Douglas Robert Campbell
Celebration of Life
Saturday, November 14, 2026
1:00 - 4:00 PM
Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier
138 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver, BC V7L 0B1
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RSVPs are appreciated at: https://bit.ly/RSVPdoug
Obituary for Douglas Robert Campbell
August 27, 1945 - August 27, 2026
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Douglas Robert Campbell. Doug passed away peacefully on August 27th, his 81st birthday, at the Creekstone Care Centre in North Vancouver. Doug was the husband to his beloved Shirley, and dedicated dad to Christina (Allan Doolittle) and Georgia (Ben Anderson), grandpa (aka “Cubby”) to Norah and Emma, and loving uncle, nephew, cousin, godparent, mentor and close friend to many.
Doug was born in 1945 to parents Robert and Mary (née Proden) in Calgary Alberta where he grew up and later met Shirley in 1967. They married in 1968, built a beautiful life together and celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary this past June.
Doug studied Political Science at the University of Calgary, then Law School at the University of Alberta. Upon completion Doug and Shirley moved to Vancouver to start a new adventure. Four years into his legal career he was appointed to the Provincial Court of BC, becoming the youngest judge appointed in Canada at the age of 29! Doug worked as a Provincial Court Judge for 21 years and was then appointed to the Federal Court, Canada in 1995. Doug retired in 2020 as the longest sitting judge in Canada at 46 years. Doug’s judicial career was highlighted by his involvement in advancing equality, social justice, and rights for Indigenous Peoples through judicial education. Doug developed and delivered groundbreaking social context education throughout Western and Northern Canada, and all over the world, including South Africa, Australia, China, Serbia, Croatia, Fiji, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Palestine and Jamaica. He was always passionate about making a difference.
In their early years, Doug and Shirley loved boating up the Pacific Coast with their two miniature poodles, Zar and Val, eventually settling down by having their daughters (Christina in 1981 and Georgia in 1984), and taking on a recreational property on Valdes Island in 1981.The cabin on Valdes was a special place for Doug and the family. He cherished his time on “the point” with Shirley catching the setting sun, his daily summer swims across the Bay, time with family laughing and dancing, and visits with all the close friends they made.
Doug had many interests. He loved to swim, he was a skilled amateur photographer, he had a keen interest in meteorology, and he and the family loved to vacation in Maui. It was a special place for him. Doug also officiated many weddings for friends and family over the years and he was honoured to participate in such joyful moments.
Doug was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2023 and his condition quickly progressed. He maintained his sense of humour, love of dance and music, and his charm until the end.
Doug had a larger than life personality. He will be fondly remembered for his sense of humour, his unique ability to be both intellectual and incredibly silly, his passion for justice, and the immense warmth, generosity, and love he showed his family and friends. Doug was often the life of the party and could captivate anyone with the mischievous glint in his eye and his uncontrollable laughter. Doug was a charismatic man with a large heart, and he will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held on November 14th from 1:00-4:00pm at the Pinnacle Hotel, located at 138 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver, BC V7L 0B1. All are welcome to join, RSVPs are appreciated at the URL: https://bit.ly/RSVPdoug.
In Loving Memory
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