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October 27, 2023

In Loving Memory ~

Bill Campbell has gone home to be with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on Friday, October 27th.

Bill was well known in town for his work at the Salvation Army, the wooden toys that he gave to kids and families, and for his daily walk up Molliet to Despard Avenue in Parksville.

Here, from 2:30 to 3 pm, Bill would sit at the corner with his faithful dog, Rex, saying "Hi" to the kids when they headed home from Springwood school, getting on the bus to say "Hi" to the bus driver, then getting back off again. It seems that everyone at this end of town has seen Bill and his dog there.

Over the last few years, the construction crews were well aware of Bill's daily ritual. They are still keeping an eye out for Bill; come at 2:30 pm.

This summer, Bill's walks began to get shorter in a grueling battle between Bill's stoic Manitoba mind and his waning BC body. For most people, our walks would have been getting shorter years ago. But Bill pushed on. And his dog pulled. Bill was 94 years old this year.

This said, there is so much more to be told about Bill—a man of truly immense character. In his younger years, Bill worked as a mechanic and then for many years at the Manitoba Telephone Company. He broke his back twice, both times pushing through the injury.

He retired the day they brought a computer into his office. Bill built and piloted his own plane. He recounted one experience of running out of gas, having to land in a field, and managing to refuel and get back in the air before the farmer's truck could make it out to him.

Bill also served his community in a variety of ways, fostering many kids, volunteering his time at a number of different charities, being a kids club leader for over 30 years, and giving generously to those in need.

Bill was married twice. Both wives predeceased him: Christina in 2003 and Joan in 2017.

In his final years, Bill made many friends in this community, including those at Parksville Fellowship Baptist Church. During this time, and more acutely in his final months, Bill's church community provided an outstanding level of care, filling in gaps in the health care system and doing their best to assist Bill as he continued stoic in spirit but frail in body.

Bill was not just a good person. Bill was not just a good Christian. Bill understood the Scripture in Isaiah 64:6 that our righteousnesses are as filthy rags...and that the only way to be clothed in righteousness and thus stand faultless before God (Colossians 1:21-22) is to be redeemed through saving faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Bill knew redemption. Bill is at home with his redeemer.

On Sunday, November 19th, during a segment of the 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. morning service at Parksville Fellowship Baptist Church, there will be a remembrance, including a brief slide show of Bill's life.

All are welcome to attend and view this photo montage in memory of Bill's life. You can also view the service live-streamed on YouTube.

Search for "Parksville Fellowship Baptist Church Live Stream" and join in at 10:30 a.m. The video will remain posted to watch later as well.

Service Details

Celebration of Life
Sunday, November 19, 2023
9:00 AM
Parksville Fellowship Baptist Church 550 Pym St, Parksville


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