WILLIAM (BILL) ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL

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WILLIAM (BILL) ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL William (Bill) Archibald Campbell passed away peacefully at the Grace Hospital on January 15, 2018. Dad was predeceased by his parents William Campbell and Alice (nee Simmons); beloved sisters Arlie, Eileen, Alice, Helen, and Dorothy (Dot); son Donald (Donny); second wife Barbara (McIsaac), and stepdaughter-in-law Tilly Simpkin. He leaves his first wife Doreen Pound, daughters Lynn Campbell and partner Carl Harrison, Susan Campbell and husband Cameron McBeth and Cori Campbell and partner Marc Bussiere; stepdaughters Jane and husband Dr. Murray Kesselman, Leah McIsaac and partner Laura; stepsons Patrick and Michael McIsaac; grandchildren Lisa, Devon, Elexis and Dalia (Daryl); stepgrandchildren Sarah, Stephen, Rachel, Daniel, Michael and Matthew; great-grandchildren Karmyn, Nicholas and Brynn; cherished companion Margot Glass; as well as many relatives and dear friends. Dad was born in Regina, SK on November 6, 1930, and moved to Winnipeg as a young child where he attended school, raised his family in Crescentwood, and owned and operated multiple successful businesses. As a teenager he played hockey and baseball at the community club level, plus football at Kelvin High School where he met his wife, Doreen. During their marriage he worked alongside his in-laws (Frank and Violet Pound) at Pounds Florist on Mulvey Avenue which they later owned, relocated to Grant Park Shopping Centre, and expanded to two other locations - one at Rivereast Mall and one in Brandon, MB. He also co-owned Campbell's Garden Supplies Ltd. on Waverley Avenue where "Billy-Q" and "Susie-Q" potting soils were packaged and distributed to numerous retail stores in several provinces across the country. All of which contributed to Dad being appointed Director of Flowers Canada and given the Bert Hardy Memorial Award for his outstanding contribution to the florist industry in Canada. A lot of Dad's leisure time as a parent was spent volunteering at Crescentwood Community Club, during which time he was appointed President for one term, and cited by the City of Winnipeg for his exemplary community service. He also loved vacationing with his family at cottages at Betula Lake in the Whiteshell, and Ena Lake, ON where he developed treasured friendships that lasted his lifetime. Soon after retiring, at age 57, Dad immersed himself in various "cultural" activities including the painting class where he met his future wife Barbara. Together they enjoyed the "snowbird" lifestyle for many years summering at Sioux Narrows, ON and wintering in Fort Myers, FL. Following Barb's death, Dad continued this way-of-life but switched his winter locale to Estero, FL which he always referred to as "Paradise" - swimming, cycling, boating, pursuing his interest in painting and carving, sharing his knowledge of bridge, gardening, and crib with others, and participating in numerous group events. Later in life Dad settled at Portsmouth Retirement Residence in Winnipeg to be close to family where he happily lived the last few years of his life. Here he participated in things such as the choir group where he could sing to his heart's desire, and on good days, venture out to meet with friends and listen to talks he always found interesting at The Outlook Club. Thank you, Dad, for being there when we needed guidance or support, teaching us your incredible work ethic, sharing your boundless skills, and for loving us so deeply. A love you conveyed to us through your beautiful blue eyes right up until the moment your spirit left your body to soar with those who had passed before. We feel your essence and promise to honour it forever. In accordance with Dad's wishes a funeral service will not be held. Condolences may be posted to: www.bardal.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 20, 2018