Harold Alexander John Campbell

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, great uncle, cousin and friend, Harold, passed peacefully with his wife by his side at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital in the early morning on Dec 1, 2024 at the age of 87. 

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60yrs, Helen; children Valerie (Peter), Cyndi, Marsha (Pete), and Shawna; grandchildren Krista, Kaitlyn, Brandon, Tyler, Kyle, Connor, Chelsea and Zachary; great-grandchildren Dawson, Leah, Devyn and Maddy; brothers Wayne (Donna), Milton (Vicki), Terry (the late Judi), Dale (the late Anna Mae), and Glen; as well as by numerous other relatives and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Dave and Ruth; brothers Merle (Beverley), and Albert (Janice); and sisters Helen (Marshie), Bonnie and Susan. He will also be dearly missed by his friends at the Gravenhurst Senior’s Club, Trinity United Church, and by anyone who had the honor of knowing him.

Harold was born in Parry Sound, second eldest of 11 children, though he grew up in Waubamik. After marrying Helen they moved to Toronto, to start their family, before relocating to carry out their retirement in Gravenhurst where he lived until his final days. He lived his life devoted to, and in service of, his loyal and loving wife, daughters and grandchildren. He was a jack of all trades who had many different jobs over the years; including working on the family farm, driving taxi, splitting rocks and masonry at the Hall’s Stone Quarry, and working as an unlicensed mechanic and electrician before becoming a Postman for over 30yrs. He was multi-talented with refined skills in auto repair, metal and woodworking, and was an adept handyman who had the ability to fix nearly anything with his famous phrase “All you gotta do is…!” He had a passion for manual labor and his grandchildren often proclaimed “If Grandpa can’t fix it, no one can.”

Harold was also a man of the arts, who loved reading and reciting classic poetry and nursery rhymes. He often spoke in rhyme or riddles and could make up silly poems on the spot! He was an avid story-teller, with many tales to share with anyone who would listen. He loved music, the violin, singing and dancing. He had a sweet-sounding voice, musical feet and a songful spirit. He lived an active lifestyle enjoying walking, swimming, riding bikes, climbing trees and doing handstands. He also loved going snowshoeing, tobogganing, building snow forts or igloos, ice skating and playing hockey with his daughters and grandchildren. He was a Master of crokinole who claimed he couldn’t be beat, though Helen and a couple friends at the Senior’s Centre seem to remember differently. 

He created the life many dream of, and what a wonderful life it was! 62yrs with Helen, 58yrs as a father, 37yrs a grandfather, and 22yrs as a great-grandfather. Fondly remembered as the Uncle who brought so much light and laughter to all those around him, and commemorated as one of the kindest men they’ll ever know. People describe the love he had for his family as his "true gift," noting he'd drop anything to help anyone, while noting he always extended himself to ensure everyone in his family was okay and had what they needed. He was a truly genuine person who lived his life honorably and humbly leaving a legacy of love, loyalty, integrity and humor. He always had an open heart and open door, and everyone he met was better because of it. Harold is deeply loved, respected and admired by all who knew him and his spirit remains connected to all he held near and dear to his heart. He will be loved forever, always and into eternity.

As per his wishes, Harold will be cremated and a Funeral Service held on Saturday, December 21st, 2024 at Trinity United Church (290 Muskoka Rd. N, Gravenhurst, Ontario) at 1:00pm. All who knew him are welcome. 

The family wishes to send a special thanks to the staff at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital for their care and compassion, as well as to the many Personal Support Workers who have worked with Harold over the past 4yrs. A big thanks also goes out to all those who cared so deeply for him; sharing their thoughtful messages and cherished memories.