Obituary of Joel Campbell

Joel Douglas Campbell Joel Campbell took off during a beautiful sunrise on 28 December 2018 at the age of 72. He fought a brave battle against a long illness which he saw as just a new challenge to overcome. He was eternally optimistic and never complained. He is survived by his wife Diane, children Shawn (Tracey), Laura (Binyam) and Loel (Emily), grandson Caden, his brothers (Ross, Paul, Jimmy) sister (Cindy), cousin Sean, and their families. He was predeceased by his parents Adrian and Gracia and brother, David (Carole). Joel learned to be strong at an early age. This contributed to his incredible work ethic, which helped him as he was never dealt or took an easy path. He believed in dreaming and dream he did. Unconventional and full of ideas, he was an automotive technician, entrepreneur, founding member of the Stellarton Business Association, President of the Nova Scotia Gas Dealers Association, early adopter of technology, traveler and Wintersleep’s biggest fan. He and Diane were married for 46 years. They were a committed team working side by side to run their business which they established in 1971 and raise their family. His whole life was his wife and his children. Of all things in his rich life, he was most proud of and satisfied with their three children whom he considered his greatest achievement and which he passed along his relentless work ethic to. He loved to talk about all of them and was careful to always do so in equal proportion. He enabled his children to live their dreams (their dreams became his dreams). He is so present in his three children. With Diane, he followed his son across North America. He loved to surprise Loel by showing up to some of his concerts from California to Newfoundland. He followed his daughter to Africa making it his goal to get to see her in Ethiopia after open heart surgery. He made it and loved it! He loved his daily calls with her. He always told her she could do anything and was amazed at all the places she went. His son Shawn was his constant companion - basically since he could walk. They would talk for hours, making plans and figuring out their next move (some of which Shawn didn’t have much of a say in as a child!). He was always happy to have his grandson, Caden, around and they shared a special bond. He always looked forward to his hugs, hockey games and sharing the wonderus qualities of the world with him. Joel never missed or took a single sunrise for granted at the family cottage. He would want to get down there early and stay down for as long as possible in the season – he could not have enjoyed the cottage more. He started going to the YMCA after completing the Cardio Rehabilitation Program and never stopped. Representing the Program at the Johnny Miles Walk was a special honour. Music had a special place in Joel’s life, he found a lot of comfort in it and connected to it deeply. Music was Joel’s pulse and he had Wintersleep playing as he went under his bypass surgery. It was a great motivator. Joel passionately engaged with people – always interested in things people had to say and would take every opportunity to learn. He knew who he was and was always himself. He was so genuine and honest. "Pretty good for a young fella". In lieu of flowers, please wake up early to watch the sunrise. Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Canadian Diabetes Association would also be appreciated. Special thanks to Jennifer, the VON, his many doctors, nurses, health care workers and his lifelong friends Dougie and Freddie A celebration of Joel's life will take place on January 5, 2019 at Glasgow Square, New Glasgow from 3 to 9:30 P.M. New Glasgow Square 3-7: Gathering of friends and relatives 7:15 - 9:30: Welcoming, Eulogy, Readings, Prayer, Music Arrangements are under the direction of the H.C.MacQuarrie Funeral Chapel ,Stellarton . Online condolences can be made on our website at www.angusfuneralhomes.com