William Campbell

William (Bill) James Alexander Campbell sadly passed away November 17th, 2025 at 92 years of age after a very short illness.

He was born in Loughries in Ards and North Down, Northern Ireland on September 25th, 1933. Predeceasing Bill is his mother Irene Young, father William A. Campbell, sister Ivy and son Jim. Bill lived at Hillcrest farm house near the town of Newtownards with his sisters Ivy and Zena. Bill loved to learn but sadly his early education was cut short due to having to provide for, and look after, his mother and sisters. Despite this, he constantly kept up with education and further learning taking night classes, courses and studying.

He loved to read novels in his spare time and one of his favourite authors was Clive Cussler. Bill joined the RAF (Royal Air Force) as a cadet at the age 17 and served primarily in the control towers as a radar operative. In 1956, he Immigrated to Vancouver, Canada with his young family and worked as a senior sales representative and regional manager for Barber-Ellis until his retirement in 1999. He was a life long member and supporter of the Royal Canadian Legion for those who served. Bill was considered lucky in the love department with four marriages during his life time. Fathering six children, William David, Jim, Aileen, John, Glen and Kathleen with his previous wives Margaret, Beverly and Moira. Through his marriage to Betty he became step father to Elaine, Steven and Shirley. Bill leaves behind his grandchildren (Tara, Taryn, Kathryn) and great-grandchildren (Anthony, Merrick). Bill and Betty remained together until her death on September 3rd, 2020, spending over 25 years together. 

Bill, like his father before him, loved playing darts and won many awards for his achievements. He was a thoughtful and well-respected person who loved telling stories and sharing jokes.  Bill was a great lover of animals and shared his home over his life span with three dogs named Spot, Tiny and Pumpkin, a cat named Benson and two budgies. He befriended a seagull he named George who he would tend to and feed regularly along with many other birds in his gardens; he was particularly fond of hummingbirds.

In his retirement years he enjoyed cruising with his wife Betty. Bill lived independently right up to the age of 91; driving himself around. He will be greatly missed by all of us. We will be holding a special event in his honour at the Port Moody Legion, 2529 Clarke St., Port Moody on Saturday, January 24, 2025 from 2pm to 4pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the BC SPCA.