtor and eventually a director for the Winnipeg Real Estate Board. Brian and Bonnie ultimately returned to live in Kenora to be with family and enjoy all that this area has to offer.
Brian continued his real estate career in Kenora and raised his family; living next door to his sister Karen for most of his life on Rabbit Lake. Karen and Brian were so close they raised their four children: Shannon, Brian Jr., Paula and David, together like brothers and sisters. Making many memories together at the “beach”, in the “deck” or out on snowmachines. Brian enjoyed watching his son Brian Jr. play hockey and soccer; often he was the coach on the team, getting to know all the boys so well. He passed on his passion for homes and renovation to his daughter Shannon who became a city planner.
Brian was elated with the arrival of his first granddaughter Jade who brought out the kid in him as they often coloured together and did crafts. Poppa, as he became known, would often compete in the colouring contests for candy. He was a good sport walking miles on the many Disney trips and always had treats to share. Poppa and Grandma were always there for every holiday, including Halloween, never missing a chance to be together and have fun.
Retiring at the age of 70, Brian and Bonnie started to travel. They spent their time during the winter months in Lake Havasu, AZ. Where Brian could often be heard expounding at the pool on any given topic to the many friends they made there.
More recently Brian and Bonnie moved to Island View Condos, next door to their son. Carrying on the tradition of living close to see their granddaughters Aria and Em every day. Seeing the girls so much was a highlight for him and the colouring contests could once again resume along with the pockets of Mike and Ike treats.
Boating was always a love of Brian’s. Cruising the lake in his Doral was a highlight of the summer. Just a few short weeks ago, Brian could be seen holding court on his pontoon boat that had lots of seats for all the friends at the Condo who would stop by to chat.
It was at Rabbit Lake that Brian had his beloved dog Cody who he considered his best friend. They spent all of their time together and in the end, he carried Cody when he could not walk well. Brian had grand dogs that he cared for as his own too. But his grand-dog Chopper came every day and was a faithful companion keeping him company. He kept special treats in his chair for Chopper and the two would spend their days together. In our house Brian always made sure the dogs were fed first.
Brian always loved to have a good chat and seemed to light up any room he came into with a story or a joke or a keen observation. So many people have mentioned how kind he was and happy to lend a hand or help someone out.
The Family would like to thank Dr. Jean-Marc Rizk and Dr. Mohammad Ibrahim for their kind and wonderful care of Brian over the last five years. The Family would also like to thank Tina, Stephanie, Haley, Dava, Teffee and everyone at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Chemotherapy Department. If you wish to make a donation, in honour of Brian, please donate to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital.
A graveside internment service was held for the family on September 27, 2024. A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be announced.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
Love leaves a memory no one can steal.