20-Nov-1923 - 26-Mar-2023
Archie Keith Campbell passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 26th, 2023, surrounded by his Georgian Manor “family”. He was 99 years old. Archie was born November 20, 1923 on his grandfather’s farm in Elgin County, Ontario to Colin A. and Vera (Smith) Campbell. He was the eldest of 5 and is survived by his sibling June who is 5 years younger.
As the son of a mining engineer and prominent politician, the family lived in several small towns throughout Ontario during his younger years. Archie graduated from a high school just north of Kingston where he discovered his love of basketball. He went on to attend Queen’s University with his brother Donald, while his father was oversees at war and Archie graduated in 1945 with an engineering degree in mining. He played a year of university level basketball at Queen’s which he has proudly mentioned several times.
In 1946, Archie met his beloved Anne (Groom) in Timmins, Ontario who was working as a cashier at Feldman’s grocery store at the time. They fell in love and were married shortly thereafter. At the time of Anne’s passing in 2018, they had just celebrated 72 years of a wonderful marriage. The respect and love they had for each other throughout their relationship was at the core of our family. In April of 1947, Archie and Anne welcomed the arrival of their only child, Catherine (Cathy), while living in Timmins. Archie shared a close bond with his daughter his entire life. Cathy, to this day, embodies his sense of patience, humour, and kindness. In 1956, the family moved to Val d’Or, Quebec, where Archie worked as manager of the Macintyre mine for 13 years. In 1969, his engineering and mining career took him to Yellowknife, NWT, where he worked at Manitou Bayview Mine for 5 years before spending 2 years of his mining career in Newfoundland. He loved that his work took him across Canada and he spoke fondly of all his adventures with Anne at his side.
It wasn’t till 1975 that Archie and Anne settled in their beloved home of Midland and later Penetanguishene, Ontario. This is where they would remain for the rest of their lives. Archie was very active in the community serving as the president of the Penetanguishene Public Library board and attending numerous social and educational events with their many friends. Amongst the PeaceWorks and Probus gatherings, they found time to host parties and play bridge with close friends. Gardening, photography, painting, and cooking were several of the passions that Archie shared with Anne throughout their lives, however, Archie was most proud of his family, especially his four grandchildren Angela Leahey (Leavoy), Julie Sawchuk (Leavoy), Lara Shaw (Leavoy), and Wayne “Paul” Leavoy.
“Grandpa Archie” was at the forefront of his grandchildren’s lives with summers at Killarney, overnight visits to Sudbury, and many tours of Wye Marsh and other Midland attractions. Archie always took great interest in the lives and wellbeing of his family. He loved to hear their stories so he could share with others.
For 99 years, Archie shared his dry and witty sense of humour with everyone with whom he connected. He loved to joke and the staff at Georgian Manor were not exempt from his daily teasing. He loved his caregivers at Georgian Manor as much as his own family and spoke so highly of the care he received and of how kind they all were to him as they were previously to his wife Anne. They kept him well stocked with chocolate and Oreo treats and ensured he participated in the activities and offerings at the Manor, especially anything involving live entertainment or painting. On quieter days, Archie could be found reading, doing crosswords, or watching endless episodes of his favourite TV show, Coronation Street.
Archie was a kind, gentle soul that was loved by all. He is survived by his daughter, Catherine Leavoy of Toronto, his grandchildren, Angela (Patrick), Julie (Sergei), Lara, and Paul of Toronto, great grandchildren, Reagan Leahey, Brennan Leahey, Ivan Sawchuk, Viktor Sawchuk, Oliver Leavoy, Simone Shaw, Estelle Shaw, his sister June Perry of Woodbridge, Ontario, his sister-in-law, Helen Fenn of British Columbia, and his many nieces and nephews throughout Canada and the US. He is predeceased by his parents, his brother Donald R., his sister Meryl Yule, his infant sister, Jean, his brother-in-law, John Perry, his brother-in-law, Robert E. Yule, his sister-in-law Laura L. (Baxter), and his son-in-law, Wayne Leavoy.
At Archie's request there will be no calling hours, visitation or funeral. A private gathering will be held at the convenience of the family in Toronto. A special thank you to LeClair Cremation Centre in Midland for their guidance and support during a difficult time. All our love and appreciation to the staff and administrators at Georgian Manor. You have been nothing short of stellar in caring for our grandparents and the peace of mind you gave us will never be forgotten.
Please direct all donations to Georgian Manor and/or their Give a Lift Bus Campaign. Cheques may be made payable directly to Georgian Manor and dropped off at the front desk or mailed to 101 Thompsons Rd, Penetanguishene, ON L9M 0V3.
Arrangements entrusted to LeClair Cremation Centre
