With great sadness, the family of Don Campbell, of Chatsworth, announce his peaceful passing at Brightshores Health System in Markdale on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at age 95. Cherished husband of 31 years to Elizabeth (Stirling) Campbell (nee Hutchinson), and beloved step-father of Gary Stirling (Heather) of Chatsworth. Proud grandpa to Carolyn (Trent), Laura (Marcus), and Hugh (Dawn). Doting great-grandpa of Wren. Don is survived by his sisters-in-law Donna Campbell and Rae Gilmore. Predeceased by his parents Reuben and Laura Campbell (nee Kidd), siblings Anna Sutton (Orville) and Douglas Campbell; and his in-laws Anna Clarke (Hugh), Meta Calvin (Jim), Robin Hutchinson (Mary), Margaret Hutchinson, and Stewart Gilmore, all of Northern Ireland. Don will be fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, and many friends in the community.

​

Don Campbell meant so much to so many, and was one of the cornerstones of the family. He had a quiet disposition, was a deep thinker, a scholar and a gentleman. He was very creative, artistic, and completely genuine. ​Don was a quiet, gentle, and easy-going man whose life spoke softly but deeply. Born August 17, 1930 on a farm in Sullivan Township to Laura and Reuben Campbell. He was a younger brother to sister Anna, and older brother of Douglas. Don lived a long and faithful life. He still enjoyed cutting the lawn and clearing snow, well into his 95th year! He was, in every sense, a faithful servant — to God, to his community, and to the people he loved.

Don had a natural gift for working with his hands. He could make furniture, fix furniture, make what was broken right again, paint pictures from a photo or card, he loved to carve and paint his wooden creations- cars, animals, tractors, and whirly-gigs- creations that displayed his care, patience, and attention to detail. Several even winning him some first-place ribbons at the Chatsworth Fall Fair! All his working life reflected a steady, reliable, and strong disposition. His career was that of installing phone and communications systems. Don spent many years mostly working out west, but also worked a few years in Jamaica, bringing and creating connections wherever he went.

Thirty-three years ago, Don’s life was enriched by love when he met Elizabeth — a meeting that did not happen by chance. His future daughter-in-law, Heather, recognized immediately how well suited they were and made sure they were seated together their wedding. Then there was the New Year’s dance in Bognor, with the 'Harmony 'B's' playing, which set their story in motion. Don and Elizabeth courted for two years, Elizabeth travelling faithfully from North York — always mindful of making it home by midnight — and Don making the journey from Chatsworth to see her in North York.

Then on September 17, 1994 they married at the Willowdale Presbyterian Church and created their home and life together in Chatsworth.

They shared a love of simple, meaningful pleasures: walking in nature together, carefully noting the plants and flowers along the way; they would spend evenings together , with Don sometimes reading four books at a time, and he also loved to work on crossword puzzles. They chose a quieter life, setting aside television and movies in favour of conversation and companionship.

Don and Elizabeth were deeply involved in their community. Don served with care and sincere dedication to the Chatsworth Agricultural Society, the Shiloh Cemetery Board — where the grass was always cut to perfection — and was a daily dedicated caretaker to the Chatsworth United Church, where he also could be found as an usher on Sundays. He was also a faithful lifetime member of the Loyal Orange Lodge for more than 70 years, attending parades and meetings. Together, Don and Elizabeth travelled to Northern Ireland, Western Canada, and around Ontario, strengthening their bonds along the way, but always glad to be home.

Those who knew Don will remember his gentle presence, his steady faith, and his warmth. He gave wonderful hugs, and he never let a parting go by without his familiar blessing:
“God bless you, child.”

In remembering Donal Reuben Campbell, we give thanks for a life well lived — marked by a strong faith, the love of family, friends and community, a deep dedication and service, humility, and quiet devotion. His legacy will live on in the lives that he touched, throughout the labour of his works, and through the kindness that he shared with each of us so freely.

​

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Garafraxa Hill Funeral Home, Chatsworth. A visitation will be held in the funeral home chapel on Saturday, December 20, from 3:00 – 5:00pm. An additional visitation will be 1 hour prior to the funeral service, which will be held on Sunday, December 21, at 3:00pm, officiated by Pastor Shannon Stewart. Spring interment Shiloh Cemetery, Chatsworth. If desired, donations to the Keady United Church or the Chatsworth Agricultural Society, would be appreciated by the family.