Kenneth CAMPBELL

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CAMPBELL: Kenneth Carlton Campbell – July 26, 1929 – January 11, 2009. Ken Campbell, formerly of Cypress River, Manitoba passed away peacefully at the Glenboro Care Home on Sunday, January 11, 2009 at the age of 79 years. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Joyce Campbell, children Gordon (Pauline) Campbell of Regina, Sk., David (Sharon) Campbell of Cypress River, Debbie (Ken) Daymond of Cypress River, Tom (Gail) Campbell of Wawanesa and Ellen (Marcel) Lussier of Belmont, fourteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Ken spent his youth in Cypress River before heading east to Ontario, then west to Vancouver, to look for work before finally settling in Winnipeg and becoming a plumber working for Cotter Brothers until 1956. Ken, along with brother-in -law Ivan, went into partnership operating Bonner and Campbell Plumbing and Heating until 1966. While working in Winnipeg, the opportunity came to purchase the family farm at Cypress River and after consideration Ken decided that was something he wished to do. Although it would be many years before Ken and his family settled on the old homestead; there were many weekend trips and holidays to Cypress to ensure the farm was in good stead. In 1963, Ken and his family moved to Treherne, Manitoba where he operated Treherne Plumbing and Heating until July 1, 1967, when they moved to the farm at Cypress River. Farming was a passion for Ken, often working from sun up to well after sun down to ensure all was done before starting it all over again the next day. He was a man that appreciated nature and all the animals on the farm. In the spring time Ken could be seen walking down the lane at the farm to check for the first sign of crocus and a trip back every day thereafter until they finished blooming. He could be seen walking out in the pasture to the herd of cows, call them by name, have them come up to him for a scratch on the back and a friendly query as to how they were today. Although Ken was not crazy about having pets in the house you could be assured that when it was time to do chores the thirteen or so barn cats followed him to their bowls to receive pet food from a forty-five gallon drum and purchased milk replacer. He always had many dogs on the farm over the years but probably one of his favourites was his last dog; Suzie, a bichon, who with he enjoyed many hours. Ken, while generally a quiet person, could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. If you went somewhere with Ken and you lost track of him all you needed to do was look for the nearest bench or coffee bar; and there he would be talking to someone and making a new friend. Ken was a truly a family man! He participated in many activities with his children and grandchildren. For his children he was a Cub and Scout Leader, a hockey and baseball coach, a driver to events and a front line cheer leader for all the other activities and that continued for the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. If not directly participating with their grandchildren; Ken and Joyce would often be seen attending music recitals, school concerts, graduations and award ceremonies. Ken loved to dance and sing; which included family dances at Cypress River. Ken and Joyce travelled many miles to attend dances, concerts and fiddling contests. He loved the local talent. He was a man of community; believing that everyone should do their part and over the years he was a member of the Kinsmen, Lions, Cypress River Centennial Committee, Cypress Senior Centre and supported many more when requested. No matter how you remember Ken when he parted ways with you; he always had a smile on his face, a wave of his hand and a cheery “Don’t take any wooden nickels; We will see you next time; and Keep on Smiling!” Funeral Services were held on Friday, January 16, 2009 at the Cypress River United Church, Phyllis Mulligan officiating. Interment followed in the Glencoe Cemetery. Pallbearers were Ken’s grandsons Trent Campbell, Justin Daymond, Jason Lussier, Craig Campbell, Nyles Desrosiers and Chad Campbell. Memorial donations may be made in Ken’s memory to the Cypress River Senior Centre, c/o Jeanette Freeman, or to the Cypress River Centennial Scholarship Fund, c/o Sunrise Credit Union, Cypress River, Manitoba, R0K 0P0. Jamieson’s Funeral Services of Glenboro were entrusted with the arrangements.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 17, 2009