Obituaries

JOHN “RALPH” CAMPBELL

Peacefully, after a courageous and dignified battle with Parkinson’s Disease and a brief illness from complications resulting from Covid 19 virus, it is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of John “Ralph” Campbell on January 21, 2021, in Winnipeg Manitoba at the age of 84.

Survived by beloved wife Jean Campbell (Boisjoli) of 58 years, daughter and son-in-law Lorraine and Dave Gadoury, son and daughter-in-law Jerry JJ and Dana Campbell; grandchildren Tyler and Jasmine Campbell, Sara Campbell, Mimie Campbell, and Colton Gadoury, sister Irene Belanger, sister and brother-in-law Yvonne and John Bonnell, numerous nieces and nephews, a large extended family, and many friends. Predeceased by his parents James and Violet Campbell, and his brother-in-law George Belanger.

Ralph attended Portage Collegiate in Portage la Prairie where he played rugby and completed grade 11 in 1955. From there he assisted a Physician caring for the Miners in Thompson MB. He returned to Portage la Prairie to pursue studies as a Psychiatric Nurse at the Manitoba Developmental Centre. Ralph’s career changed upon becoming a member of the RCAF in 1963, proudly serving his country, while stationed in CFB Winnipeg, CFB Trenton, and CFB Portage, where he retired in 1985, most notably titled Master Corporal JR Campbell CD. During those 22 years he earned numerous Certificates of Military Achievements and qualifications as an Instrument Electrical Technician on various aircraft. Ralph embarked on many travels and met several Military milestones including “Crossed the Equator”; often deployed to Thule, Greenland in support of troops stationed at Alert, NWT; “Shattered the Peace and Tranquility of the North Pole”. He was also deployed on a “long range trainer” flying aboard a Boeing 707 when he and the crew made stops in dozens of countries circling the globe. In September 2005, Year of the Veteran, Ralph was honoured by the Manitoba Métis Federation Inc. “In Recognition of the Sacrifices you have made to protect our Families, our Country, our Métis Nation”. Ralph officially retired from the workforce after employment at Standard Aero from 1986-1993, in Winnipeg.

Born and raised in Kinosota, Ralph respected nature and the outdoors; and continued to enjoy small game hunting (he gifted his precious multi generation rifles to nephews), fishing, and camping with his family. As a youth he played baseball; the love of which lead him to organize a Slo Pitch team he named the Travellers, during his middle-age years in Winnipeg. He loved BBQ’s, ice cold beer, and a juicy steak or prime rib; as well, evening/late night bon fires faired lots of laughter, stories, and contemplation about life. The prairie sunset and sunrise were his oasis, often seen pointing to anything within it’s skies with an uncanny ability to identify it. He enjoyed bowling, darts, crossword puzzles, was an avid reader, and listened to country music (fav: Marty Robbins), and “talk radio”. He had a talented singing voice, played some three chord guitar tunes, was usually humming or whistling, even sometimes yodeling to wake up his kids! He loved dancing to old time music and fiddling, particularly when performed by his talented Campbell Clan cousins; and traveling across Manitoba attending Métis festivals with his wife and family in later years. Ralph was a fan of baseball, football, and hockey; happily watching live or televised, or listening to games on the radio. He took his role as Hockey Dad seriously, never missing a game, with an intense quiet pride, humbly watching his extremely talented left winger son who played advanced level hockey from age 6 to 17. Ralph took countless road trips with his wife and children, and during retirement with his wife, coast to coast, and many places of interest in the United States as far south as they could go.

Ralph enjoyed people wherever he went without judgement and never turned away someone in need. But his most precious people were his grandchildren. Pappie, as they called him, followed them wherever they went whether soccer to karate to baseball to Christmas concerts; soccer to ballet to jazz dance to Christmas concerts; soccer to school sports to baseball to hockey to Christmas concerts. Just hearing their names made him smile and speak of special memories. He drove them around the countryside in back of his pickup truck. He toured nature trails. He entertained them with silly games and stories. He taught them the importance of family and humility.

Ralph and Jean enjoyed eight years of retirement in Kinosota, allowing his aging Mother more quality time in her home, and a country home for the family to visit during all seasons. Ralph, Chairman of his Métis local, a Métis elder, was instrumental in establishing various programs for youth of the community. He took great pride in his culture and always shared the funniest most unique stories about his childhood memories.

Ralph remained as dignified as possible as the disease slowly consumed his body and mind. Spending his last 2.5 years residing in Southeast PCH, he was spoiled with his favourite treats and visits from his wife, children, grandchildren, and sisters. He enjoyed outings for ice-cream, picnics, parks, and family gatherings and even managed to attend his eldest grandson’s wedding. The family is grateful for the loving care provided by the Nurses, HCA’s, staff, and especially John who kept Ralph dancing as long as possible.

Donations can be made in his honour to Parkinson’s Canada, https://www.parkinson.ca/local-offices/parkinson-canada-manitoba-office/

Due to current restrictions, plans are on hold and unknown at this time. Ralph will be interred in Kinosota Manitoba.

Condolences may be sent to www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com