Campbell, Robert “Bobby” George - Robert George “Bobby” Campbell passed away on August 7, 2024, at the age of 67. Bobby, or as we knew him, Dad, was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to everyone.
Born in Truro, he was a son of Laura Mary (Finley) Campbell, and Everett Malcolm Campbell, and adopted son of his Aunt Marjorie Forbes (Campbell) Henderson and Uncle Donald B. Henderson.
Dad leaves behind a literal village of people who will love and miss him forever including his ex-wife and mother of his children, Linda Johnson; their three daughters, Kelsey (Matthew), Bailey (Andrew), and Ally (Justin); his siblings, Nancy (Greg), Patsy (Herb), Betty, Paul, Billy; cousin and adopted brother, Mike (Brenda); as well as many, many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
He will always be remembered as “Man” by his grandchildren, Layla, Ellie-May, Beau, and Sawyer. They will forever miss their Sunday morning “Mancakes” and movie nights with their Man.
Dad was a deeply beloved father, uncle, cousin, brother, and friend. His passing was sudden and unexpected but quick, just like he would have wanted.
Dad’s early life was defined by his dedication to athletics. He was recognized and respected provincially and nationally as the emotional heart and co-Captain of the Brookfield Elks fastpitch softball dynasty. He broke into Senior Men’s fastpitch as a 17-year-old, played 16 seasons for the Elks, and participated in ten National Championships, winning gold, silver and bronze medals. All of this took place in an era when softball was the dominant summertime sport, and teams had to win the provincial title to advance to the Canadian Championships. He then coached teams in the Elks program for many years - five of his nephews would go on to play at Nationals. Dad’s former teammates on the Elks were his lifelong friends and meant the world to him.
Dad instilled countless lessons in us growing up, first and foremost was the importance of honesty and that he would never be mad at us as long we did not lie to him (even if you hypothetically backed his jeep into a ditch after a party and could have gotten away with it). Perhaps his most significant lesson of all was the importance of being there for the ones you love. He was always there when you needed him, it did not matter the time of day or what kind of trouble you had gotten yourself in, Dad would show up.
Dad got a new lease on life after suffering a massive heart attack in 2016, and lived each day to its absolute fullest. He took on new hobbies like tracking cloud formations, astronomy, and became a master chef as well as an incredible baker. He cherished his time with us and his greetings always began with an affectionate “Hey, you” and ended with a tight squeeze and a “love you, child.”
While we lost our Dad, there are countless others who have lost a friend and loved one in him. He showed up for everyone in his life with a fun “fact,” which he may have to revise a day or two later with corrected information, timely and sage advice, or sarcastic humor when needed. He loved being a part of a big family, both in the traditional sense of the word and also the families he created through ball teams, fishing camps, or his hobby golf course, the “Garden Links.” He has left a hole in all of our lives that can never be filled.
We invite you all to share your fun “facts,” pictures or memories. He would want everyone to laugh and reminisce, and smile together during this time. We hope you all root for the San Franscisco 49ers this year in his honour.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Dad’s life will be held at a later date.
If so desired, donations in his memory may be made to the Brookfield Athletic Association, 57 Carter Road
Brookfield, NS B0N 1C0.
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