Obituary of Jack Campbell

January 2, 2025 – Calgary, Alberta

Jack Arthur Campbell of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at the age of 95 years.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Shirley, three children, Lynda (Mervyn Davies), Rod (Joan), and Jim (Maryanne); six wonderful grandchildren, Liam Davies, Brendan Davies (Lauren), Ryley Campbell (Sara), Anna Campbell (Nick Horsely), Jamie Campbell, and Madeline Campbell; and seven dear great-grandchildren, Farley, Parker, and Nash Davies, Ava and Stella Campbell, and Harrison and Weston Horsely. Jack is predeceased by his parents Art and Theresa Campbell, and by brothers Don, Doug, and Bill; and is survived by brothers, Ken in Burlington, ON, and Dennis in Kelowna, BC.

Jack and his brothers grew up on the family farm in Hazenmore, SK. Life was not always easy on the farm, but Jack focused on getting an education and taught high school for three years.  He met his wife, Shirley while he was teaching, and they celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary in 2024. Jack had a very strong work ethic and worked as a sales manager for International Harvester for 20 years. After moving to Calgary, he acquired and operated the Dairy Queen in Kensington until his retirement.

Jack was a gifted athlete, an avid sportsman, and an aggressive competitor who enjoyed both watching games and being an active participant. He played baseball and hockey in his early years, golfed (primarily at Pinebrook Golf & Country Club), and curled until his late 80s. Family was always Jack's first priority. There were backyard rinks that had kids, and grandkids on skates as early as possible. Whether it was skates, skis, crampons, golf clubs, bikes, horses, running shoes, or soccer boots; his kids were either in them or on them.

To celebrate his 80th birthday, Jack joined his family on a white-water river rafting trip down the Kootenay River. He stood up on the raft, paddling, yelling, and hollering with the best of them. On his 85th birthday, he entertained his grandsons by challenging them to do "one-armed pushups" with him.

Jack was a true "people person" who loved a good party. He knew the words to the tunes from the old days. His grandchildren just shook their heads at the repertoire of verses he could remember from songs and poems; some real, some invented! Until just a few weeks ago he was still trying to teach the words to the old songs to his caregivers. The tune was never as important to him as the words! The staff at his care home loved him with his sense of humour and joyful singing. Jack led a wonderful life, and never had a mean word about anyone. He was the patriarch of the family and always displayed a cheerful, positive attitude. Jack’s legacy of love and laughter will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at McKenzie Towne Continuing Care for providing compassionate care for Jack.

A Celebration of Jack’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Jack’s family here.

In living memory of Jack Campbell, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.