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DR. VERN FRANCIS CAMPBELL
Born: Jul 06, 1957
Date of Passing: Mar 15, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDR. VERN FRANCIS CAMPBELL
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Vern Francis Campbell, beloved father, brother, mentor, teacher, colleague, and friend, who passed peacefully on March 15, 2026, at Victoria Hospital after a brief and courageous battle with thymus cancer, surrounded by the love of his family.
Vern is lovingly remembered by his children, Emily (Nick) and Aidan (Yiyi), and their mother Patricia; his siblings Richard (Renee), Heather (Gary), Noreen, and Murray (Linda); many nieces and nephews; his lifelong best friend Wes (Tracy); and countless friends, colleagues, and students fortunate to know him. He was predeceased by his parents, Ivan and Doris Campbell.
Born in Teulon, Manitoba, Vern grew up the second oldest of five children on a family farm, which he frequently returned to reminisce. He graduated from Teulon Collegiate having excelled both academically and athletically, playing hockey, golf, and baseball. As a Teulon Tiger through and through, he was a force to be reckoned with on the ice, and his love of sports never left him. He was an avid Boston Bruins and New England Patriots fan, and it was rare to ever see him miss a match of curling or golf on TV. He was a devoted golfer, spending many days and evening at Teulon Golf & Country Club and Niakwa Country Club, where no round was complete without a patio beer and friends.
Vern’s eagerness to learn and grow was among his most impressive qualities. After earning his Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Sask Polytech, he completed a BSc in Mechanical Engineering at the U of Manitoba, and an MBA at the U of Western Ontario. In 2025, Vern graduated with a Doctorate in Business Administration from the Montpellier Business School in France, where Emily and Aidan watched him cross the stage as Dr. Campbell - a memory they will cherish forever.
His career spanned Manitoba Hydro, Northern Blower, consulting work, and academia. He established his own consulting practice and served as a professor at the University of Manitoba, teaching in the Engineering and MBA programs, where his mentorship helped countless students and professionals achieve their goals. His career and own curiosity took him across many countries, from Japan to Scotland to Guyana, with plans to work in Kenya cut short by his battle with cancer.
Above all, Vern's greatest pride was his children, Emily and Aidan, and his love for them was felt by everyone he met. His goal was to teach them as much as he could while making sure they had fun along the way. He will be remembered for his fierce love for those close to him, his intelligence, kindness, leadership, and his contagious smile and laugh. We are all truly grateful for having him in our lives.
A celebration of life will take place on June 3 at 2:00 p.m. at Niakwa Country Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to
the Dr. Vern Campbell Memorial Scholarship, honouring his legacy of generosity, mentorship, and lifelong commitment to learning, and supporting the next generation of engineers and leaders he inspired.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 25, 2026
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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Emily and Aidan, I had the privilege of working with your Dad at Manitoba Hydro and Manitoba Hydro International, both in Canada and Guyana. I was one of the many individuals he trained in Process Improvement. He was one of the smartest humans I have known. I was thrilled to visit with him last year after he received his PhD and enjoyed addressing him as Dr. You already know what a great person your Dad was - but if I had to describe him with one word it would be integrity. I was saddened to see his obituary in the paper today. He will be missed. - Posted by: Shawna Pachal (Friend and Co-worker) on: Apr 25, 2026
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I met Vern through our shared association with St. John’s -Ravenscourt School. His connection to SJR spanned the roles of Consultant, Board Member and Proud Parent. I appreciated his intelligence and systems approach, and always enjoyed chances to catch up over the years. Please accept my deepest condolences on his loss. - Posted by: Jillian Lamothe (SJR Associate) on: Apr 25, 2026
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Many of us were lucky enough to work with and learn from Vern while at Hydro. He truly was a quality human being. Deepest sympathy to his family and many friends. - Posted by: Jackie Shale (Coworker) on: Apr 25, 2026
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When I think of friends outside of my immediate family that have had a significant impact on my life, a number I can count on one hand come to mind, and Vern is in that number. He became my direct supervisor in 2000, we became friends in the eleven years we worked together, we remained friends in the years that followed, and I continue to hear him offering sage advice and challenging my latest kooky idea. Bless you, Vern. - Posted by: Jim Carey (friend) on: Apr 25, 2026