Joel Campbell
1946-2018
Joel Douglas
Campbell
Joel Campbell took off during a beautiful sunrise on
28 December 2018 at the age of 72. He fought a brave battle against a
long illness which he saw as just a new challenge to overcome. He was
eternally optimistic and never complained. He is survived by his wife
Diane, children Shawn (Tracey), Laura (Binyam) and Loel (Emily),
grandson Caden, his brothers (Ross, Paul, Jimmy) sister (Cindy),
cousin Sean, and their families. He was predeceased by his parents
Adrian and Gracia and brother, David
(Carole).
Joel learned to be strong at an early age. This
contributed to his incredible work ethic, which helped him as he was
never dealt or took an easy path. He believed in dreaming and dream he
did. Unconventional and full of ideas, he was an automotive
technician, entrepreneur, founding member of the Stellarton Business
Association, President of the Nova Scotia Gas Dealers Association,
early adopter of technology, traveler and Wintersleep’s
biggest fan.
He and Diane were married for 46 years. They were a
committed team working side by side to run their business which they
established in 1971 and raise their family. His whole life was his
wife and his children. Of all things in his rich life, he was most
proud of and satisfied with their three children whom he considered
his greatest achievement and which he passed along his relentless work
ethic to. He loved to talk about all of them and was careful to always
do so in equal proportion. He enabled his children to live their
dreams (their dreams became his dreams). He is so present in his three
children.
With Diane, he followed his son across North America.
He loved to surprise Loel by showing up to some of his concerts from
California to Newfoundland. He followed his daughter to Africa making
it his goal to get to see her in Ethiopia after open heart surgery. He
made it and loved it! He loved his daily calls with her. He always
told her she could do anything and was amazed at all the places she
went. His son Shawn was his constant companion – basically since he
could walk. They would talk for hours, making plans and figuring out
their next move (some of which Shawn didn’t have much of a
say in as a child!). He was always happy to have his grandson, Caden,
around and they shared a special bond. He always looked forward to his
hugs, hockey games and sharing the wonderus qualities of the world
with him.
Joel never missed or took a single sunrise for
granted at the family cottage. He would want to get down there early
and stay down for as long as possible in the season – he
could not have enjoyed the cottage more. He started going to the YMCA
after completing the Cardio Rehabilitation Program and never stopped.
Representing the Program at the Johnny Miles Walk was a special
honour. Music had a special place in Joel’s life, he found a
lot of comfort in it and connected to it deeply. Music was
Joel’s pulse and he had Wintersleep playing as he went under
his bypass surgery. It was a great motivator. Joel passionately
engaged with people – always interested in things people had
to say and would take every opportunity to learn. He knew who he was
and was always himself. He was so genuine and honest.
“Pretty good for a young
fella”.
In lieu of flowers, please wake up early to watch the
sunrise. Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Canadian
Diabetes Association would also be appreciated. Special thanks to
Jennifer, the VON, his many doctors, nurses, health care workers and
his lifelong friends Dougie and Freddie
A
celebration of Joel’s life will take place on January 5th
,2019 at Glasgow Square , New Glasgow from 3 P.M.
to 9:30 P.M.
Arrangements are under the direction of the
H.C.MacQuarrie Funeral Chapel ,Stellarton
.
Online condolences can be made on our website at
www.angusfuneralhomes.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Joel Campbell 19462018..
Death notice for the town of: Stellarton, Province: Nova Scotia