My mother Joan would probably be able to tell you the exact date, but to the best of my recollection, it was probably about 40 years ago that my family moved to Rebecca Street in St Catharines. Living next door to us were the Campbells. There was Lorne, his wife Vivian and their kids Kenzie, Karin, Kelly and Kirby. I became friends with the "Campbell Kids", was in the same grade as Kelly and buddies with Kirby.
Because I hung out with Kirby (and our "entourage"), I was at the Campbell's home a lot in those days and it was then that I would first meet Vivian Campbell. "Mrs Campbell" as I always addressed her as back then, was such a nice lady. Someone I always thought of as being very strong and level-headed.
CAMPBELL, Vivian Jean - Of St. Catharines on Wednesday September 28, 2011 at the age of 78 after a courageous battle at home with her family at her side. Loving wife of the late Lorne Campbell, mother of the late Ken (1994), (Janice), Karin (Gerald), Kelly and Kirby (Cindy). Sadly missed by her 13 Grandchildren and 1 Great Grandchild and Tom. Cremation has taken place. Memorial Service was held at the Silver Spire United Church, 366 St. Paul Street on Saturday October 1st, at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Hospice Niagara would be greatly appreciated. Special thanks to Dr. Yellamachelli and extreme gratitude for all the compassion, care and support to Darrell Nutbrown of Saint Elizabeth Health Care.
"Hi Ken, this was beautiful. How thoughtful of you to honor my mother on your website. I'm sure we will run into you soon as we will be spending still alot more time at the house as we prepare it to put on market. That will be a very hard day for us when we leave our home for the last time. There are alot of wonderful memories on Rebecca St. Believe me we have shared alot of them over the last little while. Kick the Can, and water fights. Nicky nicky nine doors...etc. Mom's passing was expected of course, but we never expected her to struggle so hard at the end. I have to believe she is at peace now. We just wanted her pain to stop. Hers has stopped and ours will continue. Thanks again for honoring mom like this. It means the world to me.
-Kelly Campbell-Lostracco
[Ken replies: Kelly it was my honour to feature a memorial to your mom on scribbles. I agree, your mom is now at peace, no doubt reunited with your dad and brother (Where you dad is probably serenading her with his rendition of Paul McCartney's "Mull of Kintyre"). And no matter who someday moves into your mom's house, it will forever be known to me as "The Campbell's place".]
-Kirby Campbell
"Hi Ken, It was really nice seeing you again too. It is always sad to think it takes a funeral to bring forgotten friends together. I just read again your beautiful memorial tribute to Aunt Viv. You have a real gift of writing. I know the 3k's must really appreciate your tribute at this sad time. Take care"
-Kim Nicol
[Ken replies: Indeed funerals are a bittersweet way of people reuniting and realizing how long it has been since we last saw each other. To see you and your sister again after all these years was indeed a treat and naturally brought back a flood of memories from way back, when we were all crazy kids and neighbours. All the best to you and your family.]
Because I hung out with Kirby (and our "entourage"), I was at the Campbell's home a lot in those days and it was then that I would first meet Vivian Campbell. "Mrs Campbell" as I always addressed her as back then, was such a nice lady. Someone I always thought of as being very strong and level-headed.
Throughout the years there would be many changes at those neighbouring homes on Rebecca Street. Both my parents and Lorne and Vivian would watch as their children would eventually each leave the nest and start families of their own. The Campbell's mourned the passing of eldest son Kenzie, who left us far too young. As the years rolled on, both my mom and Mrs Campbell would become widows, with the passing of Lorne and my dad Don.
My mom and Vivian were always the best of neighbours. They'd check the mail for each other when one of them was away and in recent years, Vivian and I shared cat-feeding duty when my mom went on vacations. I visit my mom rather frequently and it was not unusual to see Vivian and exchange greetings.
Sadly that would change, as Vivian began her battle with cancer. Soon, instead of seeing Vivian out and about when I'd visit mom, I'd see various vehicles parked in her driveway belonging to caregivers and family.
Now even that has become history.
Although Kirby, Kelly, Karin and I all went our own ways over the years and lost touch, I'd sometimes see Kirby when he was visiting his mom and reconnected with Karin and Kelly thanks to facebook. To each of you I offer my sincerest sympathy. Your mother was a wonderful person, just like your dad and she will be dearly missed.
VIVIAN CAMPBELL
Feb. 22, 1933 - Sept. 28, 2011
CAMPBELL, Vivian Jean - Of St. Catharines on Wednesday September 28, 2011 at the age of 78 after a courageous battle at home with her family at her side. Loving wife of the late Lorne Campbell, mother of the late Ken (1994), (Janice), Karin (Gerald), Kelly and Kirby (Cindy). Sadly missed by her 13 Grandchildren and 1 Great Grandchild and Tom. Cremation has taken place. Memorial Service was held at the Silver Spire United Church, 366 St. Paul Street on Saturday October 1st, at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to Hospice Niagara would be greatly appreciated. Special thanks to Dr. Yellamachelli and extreme gratitude for all the compassion, care and support to Darrell Nutbrown of Saint Elizabeth Health Care.
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| A GROUP OF PHOTOS FROM 'A DAY OUT WITH MOM' |
Love your childhood friend Kelly xoxo"
[Ken replies: Kelly it was my honour to feature a memorial to your mom on scribbles. I agree, your mom is now at peace, no doubt reunited with your dad and brother (Where you dad is probably serenading her with his rendition of Paul McCartney's "Mull of Kintyre"). And no matter who someday moves into your mom's house, it will forever be known to me as "The Campbell's place".]
"Hi Ken: I just read your tribute to mom and all I can think to say is God bless you and thank you. Your life long friend and neighbour, Kirby."
-Kirby Campbell
[Ken replies: Kirby, I must admit your mother's memorial was one of the most moving services I have ever attended. To see you standing with your sisters as Karin spoke really choked me up, my heart went out to each of you. You showed tremondous strength and your mother would be so proud of you.
Thank you Ken for your very kind words"
-Karin Campbell-Gadd
-Karin Campbell-Gadd
[Ken replies: Karin, hearing you speak so openly about your mother and your family really was touching. It was extremely courageous of you to be so candid about your past - the good times and the not-so-good. I will never forget that moment and the wise life lessons you shared with everyone, lessons we can all learn from. God bless you for doing that.]
"Hi Ken, It was really nice seeing you again too. It is always sad to think it takes a funeral to bring forgotten friends together. I just read again your beautiful memorial tribute to Aunt Viv. You have a real gift of writing. I know the 3k's must really appreciate your tribute at this sad time. Take care"
-Kim Nicol
[Ken replies: Indeed funerals are a bittersweet way of people reuniting and realizing how long it has been since we last saw each other. To see you and your sister again after all these years was indeed a treat and naturally brought back a flood of memories from way back, when we were all crazy kids and neighbours. All the best to you and your family.]