Gordon Thomas Campbell

Gordon Thomas Campbell

October 9, 1922 – July 25,2024

At 100 years young, Gordon proudly sported his Arrow River baseball uniform for the first time in over 70 years, grabbed his bat and ball and headed to the local field for a quick step back in time.

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather Gordon was a man who lived his 101 years  with grace and gusto.

Gordon was born October 9, 1922 at home on the farm in the Blaris district near Isabella Manitoba.  This was to be the start of his lifelong love of rural living. From the early age of five he was often found in his dad’s back pocket taking part in the daily life of farming. Gordon shared many stories of growing up on the farm within a very close knit family. His love of horses often lead to the recounting of him driving 4 horse teams at age 12, and being especially proud of the fact that he ran his own 6 horse team for threshing at 16. Throughout his early years he gave many hours helping others within his community. He was often being called upon to cut wood, help others on their farm, and to go out with his team of horses to get people to the doctor, the Minister to a church service during a storm, or to meet families coming and going by train. Gordon’s passing marks the end of an era, being the last surviving member of the nine children of Reginald and Violet (Grey) Campbell.

Gordon received his education at Blaris and Isabella school. Throughout his life he took part in many activities. Some of his fondest memories were hunting/fishing with family, playing baseball with the Arrow River team travelling throughout Manitoba and Saskatchewan and playing hockey. While working one winter at the Iron Ore mine in Wawa he had the opportunity to play semi pro hockey. His love of sports continued throughout his life coaching youth hockey teams in the Isabella community.  In spite of having to overcome polio, a broken neck from a horse accident and in later years being struck by lighting and surviving colon cancer he continued to be active all his life.

On July 12th, 1952 Gordon married Vivian Little of Decker and together they raised a family of 4 children.  They established and built a family farm to include a mixed grain and cow/calf operation. He  farmed until his 75th year, proudly passing his farm onto his son Ron. Gordon served as a Director on the Manitoba Pool Elevator Board and on the sub district council for 19 years. He actively participated in both Blaris and Isabella community organizations.

Even though he retired at age 75, due to health issues, he often said, “I am a farmer for life”, enjoying the many trips back to the farm for harvest. He continued to garden, cut his grass and shovel his snow up to his 99th birthday.  A passion for Gordon in his later years was to go back to his love of working with wood,  building 7 grandfather clocks.  Gordon’s lifelong love for music started as a child sharing music with his family and singing in choirs. This love extended to Friday nights around the piano with his family where he played his mouth organ. He continued to enjoy singing right up to his final days.

 Left behind to cherish Gordon’s memory are his wife Vivian and his children Pat (Alex), Ron (Wilma), Tanis (Eileen), Scott (Nikki). Also left to mourn are grandchildren Alexander (Anisa), Ashley (Andrew), Patrick (Tanya), Tyson (Alison), Aaron (Emily), Karla (David), Holly (Rey), Julie (Dylan), Jordan, Samantha, and great grandchildren Ariya, Aram, James,Violet, Campbell, Grayson, Theo, Athena, Hugo, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Gordon would often say he was proud of making his 101th birthday but what was most important to him and brought him lifelong joy, was the 72 years he had with his greatest love Vivian and the time he had with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A Celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Neepawa Chemotherapy Unit c/o Neepawa Health Centre

“Thank you Dad for your wisdom, your strong sense of family and your never ending love”

The Game of Summer

-Tanis Campbell

I was a young man when I first stood here

when I took to the field

We came with bats and gloves

We came with our love for the game

so full of dreams

Our whole life was before us

We felt we could do no wrong

When I was a young man

We played the game of summer

I am older now as I stand here today

It is only I who now return with my bat and glove

For the love of the game

A field of dreams long since gone

But you do not understand

Even though I am older now and summer has moved to fall

I still hear those sounds of the game on a warm summers night

whispering on the wind

The sounds of the bats, the cheers of the crowd

No matter my age.....it is still my game of summer

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