R. John Campbell
Died: December 4, 2022 | Place: London, Ontario
Obituary
RODERICK JOHN CAMPBELL
1947 — 2022
On Sunday, December 4, 2022, R. John Campbell passed on to be with his Lord and Saviour in his 76th year, while at home, surrounded by his loving wife Beryle and daughter Heidi.
R. John’s claim to fame was being born, in Woodstock, ON, on the day following the coldest day recorded in North America (in Yukon), thus enabling him to say that his arrival warmed up the world! Being an accountant, warmth of personality was important! He was the eldest child of Roderick and Dorothy Campbell, followed by brother Bev and sister Ruth. He had an asthmatic and protected childhood. However, like his dad, he enjoyed sports, and did not retire from church league softball until he was 55. He avidly supported the Maple Leafs and Blue Jays through thick and thin.
John grew up on the leading edge of the Boomer Generation. He learned he had to study hard to succeed in high school and university. After graduating from Western, John joined Clarkson Gordon, where he earned his CA designation and became a manager. Following 14 years as Director of Accounting for Commonwealth Holiday Inns and Scott’s Hospitality, John “re-tooled” and concluded 49 years of professional life with 17 enjoyable years with the Kelland investment team.
John met his future wife Beryle Bigham at a church nursery picnic when he was six months old. They married in 1973 providentially giving John a loving, devoted and self-sacrificing help-mate and the best of mothers to two beautiful daughters, Heidi (married to wonderful husband Jeff) and Heather, who after suffering 6 ½ years with cystic fibrosis, preceded John to her heavenly home in 1983. Evan and Bethany are dearly loved precious grandkids.
John enjoyed photography and loved books, especially history, biography and Christian life, but none surpassed his love of the Bible which tells the greatest story in the world. The central figure in that story, Jesus Christ, both fully man, and fully God, was a great Saviour to John, a great sinner. Only because of his Lord Jesus, when the courtroom is silent, and the last books are opened, will John be found rejoicing along with the great innumerable throng of God’s faithful servants.
The Campbell family wish to thank the Ilderton Medical Clinic, especially Dr. Keren and the St. Elizabeth nurses for their excellent care and compassion.
A memorial service will be held at WestPark Church, 955 Gainsborough Road, London on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 2:30pm, following a private graveside service. A livestream of the service will be available at https://youtu.be/Zt_xRn2MaYo
Donations in John’s memory can be made to New Life Prison Ministry, Arva, ON or the WestPark Benevolent Fund. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com.
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You were always my “big brother.” You were someone I looked up to from the time I was a little girl. When we were young you had the best bedroom in the house because it included this hidden book closet behind the door, which even then was filled with amazing history books. I remember sneaking in to read them (not sure you ever knew that). I’ll now read from your Bible – your last gift to me that I will always treasure. I’ll miss our regular chats – talking about politics including colorful historical figures, as well as day-to-day events. Glad you are free from cancer and able to now be with our family in heaven – Heather, mom, dad… Love you big brother. You’ll always be in my heart.
Dear Beryl. We are saddened by your loss but grateful for God’s gain. I am so thankful that Holy Spirit prompted me to call you and have a conversation and prayer with you and John. May you continue to know the peace which comes from being “in Christ” and that entails.
God bless you and keep you, in Him, Bruce and Gail.
While expected, John’s passing still hurts and saddens us. We will miss his gentle manner, stimulating conversation and book recommendations in the days ahead. May God encourage and strengthen you through this time.
As a child, I remember all of us kids putting on Christmas concerts with Gingerale bottles and trips to the Skydome to cheer on the Blue Jays. Those are the memories I will cherish and remember fondly. I am certain Grandpa, Grandma, and Heather was waiting with welcome arms.
Dear Beryle and Heidi and Family,
What a surprise to get notice of John’s going home! I am so sorry, girls, and send you my love and condolences. I so enjoyed John! He was sharp and such a good thinker. He had a wonderful sense of humour. He was committed to the Lord and remained loyal for all of his life. John was such a good role model….. a true blessing to us all who knew him. We will not deny him Heaven, but he has left a big hole. I’m glad for the memories I have. Love to you all. Jennifer C.
Dear Beryle and Heidi and family
So sorry to hear of your husbands and fathers passing
May he rest in peace and may you both remember your happy times together
Dear Beryle & Heidi and family,
Sending our sincerest thoughts and condolences after learning of John’s recent passing. We looked forward to your traditional Christmas family letter and always admired the carefully chosen words with such beautiful meaning written by John and we’re sure the finishing touches added by you, Beryle.
May the family times together and his cherished memories bring you all comfort, peace and strength in the days ahead.
God bless..
Jim & Donna Fischer and family
Walkerton, ON
Beryle & Heidi: we are so sorry to hear of John’s passing, but know he is now rejoicing with our Lord and saviour. Ted and I have appreciated his friendship, wisdom and sense of humour. He made the worst Rice Krispie squares I’ve ever eaten, and gave us excellent financial advice that greatly improved our futures. We look back on our friendship with John and Beryle with love and gratitude. Our hearts are with you.
Dear Beryle,
George and I are deeply saddened to hear the passing of John. May God give you peace, comfort and strength during this difficult time.
Joyce and George
Beryle, I am thinking of you at this difficult time. Sending you love.
Heather Davidson
Beryl, Heidi, Jeff, Evan and Bethany, We are so saddened to hear of John’s passing…. Please know we continue to pray for you and love you all… Betty-Lou (for all the Andersons)
Dear Beryl, Heidi and family,
After Heidi’s last email I was expecting to hear of his death. But, it is sad to think that he is no longer with us. I will always be grateful and thankful for all the help and assistance he gave he through the years with my finances. Beryl, I fondly remember the lunches with the two of you at the Pickle Barrel. And, of course Heidi…all those special years at Tyndale. May you both know the comfort and surrounding love of the Lord as you go through these days of experiencing life without him. I will be praying for you.
Love to you across the miles, Barb
I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying for you all during this difficult time.
With love,
Rachel
Dear Beryle, Heidi and family,
We want to express our sincere thoughts and prayers for you all at this time. We have many wonderful memories of John and the sharing our lives together in small group studies, missions, prayer, church retreats, baseball and so many other aspects of doing life together.
John was one special man and friend that we had so much respect for because of his faith in Jesus, his integrity, his commitment to love and truth built on the grace of our Saviour. And now, his is at home with the One he has served faithfully throughout his life here on earth. We will miss him and may you sense Christ’s peace in the coming days in the midst of your grief.
Beryl. So sorry to hear of John’s passing. I have very many fond memories of him in young peoples at Oxford. Bob enjoyed working with him at Boys Brigade. We were privileged him in our wedding party
Beryl I am sorry to hear about John’s passing but rejoice in knowing he is home with His Lord. I am out of town so will not be able to attend the memorial service on Saturday, however, will livestream it. My prayers and love to you, Heidi and other members of your family.
Dear Beryle and Heidi and family,
We are sorry for your loss of John, a loving and faithful (in all senses) husband and father. Certainly, John was a blessing to me in many ways during his time at Village Green, guiding the church well on its various financial fronts. Whether in his career, or his ministries at VG, John’s wisdom lent a steady hand to those who depended on him.
And while you in particular will miss him greatly, I know you rejoice in the certainty of John’s presence with Christ and the assurance of seeing him again in glory!
Steve and Faye
Rest In Peace John. You are now in your heavenly home after leading an exemplary life.
Roger and I will always remember the fun times that we shared in Florida with John and Beryl. We discussed all the thoughts, ideas and beliefs that we had in common. When the four of us were together, we felt more like sisters and brothers than cousins!
John’s remembrance will always bring joy to our hearts, as we cherish our past times together as well as our unity in eternity with our lord.
With much love and prayers,
Catherine Hohner Braunlich
Dear Beryle: We are saddened at John’s passing and pray for God’s comfort at this difficult time.
We didn’t know John well ..but did know he was quiet and just a wonderful person. Our sympathies,
With love,
Doug & Dorothy
Dear Beryle, Heidi, & Family,
We send you our sincerest condolences and much love.
We have known John since 2004 when we first immigrated to Canada. Having just arrived into this country, we knew no one and it was John and Beryle who introduced us to Grandview. However this was only the beginning of their service and love to our family. John never failed to give a helping hand and was always there to support us when we needed it.
As well, it was not just our personal lives John invested himself in but in the mission to help the Afghan Nation hear the gospel by standing with us in support and prayer throughout all these years. Welcoming us always with a big smile on his face, John’s life demonstrated what it meant to serve, love, care and be there for others. He was a beautiful example of Christ’s love and we will miss him dearly.
Beryle and Family,
With heartfelt sympathy to you all, at this time of loss.
You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Shirley & Cindy Ens
Beryle, Heidi and family – I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. May you know Jesus’s peace during these days.
Peter Heath
Dear Beryle, Heidi, Jeff, Evan and Bethany
Words are inadequate. I share in your grief, but I am truly incapable of imagining your sense of loss. The hole that he has left must seem bottomless.
I love the photo you chose. It is so very John. It’s the way I remember him, with that ever present smile. His iconic smile.
The words that come to mind when I think of him are warm, caring, calm, reassuring. He always seemed to have the time to chat and be interested in me. He always made me feel cared for. important.
I send you love across the many many kilometers that separate my current home from the one that was just across the street from you.
Sending you much love, my thoughts are with you.
Nancy
Pastor Andy & Loetta Brndjar
We read about John’s death and were able to watch the service. We remember our trip to the passion play in Oberammergau, Germany and other times together. John was a man of God and made an impact on many. May God sustain each of you in your sorrow and loss.
To the Campbell family
Our most sincere sympathy to you all on the loss of a wonderful man, who was so kind and thoughtful to my parents. Your tribute in this obituary and in the words spoken at the service spoke volumes about John’s life and impact on others. May your grief be overcome by the many special memories of a life well lived.
Dear Beryle,
I’m sorry that John passed away and I know that you miss him greatly. May knowing that he is now with his Lord be a great comfort to you day by day.
I looked forward to John’s Christmas letter each year. He wrote such
excellent and uplifting letters.
I’m praying that the Lord will uphold you day by day and that you will feel His love surrounding you.
Sharon Ramos
Dear Beryle & Heidi,
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. We will always be grateful to John for his kindness, generosity & hospitality towards our family when we spent a year in London Ontario in 2000-2001. John is truly a man after God’s heart and a channel of His love and grace. We will miss him along with you.