Blair Joseph Campbell

Blair Joseph Campbell, age 78, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2023 at Rockyview General Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loved ones who were able to say their peaceful goodbyes.

Blair was born on May 14, 1944 in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. Blair is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy Campbell; his sister Elaine Chisholm (husband Vaughan); his three children Michelle Gillies (husband, Chad), Todd Campbell (wife, Keri) and Derek Campbell (wife, Lorie); as well as his six grandchildren Dakota Hambrook (husband Dillon) , Madison Gillies, Paige Campbell, Declan Campbell, Garreth Robinson and Brianne Campbell.

Blair was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Dody Campbell, as well as his sister, Anne LeSauvage.

Blair grew up the son of a baker and worked at both Bades and Sally Ann Bakeries throughout his childhood before attending Saint Michael’s High School in Glace Bay, NS. Blair’s time at Saint Michael’s was hallmarked by meeting the love of his life, Nancy. The high school sweethearts remained together while Blair attended Saint Francis Xavier University. It was but a short time after graduating from Saint Francis Xavier that Nancy and Blair tied the knot on August 20, 1966. Shortly thereafter the loving couple picked up stakes and moved to Montreal so Blair could complete a Master’s Degree in Education from the prestigious McGill University. Montreal remained home for 15 years where Blair taught math at Vaudreuil Catholic High School – VCHS.

The decade of the 80’s would bring more change and adventure for the young Campbell family. In 1981, Blair and Nancy made the decision to move across the country to Calgary, Alberta. The move to Calgary proved permanent as the entire Campbell clan still reside there. Amongst various small business startups Blair enjoyed working as an Insurance Broker for over 40 years.

Of all the things he loved, Blair most enjoyed spending time with his family; whether that was at the cabin in Siksika, teaching his grandchildren to ski at Panorama or watching the kids’ many sporting events growing up. Not to be outdone by the kids, Blair also loved playing and watching sports. He formed many of his own “Oldtimers” hockey teams and the television was religiously tuned into either the Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Expos or Toronto Blue Jays. In fact, his last moments were spent watching a playoff hockey game with his son. Who could ask for anything better?

Father Time marches on and in the latter part of his years, Blair often held court enjoying a frosty pint at his favourite pub, the Border Crossing. It was said he had the gift of gab and would often entertain patrons with his kindness and hilarious stories. He was so well thought of, his favourite pub held a loving tribute event for him prior to his passing and a permanent plaque hangs there in his honor and memory.

Blair loved the people around him and they loved him. He lived life to the fullest, shared his unrivaled kindness to all in need and held no regrets; a life well lived. He will be dearly missed, dearly loved, dearly cherished but forever in the hearts of his wife, his children, his grandchildren and his friends. Good bye dear Blair . . . . until we meet again.