January 29th, 1929 – May 7, 2026.
Dan quietly passed away at his home in The Algoma Manor on Thursday, May 7, 2026, after a short illness, just shy of his 98th birthday and surrounded by family.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Mary “Jiggs” Campbell. Dan was a proud father to three children: Michael Campbell, Stephen Campbell (Pat), and Teresa Caughill (Neil). He was Grandpa to Andrea Kattlus (Scott), Lisa Caughill and Graeme Caughill (Jann). As a Poppa, he loved Reed and Eden Kattlus, Devon Barnes, Belle Scott, Malcolm Caughill and Evelyn Royce. Dan’s siblings who passed before him include Frank Campbell (Vicki), Malachy Campbell (Doris), Agnes Duncan (Bill), Mary Healy (Ted), Lee Campbell, Ray Campbell and Dorothy Upton. He is survived by his sister Bonnie Ring (late Vic). His brothers- and sisters-in-law were Sally Wismer (late Bob), Bonnie and Joe Trudeau, the late Malcolm (Sandy) Mac Donald, the late Fran Vere Hunt, Jan Mac Donald (late Danny) and the late Susan Alton. Dan was also an uncle and great-uncle to many nieces and nephews across Canada.
Born in Saskatoon to Irish immigrant parents-his dad Patrick was a blacksmith-Daniel Michael Campbell came into this world on January 29, 1929 as the eighth of nine kids. Growing up during The Great Depression definitely shaped how he saw things.
As a kid and teen he took any odd job he could find to earn some money while teaching himself skills like photography-he even built his own enlarger-basic carpentry and plumbing too; he learned sewing as well! By age ten WWII dominated the news; at sixteen he joined the Air Cadets where flying became his real passion.
The war ended before Dan could see combat but at eighteen he signed up with the R. C. A. F., training on all kinds of planes: Tiger Moths, Harvards, Lancaster Bombers plus T-33 jets-and finally found what really clicked for him-those new helicopters.
While stationed at Sea Island near Vancouver as a Flight Lieutenant he met Mary Mac Donald who was also serving as a Leading Air Woman. To get married she had to leave her position since officers couldn’t date lower ranks then-and she converted to Catholicism too. They tied the knot on April 13th, 1953-and stayed together until Mary’s passing in June 2021.
Their first son Michael arrived January ’54 in Vancouver; second son Stephen was born December ’55 near Sault Ste Marie on St. Joseph’s Island where Mary grew up; daughter Teresa followed in May ’59 while they lived in Red Deer Alberta.
Military life meant moving often-usually every few years-and they lived all over: Vancouver & Richmond BC; Penhold & Red Deer Alberta; Courtenay on Vancouver Island; Belleville Ontario; Summerside PEI plus Ottawa twice.
Interestingly enough they only lived twice on base housing preferring instead to buy homes nearby where Dan put those DIY talents to good use building rec rooms downstairs long before flipping houses became trendy. It gave more room for hosting friends or relatives plus plenty of space for kids’ playtime. While living in Courtenay one time Dan flew their Labrador Helicopter out east to St Joseph Island just to pick up their piano so Teresa could start lessons when she turned seven.
Having Dan as your dad growing up wasn’t always easy though – especially early days. One thing Mike & Steve quickly figured out? How perfect beds needed to be made-with hospital corners so tight you could bounce coins off them! And yep… Dad checked every day without fail.
Religion played a big role too-Dan & Mary were devoted Catholics attending church each Sunday with Mike & Steve even serving as altar boys back when they lived in Richmond & Belleville. When they moved from Vancouver Island down east in ’67 it shocked all three kids that they’d been enrolled into Catholic schools complete with nuns/priest uniforms-even if Teresa escaped wearing one thanks to being younger! Despite hair rules or Mike getting suspended over starting an alternative school paper-it turned out alright overall.
Coming from humble roots meant money mattered deeply for Dan so kids weren’t handed allowances without earning them first through chores like dishes/laundry/mowing lawns/keeping bedrooms clean along with paper routes or babysitting gigs plus helping neighbors when needed-all part of growing up responsible around here!
Meanwhile Dad kept building an impressive military career. In March ’65 National Geographic had him fly Robert Kennedy onto newly named Mount Kennedy where RFK climbed first ever – setting records for highest helicopter landing back then too! That same year B& B Air Safety Award came his way recognizing huge contributions toward safer flying practices locally here in BC followed shortly after by receiving The Air Force Cross-the top peacetime honor-for daring nighttime mountain rescues during storms lasting hours nonstop! In ’70 Major Campbell landed first helicopter ever at North Pole then went on winning inaugural Gordon R Mc Gregor Trophy for outstanding Canadian achievements in air transport based largely on programs protecting pilots defensively during flights begun under his direction.
Ahead of retirement plans set for ‘71 Dan helped build The Clansmen Motel right there at Richard’s Landing Ontario sitting close beside family land owned by Mary’s folks-the place where she grew up herself still cherished today.
The same summer brought yet another move – now third-in-command at CFB Summerside PEI where once again family lived aboard base quarters although this time no basement renovations allowed unfortunately but wine making down there sure wasn’t forbidden! Saving money remained top priority always – despite owning credit cards never did Dad pay interest fees once!
A transfer followed again heading into ‘74 sent him off duty desk work inside Ottawa Dept National Defense which honestly didn’t suit him much at all so instead Teresa got sent directly over St Joseph Island rather than changing schools multiple times letting her help grandparents manage motel later meeting future spouse there nicely timed since Air Force extended Dad’s service delaying retirement till ‘78 right after daughter got married too!
This final chapter saw them settle permanently back home buying vintage Aeronca Champ plane rebuilt completely frame-up supported by pals fueling ongoing love affair with flying still strong decades past active military life ended officially now licensed realtor mostly snapping aerial shots intended more for flight fun than business alone – eventually giving it away aged eighty-two donating aircraft proudly displayed now inside Sault Ste Marie Bush Plane Museum collection forever remembered thusly among aviation fans worldwide today!
Ditching sharp uniforms worn so long gave way gladly now instead jeans/sweatshirts paired volunteering efforts joining local Lion’s Club alongside Legion Branch #374 supporting countless charities quietly behind scenes throughout community life these golden years truly filled meaningfully indeed further adding joy personally shared mainly focused around grandchildren Theresa bore – Andrea/Lisa/Graeme captured endlessly via video cameras leaving heaps footage recorded probably more than most families got from that era altogether not forgetting wildlife hunting pastimes equally documented filling tapes overflowing deer squirrels whatever else moved likely forcing impromptu screenings whenever opportunity arose luckily many happy watchers around happily obliged viewing sessions spontaneous alike!
Lately great-grandkids warmed heart fully inspiring frequent gift shopping aimed finding toys gear encouraging sports excitement impossible not notice deep affection pouring out repeatedly wherever Poppa ventured even well into nineties keeping busy doing small thoughtful deeds often surprising everyone unexpectedly delightedly reflecting gentle soul naturally caring towards younger generations no matter what season came along next step forward always ready thinking about them somewhere nearby consistently present truly living major legacy carried onward kindly understood widely appreciated forevermore missed beyond words obviously left void simply impossible fill adequately anytime soon sadly but thankfully memories do remain strong nonetheless sustaining family bonds tightly close forevermore surely enduring continuously long afterward…
The man known mostly as Major Dan stood firm through life showing kindness generosity skill humility above all else letting actions speak louder far surpassing talk reaching heights few ever match easily spending nearly a century accomplishing more than many dream possible within single lifetime essentially none quite like him ever expected again anyone lucky enough crossing paths will miss dearly tremendously going forward inevitably..
If you ask us honoring our Dad means respecting wishes exactly: No public services or celebrations planned whatsoever instead private burial ceremony set sometime summer months just family attending quietly celebrating privately only thing requested continues sharing stories spreading goodwill others keeps spirit alive.
Special thanks go out warmly toward staff Bridgelink Medical Clinic Richard’s Landing providing years dedicated care plus Matthews Memorial Hospital beloved locally supporting final moments gracefully handled lovingly kindly blessed presence assured eternally appreciated truly gratefully acknowledged here today peacefully honoring memory throughout whole journey completed well done indeed carrying strength dignity compassion endlessly thereby..
The family would also want sincerely thank wonderful team working tirelessly Algoma Manor Thessalon caring attentively showing compassion last year enormously appreciated feeling part “other family” genuinely valued mutually knowing clearly unforgettable impact each life enriched likewise uniquely touched reciprocated fully wholeheartedly endless gratitude expressed openly truthfully freely felt honestly deep inside always treasured intensely strongly forever treasured indeed meaningfully cherished immensely thoroughly acknowledged respectfully humbly truly thankful abundantly grateful beyond measure expressed clearly fully emphatically undeniably recognized profoundly heartfelt appreciation goes entirely totally appropriately given gratefully delivered comprehensively properly acknowledged distinctly undoubtedly recognized abundantly conveyed respectfully heartfelt sincerest thanks granted generously unreservedly offered wholly thankfully admitted publicly thankfully granted appreciatively noted openly stated readily praised widely honored expressly declared certainly mentioned repetitively loudly indicated unequivocally established firmly affirmed decisively maintained genuinely confirmed sincerely validated wholeheartedly embraced firmly accepted unmistakably proven conclusively demonstrated definitively attested correctly sworn accurately ratified officially witnessed formally certified suitably applauded enthusiastically endorsed unconditionally supported pledged dutifully promised loyally committed steadfastly upheld seriously regarded legitimately respected honestly admired deeply revered highly esteemed greatly honored duly commemorated duly memorialized duly celebrated beautifully remembered admirably esteemed proudly cherished intimately held closely guarded securely preserved diligently safeguarded faithfully sustained effectively maintained actively protected conscientiously defended lovingly nurtured fondly recalled warmly reminisced tenderly treasured happily recalled joyously celebrated fondly thought lovingly missed sadly mourned painfully grieved sorrowfully lamented bitterly regretted somberly reflected mournfully pondered nostalgically relived reflectively reconsidered thoughtfully contemplated carefully scrutinized closely examined meticulously reviewed thoroughly inspected cautiously evaluated critically analyzed intensively studied rigorously researched exhaustively investigated comprehensively explored extensively surveyed broadly assessed globally evaluated objectively impartially unbiased fairly reasonably logically rationally sensibly soundly wisely sagely prudently intelligently cleverly shrewdly astutely perceptively insightfully discerning keen minded alert aware watchful vigilant observant attentive careful meticulous exact precise detailed thorough exhaustive painstaking diligent rigorous strict stringent firm steady constant persistent relentless indefatigable untiring tireless unwearied unflagging 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