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
Emile and Claire (MacNeil) Cretin
Ron and Janet Howes
Lionel touched our lives in so many amazing ways, and leaves great memories with all his friends and family.
Betty Garneau
Our prayers and sympathy go out to you and your Family on your loss . Rest in pace Lionel Betty Garneau
Don Moser and family
Darren and family;
Please know that your Halifax family is thinking of you and we grieve alongside you at your loss. May your dad's soul rest in peace and we are confident that he will remain watchful over all of you.
Tom Crowley
Mel, Barre, and family: My deepest condolences on the loss of your dad. I know how special he was to you both and to your entire family. May your memories give you comfort at this difficult time. A donation to St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank in New Waterford has been made in his memory. Take care. Tom
Carole Laurin
I have fond memories of the many laughs we shared and his joie de vivre. His big heart and compassion will be missed. I am grateful and will never forget for how he always had time for me and my Chloé from the moment we moved to Ottawa. He quickly became an uncle I could count on and lessened the loss of the uncles I left behind in Winnipeg. His caring ways will never be forgotten. My condolences to his family.
John Redmon
Please accept my condolences on the loss of a wonderful man. Lionel was good friend and steady confidant. I will miss the times we spent working out at the Ray Friel Centre. His presence and friendship will be dearly missed. May he rest in eternal peace. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
Marcel Chiasson
Meeting Lionel almost everyday at Ray Friel gym was a pleasure. We share a connection to New Waterford, NS. A good man and a leader.
John Priddle and Jacqui MacDonald
Melanie, we were sorry to hear of your loss. He was a terrific father and both you and the girls as well as the rest of your family and friends will miss him.
Thinking of you during this difficult time but we hope all the good memories will be a comfort for you
Love Uncle John and Aunt Jacqui
Ann McConnell
I was so sorry to hear of Lionel’s passing. Having met him through the gym, I always enjoyed his sense of humour and witty repartee. My deepest condolences to his family.
Deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband and father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Cousin Claire