In Loving Memory Of
Stephen Coady Campbell
June 17, 2021

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Karen, his four children, Andrew (Beth), Stewart (Leslie), Gordon (Marlene), and Lawren (Lynne), and eight grandchildren, Brett, Mackenzie, Curran, Benson, Lachlan, Chloe, Rowan and Ellie. He is also survived by his sister, Anna Eddy, brother-in-law, Wayne Clarke (Betty), sister-in-law, Janet Clarke-Porter (Jack) and many nephews and nieces.

Born Stephen Coady Campbell in New Waterford, Cape Breton in 1939, Steve was predeceased by his parents, Murdoch and Catherine Campbell, and his four brothers, Tony, Rod, David and John Campbell, parents-in-law Archie and Jennie Clarke (Sydney).

In 1963 he married Karen Marie Clarke from Sydney, Cape Breton. They were equal partners, and remained as happily married for the rest of his life as two people could be.

After leaving New Waterford, he took degrees in Arts and Education from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish and an MA in English Literature from The University of New Brunswick. Upon completing his Education degree, he worked as a Professor of English at Université de Moncton and its predecessor (Le Collège Saint-Joseph) for 35 years, from 1961-1996, at which time he retired.

During his tenure at U de M, Steve enjoyed the respect of students and faculty alike for his highly effective teaching, his easy decency, and his strict evenhandedness.
Former students often maintain that he taught them how to think critically, and if they were already critical thinkers, how to be more skilled ones.

Many will no doubt remember him as a singularly articulate and engaging speaker, either in person or before a group. A conversation with Steve Campbell was probably the highlight of your day, and his speech at any function was often the highlight of the event.

Steve was granted elected office three times by Moncton voters, something for which he was always grateful, serving on Moncton City Council as a councilor from 1971-1977. Though he was courted to run for higher office, he opted instead to serve behind the scenes.

President of the Moncton East Liberal Association from 1974-1998, he chaired every Moncton East campaign during that time. Federally, he chaired the campaigns of at least three of Moncton’s MPs.

He was a tireless volunteer, bringing his full attention and energies to every project, and there were scores of them: Humphrey Homeowners Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters, St. Michael’s Parish Council, Greater Moncton Airshows, Project Ethiopia, 1984 Papal Visit, St.F.X. Alumni, Greater Moncton Sewerage Commission, Greater Moncton Interim Police Authority, just to name a few.

After he retired, Steve joined the local PROBUS club. He served his local club in various capacities for many years, then became involved with the national organization. In 2013 he became President of PROBUS Canada and remained a vocal and enthusiastic proponent of the PROBUS idea.

There are fewer pictures of Steve than there are of the rest of his family, and the reasons for this are twofold: he was usually the one behind the camera, and subjects in motion are difficult to photograph.

A true Renaissance man, Steve’s pastimes included being a voracious reader, having a lifelong fascination with science, particularly astronomy, interests in theatre, poetry, movies, genealogy, golf and woodworking, as well as all cultures and religions. The dinner table was never boring, and as we celebrate his life, it never will be!

He considered his actions and contributions to be fleeting and ephemeral; his family was his world more than the world was his family.

Visitations will be held at Passage Funeral Chapel on Saturday, August 7th, 2021 from 12pm until time of the Celebration of his life at the Chapel at 2pm. 

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to www.hospicesenb.ca or the charity of one’s choice.
The family invites you to sign the book of condolences at www.funerairepassagefuneral.ca.

Funeral arrangements under the professional care of