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.
Online Condolences
Karen and family…..we are so deeply sorry for the passing of your father….may he rest in peace
From: David and Sharon Watts
Sending heartfelt condolences on the passing of John. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
From: Gary and Elaine Evely
I’m sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. Lorna and family
From: Lorna MacDonald
We heard this very sad news. Best wishes for your entire family. Sincerely, Peter, Alison & Family
John was a wonderful person. A gentleman, kind and thoughtful, I found the depth of his wisdom and quiet strength were remarkable traits. He will always be remembered, with a smile. My heart is with his family.
So sorry to see this . I worked with John for many years he was truly a lovely man .My condolences to all the family
Heather Johnston
Accept my heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Your parents were among the best. They are and will be sorely missed. God bless you all!!!
We’re very sorry for your loss. We didn’t have the privilege to meet him but heard wonderful stories about him from Susan and Sarah. We did enjoy some apples from his orchard this summer and can attest they made delicious applesauce!
Thinking of you all during this sad time .
Our heartfelt condolences to all who are fortunate enough to be part of John’s family. He was a man of few words and quick wit, his kindness and his love of family will be treasured always. Take comfort in the many great memories…….Roger and Mollie.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful neighbor growing up. My condolences to you all.
Susan Andy Jill Holly
We are saddened to hear this news . Cherish your many wonderful memories !
Sending our love
Louie & Colleen
So very sorry to hear of John’s passing. We both worked with him at MT&T however knew him best as being married to AnnMarie , Mrs MacLean’s daughter next door.
Condolences to all of you.
Our condolences to the Campbell family on John’s passing. He was a very honourable and kind person. Always told it like it was..our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you grieve his loss. God Bless. Roddie and Judy.
So very sad to here of Johnny’s passing love and condolences to the entire family
Take comfort in the beautiful memories. I remember Johnny was always so present and patient , always looking after 100 kids when we went to Mira! He had the best laugh. Thinking of all of you 🤍
Karen, Tricia and Susan, sending heartfelt condolences on the loss of your father! He was a strong and formidable man who, along with your beautiful mother, raised an incredible family! Sending love and hugs to your entire family 💔
To all the Campbell Family;
Our sincere condolences.
Johnny was a great person and a good friend and we will dearly miss him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Stan, Estelle, Sharon and Francis Reppa
Our sincere condolences to all the family, may the beautiful memories you share bring you comfort.
Barry and Luella MacKenzie
We were sorry to hear that Johnny has passed away and are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Please accept our sincere sympathy in your time of sorrow.
My deepest sympathy Karen, Charlie and family. May your happy memories help to ease your sadness at this time.
With caring thoughts and prayers , Helen Crane
To the Campbell Family;
My condolences and prayers on your loss. Johnny and Anne Marie were very active in Mira Road Parish over the yeas and very supportive of the youth of the community.
In fact the last few times I saw Johnny he was cheering on (Very Quietly) Tommy and the County Islanders in some chilly local rink.
It was through Johnny that I met his brother Michel or ‘Digger’. I often wondered if Johnny gave ‘Digger’ his nickname.
Anyway lots of good memories. May he rest in peace and may the Lord be with you all.
Fr. Angus MacDougall