Peter Campbell
December 19, 1935 – September 16, 2026

Peter Campbell lived a wonderful, full life, rich in adventure, friendship, family, and very strong opinions. He died peacefully at midnight on September 16, 2026, at Dorothy Ley Hospice, with his family by his side. He was 90, just three months shy of his 91st birthday.

Born in Galt, Ontario (now part of Cambridge) to Rhea and John Campbell, Peter was predeceased by his siblings, Susan Shurtleff, Norah Campbell, and Rik Campbell. His beloved wife, Margaret Rose (née Tarrant), died on August 30, 2023.

Peter leaves behind his children, Kenzie Campbell, Patrick Campbell, and Rhea Campbell; his son-in-law, Alex Lickerman; his daughters-in-law, Linley Campbell and Rose Campbell; his grandchildren, Cruise Lickerman, Nolan Campbell, Hannah Campbell, Ryan Campbell, Maggie Campbell, and Dylan Campbell; and his great-grandson, Kaya Campbell.

After graduating from the University of Western Ontario, where he played football, Peter worked on the railways of northern Ontario and Quebec. Along the way, he formed friendships that would enrich his life for decades, including those with Hutch, Kim, Carmen, Gail, Dan and Gissele, Aubrey and Ursula, Robert and many others.

While working at the Iron Ore Company of Canada, Peter met Margaret, who had come from Newfoundland. They married and began their family, welcoming Kenzie, then Patrick, and then Rhea. Peter and Margaret had a true partnership. His career would not have been what it was without Margaret’s support behind the scenes.

Peter’s career took him from the Iron Ore Company of Canada to human resources roles at Campbell Soup and eventually to president and CEO of Connaught Laboratories, which later became Pasteur Mérieux and is now called Sanofi Pasteur.

Throughout his career, Peter was passionate about developing people. Kathy Morgan, Debbie Bujega, and others remembered him as someone who made a lasting difference in their careers.

Peter was happiest when he was active, outdoors, and in good company. He loved cross-country skiing, sailing, cycling, and just about anything that kept him moving. One of his favourite bike rides was along the Tay Shore Trail, part of the Trans Canada Trail in the Midland Ontario area, particularly the stretch between the town of Midland and Port McNicoll. He especially loved the small spur overlooking Hogg Bay. In his memory, his three children are dedicating a bench along the trail he loved. So, if you find yourself cycling or walking that way, please stop, enjoy the view, and think of Peter.

Peter spent many wonderful trips sailing the British Virgin Islands in the Semicolon, a 37-foot C&C sailboat, with his family and buddies. If the walls of the Semicolon could talk, they would probably have a few stories to tell about those buddy trips. Perhaps it is best for everyone that they cannot.

Later came many happy years on Georgian Bay aboard the Maggie Rose. Peter and Margaret were fixtures at Wye Heritage Marina. Cocktail hour began at the end of the dock around 4:00 or 4:30, with friends gathering, boats coming and going, and even the marine police occasionally pulling alongside for a chat. Peter and Margaret knew everyone, and everyone seemed to know them.

Peter loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandson deeply. He spent many happy hours at the St. Lawrence Market with Kenzie and his children. He had a special relationship with each member of his family and took enormous pride in watching them all grow.

Peter was funny, stubborn, and tough as hell. He was also a Depression-era baby, which meant nothing was discarded while it still had even the faintest possibility of another year of use. This was especially true of his Tilley hat and matching shorts. The hat may have been 40 years old, was almost certainly never washed, and was never seriously considered for replacement. Many will remember Peter walking down the dock at Wye Heritage Marina in that hat and those shorts, hands clasped behind his back, surveying everything around him.

Over the years, Peter survived a myriad of health issues that might have taken out another man. But not Peter. He was like a cat with more than nine lives. Colon cancer, diabetes, coronary artery disease: he beat them all. His fierce independence remained until the end. After Margaret’s death, Peter continued living on his own at Port Credit Residences. When his children suggested that he accept help from personal care workers, he firmly refused. Only when he could barely walk safely did he accept a small amount of assistance. That was five days before he entered hospice and only 20 days before he took his final breath.

At Port Credit Residences, Peter made new friends and organized “TED Talks” for his fellow residents. Healthcare was a favourite subject. Even during his final three days, while lying in bed at Dorothy Ley Hospice, he gave Patrick one last talk about the healthcare system. He may have been slightly delirious, but Pat enjoyed it nonetheless and Peter was thrilled to have one last TED Talk audience.

Peter spent his final 15 days in the extraordinary care of the staff at Dorothy Ley Hospice. His room was full of life. His children and friends came and went, food was shared, and stories and laughter filled the days.

All three of his children spent time with him on his final day. When he took his last breath, he was comfortable, free of pain, and deeply loved.

Peter leaves behind a lifetime of friendships, adventures, opinions, laughter, and people who grew because they knew him. He was deeply loved, completely himself, and absolutely unforgettable.

It was, without question, a life well lived!