James CAMPBELL

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CAMPBELL: James. Jim passed away peacefully at The Brandon Regional Health Centre on November 26, 2009 at the age of 78 after a brave battle with cancer. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Bill and Anne Campbell, sister, Doreen Sutton, brother-in-law Jim Sutton, brother Maurice and grandson Kristopher Campbell. He leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife Eva, sons Kerry (Carrie-Lee), Bill (LeeAnne), grandchildren Kerry Jr. (Teresa) of Charlottetown, P.E.I., Karissa Deg (Brendon), Leah Campbell (Cory Sobchuk), PJ Campbell (friend Des), step-grandchildren Karlie Boultbee and William Wright, great granddaughter, Marlee and great grandson Jaxon. Many nieces, nephews and cousins both in Canada and Great Britain also mourn Jim's passing. Jim was born in Brandon in March of 1931 and has worked in construction in and around Brandon all his life. He worked for his father, W.W.Campbell Contracting right out of school. He then branched out on his own with partner, Wylie Hay installing sewer and water in smaller towns throughout Manitoba. Minnedosa, Russell, Souris, St. Lazare and Gimli werebut a few of the areas he worked in. Needless to say, he spent a lot of time away from his home and family during these years, but always tried to make up for it on weekends and during the winter months. The construction company continued to grow, and later when Wylie Hay retired, Harry Cochrane, a civil engineer, joined the company which became C & C Construction Ltd. on 13th Street in Brandon. C & C Rentals was opened as well. Son Kerry joined the firm in 1974 and shortly after that, the company moved to its present location, 2210 Park Avenue. Jim was a past partner in the Elkhorn Ranch Resort at Clear Lake, the founder of, and at the time of his passing, a partner in Trails West Inn in Brandon. The Brandon Chamber of Commerce honored Jim in 2007 with The Business Builder Award. Jim was always interested in sports, as a teenager playing hockey with Central Vics and later in life, as a goalie for The Reston Rockets. He was an avid water skier, spending hours training himself as well as his two sons, at Sandy Lake and Minnedosa. He skied competitively and also judged at the local, Provincial and National levels. He was a Past President of The Canadian Water Ski Association, The Manitoba Water Ski Association and The Mallard Ski Club; a lifetime member of this club and The Brandon Ski Club. Jim also enjoyed downhill skiing, spending endless hours with his family at Glenarky ski hill in Brandon. Jim was a member of The Brandon Boys Pipe Band which later became the 26th Field Reg. Band, as well as The Brandon Lions Club. He unfortunately had to give up the latter because of work commitments. A great believer in "giving back" to his community, Jim was very involved with the Central Community Center, serving as president, and later donated countless volunteer hours to the East End Community Center. Jim was elected to The Brandon City Council, spending two terms as an Alderman. The construction of Curran Park, implementation of a bid depository system and extended shopping hours were just a few of his "pet projects". He was also a proud member of Masonic Lodge #19 and the Brandon Shrine Club. He so enjoyed his work with the lodge and was so disappointed when his loss of hearing prevented him from attending meetings; a member of the Brandon Flying Club, a charter member of The Air Museum and enjoyed flying his own plane all over the country for many years. Jim was a great supporter of the Westman Dreams forKids, helping faithfully any way he could at fundraising and volunteering at many events. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion #3, always enjoying his fellow members and good times at their meat draws. Although much of Jim's time was spent in construction, he always had a passion for working with wood. He built the first home he and Eva lived in after their marriage and spent countless hours building and repairing things for all his children and grandchildren. So, it was natural that in retirement, Jim took up the art of wood carving. He trained under the tutelage of some master carvers in Texas and Missouri and as a result has left a legacy of beautiful art pieces for his family and friends. Jim was a very hard worker and never expected his employees to do anything he wasn't prepared to do himself. He could always find time to help anyone in need and will be sorely missed by his family and many friends alike who could always rely on Jimmie for help. His children, grandchildren and his two great-grandbabies were his pride and joy. He spent many happy times with his family at Brandosa Beach, Minnedosa and lastly at the family cottage at Sandy Lake. He spent his winters for the last 25 years in Texas where he made many friends through his carving. Just over a year ago, Jim began to have health problems, undergoing surgery in January for stomach cancer. Unfortunately, his heart was not strong enough to withstand chemotherapy and as a result, the cancer returned. We have lost a wonderful and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend. He leaves us all with a legacy of many happy memories. We loved him so and he will be sorely missed. We all, individually and collectively, will miss a very great man. Jim passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, November 26, 2009 with his family by his side. The funeral took place in Central United Church on Monday, November 30, 2009 with Reverend Edmund Mielke officiating. Urn Bearer was Kerry Campbell Jr. Interment followed in Brandon Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Dec 19, 2009