Obituary of Bernard "Bernie" Campbell

Bernard (Bernie) Lorne Campbell What comes to mind when you hear this name? A little boy who grew up on a dairy farm in White Lake, whose family has been there for generations and still are. A family man who loved his wife Louva of sixty years and his daughters Heather and Paula. A good friend who would come by for a visit or share a story just when you needed it and come alongside anyone to help. If you ever had anything broken, he was often the one to fix it – especially if it involved crazy glue or duct tape. Bernie loved tinkering with engines and driving interesting vehicles – tractors, motorcycles, skidoos, Model A’s, convertible trucks or family cars. These skills were used in his career of over thirty years with Ontario Hydro. From climbing any height fearlessly to working with landscapers and planting trees in places like the Arnprior weir on the Madawaska. Bernie’s friends at Ontario Hydro knew him as someone who worked hard and a man of uncompromising integrity when it came to his work. Perhaps you know his love of quirky humour or cartoon clipouts. In his retirement he became an active member of the Model A Club. If you were a part of this man’s life, you likely received a gesture of his care like candy, treats, homemade toys and baking, or a tree. He readily gave a hand in friendship, a reassuring smile or an act of kindness, a word of common sense, or honest truth, but it all came from a heart that loved more than he let on because he was a man of few words and preferred his actions to speak for him. Lately, a treasured hymn was “Make Me a Blessing” and he truly tried to be one to others. Perhaps this came from Jeremiah 17:7-8 which says, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters.” To celebrate his life and legacy our family would suggest people plant a tree or bless someone. Loving husband of Louva (Peever) and father of Heather (Jeff) Baird and Paula (Grant) Wells. Grandfather to six amazing grandchildren James (Jeddi), David, Daniel, and Jason (Hannah) Baird as well as Olivia and Nathan Wells. Brother to Bob (Carole) Campbell and Earle (Dale) Campbell and brother-in-law to Aileen Emard and Ruth Peever. Loved by many wonderful nieces and nephews. Private family arrangements have been entrusted to the Boyce Funeral Home, Ltd., 138 Daniel Street North, Arnprior.