Cover photo for Cecil Campbell's Obituary
Cecil Campbell Profile Photo
1928 Cecil 2023

Cecil Campbell

January 26, 1928 — May 20, 2023

Sundridge

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Cecil Campbell on May 20, 2023 at the age of 95. His loved ones and many friends will miss his ever-smiling face, but will forever cherish the lessons his inspiring life provides: the importance of rising to meet challenges, perseverance and taking joy in the simple things in life.

Cecil Clarence Campbell was born in Eldon Township, near Kirkfield and grew up on a farm. At age 6, he was diagnosed as Deaf. He attended the Belleville School for the Deaf, opening up a new world for him. He embraced Deaf culture and made many lifelong friends. Cecil worked as a labourer in Southern Ontario before finding his career at Anderson's Millwork Limited, where he worked for 37 years.

Cecil was an adventurous young man, and one of his adventures landed him the love of his life. He heard about a beautiful, single Deaf woman in Magnetawan and gallantly hopped in his car and drove hours to meet this stranger. The risk paid off well -- they married two years later. Cecil and Verna (Botham) would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary later this year, and built a wonderful life and legacy together. We ask that you wrap Verna with love and prayer as she navigates the loss of her best friend.

Cecil and Verna raised three children, then welcomed five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren with much love.

They built their home in Sundridge and lived there for 47 years. As hard as it was when they said good bye to it, Verna and Cecil embraced the Deaf culture, as well as to make new friendships and rekindle old ones, at the Bob Rumball Home for the Deaf in Barrie for the past five years.

Cecil was the beloved husband of Verna. Cherished father of Cecilia Grasser (Reg), Jim (Gail) and Allan (Bonnie Lou). Proud grandfather of Keely (Derek) Haines, Ryan, Mitchell (Anthony) Grasser, Twyla and Brent Campbell. Dear great-grandfather of Jackson Haines, and Colby and Gunner Grasser. Cecil was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Lena Campbell, his siblings Murray Campbell (Mary), Alma Brown (Irwin) and Doris Imrie (Hugh). Cecil is survived by his sisters-in-law, Margaret Wager, Hazel Wager, Maureen Carlson and brother-in-law, Ron Botham. Predeceased by his in-laws, Harold Botham and Emma and Ray Ladd, and his sister-in-law, Audrey McEwen. He was Uncle Cecil to many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors at the Opatovsky Funeral Home-Moore Chapel, 9 Paget Street in Sundridge on Saturday May 27, 2023 from 6 to 8 pm and Sunday May 28, 2023 from 11am until time of service.

A service to celebrate Cecil’s life will be conducted in chapel on Sunday May 28, 2023 commencing at 1:00pm with Rev. Rick Callery officiating. Interment in Strong Cemetery will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sundridge Lion’s Club, or the Bob Rumball Foundation for the Deaf or your charity of choice.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Saturday, May 27, 2023

6:00 - 8:00 pm (Eastern time)

Opatovsky Funeral Home - Moore Chapel

9 Paget St, Sundridge, ON P0A 1Z0

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Visitation

Sunday, May 28, 2023

11:00am - 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

Opatovsky Funeral Home - Moore Chapel

9 Paget St, Sundridge, ON P0A 1Z0

Get Directions

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Service

Sunday, May 28, 2023

Starts at 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

Opatovsky Funeral Home - Moore Chapel

9 Paget St, Sundridge, ON P0A 1Z0

Get Directions

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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