Sydney

John Archibald Campbell passed away at home on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at age 91, after a brief illness.

John was predeceased by his wife, Anne Marie (MacLean); daughter, Janet; son-in-law, Paul Coleman and brothers, Allen and Michael Campbell.

John was survived by his daughters, Patricia (Paul) Campbell, Sydney, Karen (Charlie Morrison) Campbell, Sydney and Susan (Andy Legere) Campbell, Waverley; son, Christopher (Christine Fancy) Campbell, Grand Pre; beloved sister, Mary Britten and brother, Joe (Stella) Campbell. Grandpa most enjoyed the company of his 12 grandchildren, Sarah, Michelle, Lisa and Anna Coleman, Grace and Gina Campbell, Leah, Rory and Thomas Morrison, Holly and Jill Legere, and Archie Campbell.

John grew up on Columbia Street in Sydney. With his brothers, John loved to fish and spend time on footpaths in the woods. He was an environmentalist ahead of his time and instilled his great love of the outdoors and animals in his children. This was evident to anyone who saw John with one of his loyal dogs by his side (Sarge, Oakey, Dart, Archie, Rhubarb, Robin, and Spooner). He spent a lot of time scuba diving with his friends in the 1950s. After high school, John was hired at MT&T where he worked for almost 40 years. In 1966, he and Anne Marie were founding members of the Patnic Cooperative Housing Ltd. in Mira Road where they built their home and raised their family next to lifelong friends. In retirement, he had more time to garden, fish, skate, and make tea for Anne.

John loved Cape Breton and had no desire to travel elsewhere. His greatest pleasure was to be surrounded by family. He loved to watch the grandkids around the campfire chatting, playing games, laughing, and singing. It was not uncommon for him to pull a peppermint out of his pocket and quietly hand it to a grandchild or cut a “nutbar” into enough pieces to treat whoever was in the room. In the early years, the bungalow in Mira was where John spent his time with family, including many Campbells and Brittens. His children recall adventures of hiking in Baleine, clamming in Morien, taking the train to Grand Narrows, and water skiing and rowing in Mira Bay. His legacy will be the places he created in Pipers’ Cove that became the center for vacations, gatherings, and countless memories. He planted potatoes, an apple orchard, and continued mowing the lawn until his last summer.

Although he was a man of few words, John spoke his mind and never sugar coated the truth. John’s dry sense of humor inserted itself when least expected and made everyone laugh. He lived independently and spent his last days at home; the family recognises how remarkable this was.  John will always be missed and remembered.

We greatly appreciate the support provided by the Palliative Care team, VON, and Marizone Home Care for the care given to John during his time of need.

There will be no visitation for the late John Campbell. Memorial Mass will be celebrated in St. Marguerite Bourgeois Church, Cabot St., Sydney, on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11 a.m. with Fr. Bill Burke officiating. Private family interment will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice in memory of John.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.

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