With great sadness, the family of Lionel Campbell announces his passing on February 19, 2020 at the age of 84 from pancreatic cancer, which he courageously battled with everything he had.
He will be lovingly remembered as a devoted husband by Vivienne (née Barré), his wife of 55 years; as a protecting and selfless father by sons Barre, Darren (Erin Pepper) and Sean and daughters Danna (Paul Howes) and Melanie (Kevin Priddle). He was a loving grandfather to Connor, Emma, Douglas, Hugh, Jillian, Alannah, Madeleine, Ava, Benjamin, Olivia and Charlie, and was a respected and cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews. Lionel will also be greatly missed by many friends wherever he lived and worked across Canada, including his good companions at the Ray Friel Centre gym in Orléans.
He is predeceased by his parents Grant and Hilda (McPhee), sisters Elizabeth "Betty" Nearing (the late Louis), Mary Morrison (Connie) and Maureen Anthony (the late Reg), and brother Kevin (Fran).
A proud Cape Bretoner, born in New Waterford and a longtime resident of Plummer Avenue, Lionel worked in the coal mines and also studied at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish before training at RCMP Depot in Regina to become a Mountie in 1962. He was posted to rural Manitoba and the communities of Virden and Melita, before transfers to Winnipeg, Fredericton and Ottawa, where he retired in 1994.
Lionel was a fan of harness racing and served as the paddock judge at Rideau Carleton Raceway in Ottawa for several years following his retirement. He loved other sports and was a supporter of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Montreal Canadiens, Green Bay Packers, Montreal Expos and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
He served as a choir member at Divine Infant Parish in Orléans, which included a highlight trip in 1995 to the Vatican, where the choir had the honour of singing a High Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Visitation will take place in Ottawa in the Sacred Space of Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services on Friday, February 28 from 4 to 7 p.m. A time of prayer will follow.
A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 29 at 1 p.m. at St. Clement Parish, 528 Old St. Patrick St. Interment will follow at the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery at Beechwood, followed by a reception in the Beechwood National Memorial Centre.
Instead of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank in New Waterford, N.S., or to Pancreatic Cancer Canada.
Digital Guestbook
Paul Gallant
Erin Priddle
Mr. Campbell always brought smiles and laughs to our family gatherings. I appreciated when he would warmly welcome me into his home for holiday dinners when my family was unavailable. A testament to his thoughtfulness, it was always a pleasure to see his smiling face on Ava and Olivia's school's social media as he actively volunteered in their school. Thinking of the Campbell clan and sending love and light.
Hannah Beath
My condolences to Douglas and all of his family.
Arlene Washburn
Barre, I am sorry to hear that your father passed away, take good care. / Arlene
Michele (Anthony) McCulloch
Thinking of you all at this very difficult time in the loss of your husband and father. Losing a loved one is so life altering but I hope you all take comfort in knowing Lionel (I think I’ve only heard my mom call him Femme ever) has lived a full and rewarding life. Take care and God bless. Michele
Julie Lefebvre
I have known Lionel since 1996. He was a ray of sunshine to all who knew him at the Ray Friel Centre. He was the highlight of my week with a great sense of humour. My heart is broken and my thoughts are with his beloved family. You are in a beautiful place Lionel. I will miss you so very much!
Peter Lazazzera
It was a privilege to have known Lionel my friend at Ray Friel Gym.
I fondly remember every weekday morning seeing you at the gym working on your daily crossword puzzle with your pal Ralph.
You are now is God's hands and finally home.
Georgia and Terry Bertsoulakis and family
Deepest sympathies and condolences for your loss. He was a beautiful and caring man and will be deeply missed. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Heather Jones
Much love and strength to you and your families during such a difficult time. Your father was a wonderful man, Melanie. My deepest condolences.
Connie Morrison
Lionel was a good friend & close brother-in-law. We will miss his friendship & his amusing stories. Condolences to all from the Morrison’s of Sydney.
Lionel was a beloved and cherished member of the Ray Friel gym. Always enjoyed sharing sports stories with Lionel, a devoted Saskatchewan Roughriders fan. We all enjoyed his keen wit and sense of humour. I considered myself very lucky to have Lionel as a friend, he fought a good fight right to the end. We love you Lionel, rest in peace my friend.