CAMPBELL, Robert Barry - (March 26, 1942 – September 21, 2020)
With profound sadness we announce the passing of Robert Barry Campbell in his 79th year.
Barry was beloved husband of the late Patricia Campbell, father to Robin (Andy), Kelly (Jamie) and Scott (Eva), and grandfather, “Popa” to Annabelle.
Barry was a fun-loving father and friend, always having a kind word and a silly remark for family, friends, acquaintances and strangers alike. He was quite a story teller and could spin a good tale. You never knew if he was telling you the truth and how much of it had been peppered to enhance the punchline.
He enjoyed his early life in Toronto, Ontario growing up in the Bloor and Dufferin area in the family home with his mother Hazel and father George. Taking many family vacations to Florida and to the cottage in the Kawarthas. Enjoying time with his cousin Jim Anderson boating, fishing and driving a bit too fast. Around 1964, he met Pat. They married and within a few years had started their family. Living a happy marriage for nearly 34 years until Pat’s passing in 1999.
Barry was employed in the new Toronto City Hall as an accounting clerk, then went on to become a Sherriff's Officer working from Toronto Old City Hall and eventually moving on to the post of Civil Prosecution’s Co-ordinator for the Old City Hall, until his retirement in the late 1990’s.
Barry had been a longtime member of the York Lions of Toronto, serving as President in the mid 1980’s. He also served volunteering as driver of the equipment truck for the York Lions Steel Band at this time. In the mid 1990’s Barry and Pat had moved to their home in Queensville, Ontario, where they could adjust to a much quieter lifestyle than they had in Toronto.
Barry was a keen hunter and fisherman, enjoying his annual hunting trip into northern Ontario with the same great group of friends, including his long time pal of 40 years, Gerald Locke. Barry also enjoyed playing billiards. He became a member of the Aurora Seniors Billiard Team, and was called in frequently to fill in for other team members, which he enjoyed immensely.
Throughout his life, Barry enjoyed tinkering in the garage on motors, woodworking and home improvement projects. His interests were varied far and wide, from one-time owner of a towing business to being a member of the local target shooting club.
Unfortunately, Barry lost his battle with the chronic illness that he had struggled with for more than a decade, on September 21st, with his children at his bedside in Southlake Hospital, Newmarket, Ontario.
A Funeral Service will be held to celebrate Barry and to lovingly say goodbye on Friday September 25th, at Thompson Funeral Home in Aurora, Ontario. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, funeral services are limited to just the immediate family and a few invited friends of Barry’s.
At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, a donation to the Southlake Hospital Foundation would be appreciated as your gesture of comfort and sympathy.
The family wishes to express thanks to the many family and friends who have offered kind words, condolences and warm loving support at this difficult time. Robin & Andy, Kelly & Jamie, Scott & Eva, and Annabelle, would also like to say thank you to the staff at Southlake ICU, Dr. Hickey and nurse Marianne, Patricia and many others, for helping us through this difficult time and for your care and compassion. Also, thank you to Dr. Mona Ma and Dr. Frank Lin for caring for Barry in these past years.
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