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Paul Campbell

Image by Nick Andréka

REV. DR. PAUL MARSHALL CAMPBELL

August 1, 1942 – July 5, 2023

Paul Marshall Campbell left us peacefully yet unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 5 at the Grace Hospital. He lived an amazing life to the fullest.

 

Paul was born in Winnipeg to Jim and Olive Campbell (née Brook) and sister, Ruth. He was raised in Elmwood and still had many good friends from those days. He graduated from Elmwood High and entered United College (now the University of Winnipeg) where he switched from Science to Arts having felt a call to ministry. He received his Bachelor of Arts and then entered the Faculty of Theology and was ordained to Ministry in the United Church of Canada.

 

While attending university he worked at a number of places, in the city and in rural Manitoba, and Saskatchewan leading worship services, youth groups and camps, and where he learned to play the Mandolin in a Ukrainian Orchestra.

 

In 1965, Paul and Ethel (née Kinley) were married. Upon Paul's ordination, he and Eth were Settled in Elkorn, MB where he continued his ministry and where they welcomed the birth of their children, Glen in 1967 and twin daughters, Julia and Sheila in 1969. Paul was then called to serve at Morden Pastoral Charge in the 70's. The family then took an unpaid year in Oxford, England, where he continued studying theology and serving churches. Many cherished friendships were developed during this time and lasted for the rest of his life. Paul was called to serve as Saskatchewan Conference Pastoral Relations Minister, and later at Westminster United Church in Regina. In 1985 Paul was called to Regents Park United Church in Winnipeg. In 1997 the National Church appointed Paul as the Director of a new community-based program for ordination (IPCO). He then went on to the Faculty of Theology at the University of Winnipeg, encouraging people in their theological studies.

 

Paul received an Honourary Doctorate of Divinity from St. Andrew's College in Saskatoon. He was very touched to be appointed an Honourary Elder for the former Dr. Jessie Saulteaux Centre (now the Sandy Saulteaux Centre). He was humbled to be asked to be a Listener for the Residential Schools Hearings. He faithfully served on the Boards of the Winnipeg Half Way Homes and Oak Table Ministry. He also served as an AA 5th Step listener up until his death.

 

Paul served the church in many different ways, ministering in congregations, supporting and connecting with many folks in both good and bad times and situations. He taught, and encouraged others in various steps of ministry, both celebrating and supporting them. He served as President of Conference, was a General Council representative and served on national committees.

In all these places, Paul made many deep friendships which are caring and supportive of his family through this time of loss and we are so grateful.

 

We would be amiss to not mention his absolute love for his family, his love of all kinds of music, his love of golf, baseball and hockey stats, storytelling and drinking coffee with friends.

 

He tried to be a true servant of the Creator.

 

Missing him and cherishing his memory are his loving wife Ethel, his darling daughter Sheila, his dear sons in laws Trevor and Dean, his beautiful grandchildren, Michael, Liam, Hannah, Sean and Rachel, his dear sister Ruth, nephews Craig and Mark, nieces Daphne, Cynthia, Susanne (and their families), brothers-in law Al, Bob, Bill, sister-in-law Janet (and their families), cousin Ian in England, many cousins and dear friends all over the world. Paul was predeceased by his precious children Glen (2000) and Julia (2016), his parents Jim and Olive Campbell, his parents-in law, Ross and Shirley Kinley, brothers-in law Doug Kinley and Peter Williams, Cousin Deryck Overend, treasured aunts and uncles, and many dear friends.

 

Thank you to the first responders who took such care and the amazing doctors and nurses at the Grace Hospital Emergency and ICU departments.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

 

Celebration of life to be held 11:00 am Friday August 18, 2023 at Trinity United Church.

 

Trinity United Church

933 Summerside Avenue

Winnipeg, MB

204-269-1632

 

 

A link to the recording of the service will be available at a later day on the Trinity United Church website.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Bill & Eleanor Burch

November 6, 2023 at 1:45 PM

News of Paul's passing came in the recent issue of Broadview.  We remember and enjoyed your company during your time at Petrel.  Our condolences to Ethel and the family.

Dorcas Windsor

September 2, 2023 at 10:08 AM

To Ethel and family, My sincere sympathies to all of you on the loss of your beloved partner and family member.  I appreciated Paul's many gifts as I worked with him on Winnipeg Presbytery committees over the years.  He was a bright light full of wisdom and caring. I know you are surrounded by the love and support of so many who care about you, and may that give you comfort and peace.

Antoinette Pinto Sequeira

September 2, 2023 at 9:39 AM

Dear Ethel and family.  Only recently when I phoned Ethel to check on Paul that I was informed with the sad news that Paul had passed away I love you and miss you.  He was instrumental in being my mentor to graduate with a Masters in Sacred  Theology as well as to encourage me to procced with further  studies to achieve a Doctorate of Ministry -Pneuma Nouthetic Counseling to Alzheimers and Dementia persons. "Nameste"  Paul  the Holy One Within has guided me  and you will always be remembered. 

Cathy Wall

August 26, 2023 at 5:01 PM

To Ethel, Sheila and Paul's other loving family members: My heartfelt condolences to you and everyone else who loved Paul. He was a loving, compassionate, caring, nurturing, intelligent, funny and principled man who loved his family, friends and community. The world is definitely a better place because of him!

Bill Millar

August 17, 2023 at 10:03 AM

Ethel… I have no words … and the passing weeks have not given me any more words… friend and mentor … Unfortunately I am out of town and won’t be able to attend the celebration of Paul’s life … but my heart will be there

Carol Rose

August 14, 2023 at 2:04 PM

Of course we thought we had already written to you Ethel & Ruth & family. Perhaps we have but we want to be certain that you know that we send our sincerest condolences on this huge loss. We both loved our journey with Paul. He was friend, mentor & companion- and we will miss our chats, lunches, & celebrations of various life events & losses. We shared so many of life's concerns together. We were always in dialogue, even after we left Wpg.  How sad to know that when we return he will not be there to welcome us home. We do hope that your many memories of him bring comfort. We send much love Rabbi Neal & Carol Rose ❤

Teresa Jones

August 9, 2023 at 11:20 AM

'Sending my sincere condolences to Ethel and all of Paul's closest friends and family ...  What a huge loss for you!  I had the good fortune to meet Paul over 40 years ago when I was summer staff with SK Conference.  Never will I forget his wisdom and insight that probably 'saved me' from a tough situation down life's road!  A sincere and gentle man with a great sense of humour, an ability to challenge to enable learning and growth, and one who truly walked the path towards justice for all.  Bless him and thanks be for the ways he mentored and will continue to mentor us in spirit!

Rosemary Dzus

August 3, 2023 at 7:06 PM

I knew Paul briefly, at the end of training in Spiritual Direction through Prairie Jubilee.  He was designated as my supervisor  through the practicum component.  I found him to be supportive, gracious, kind and insightful.  He became an important influence on my spiritual practice and training, and I appreciated his guidance.  Peace to all who mourn him. 

Bonnie Scott

July 28, 2023 at 10:16 PM

Paul, Ethel and I have been friends for over 70 years! Paul was our best man at our wedding. He and John attended university together. We shared many social times when we were really young. As the years passed, although we were in contact by phone quite often, our paths did not cross as often. Raising a young family kept one busy in those days ! Paul’s ministry took him to a variety of charges. But we always knew we could call each other at any time. When my husband, John, died in October, 2016, , we did his internment in June in June. Paul was the friend who took on the job of officiating at the service. We always knew we were there for each other! Paul was easy going, calm , and a true gentleman! I will always be grateful for all the love and time both he and Ethel gave us through the years! He will be very dearly missed and love by so many! Truly a life well lived! Rest inpeace, my dear friend! Sincere sympathy and condolences to Ethel  and all the family. May the treasured and precious .memories give you courage, peace and hope for the future! Love, Bonnie

Bonnie Scott

July 28, 2023 at 9:57 PM

Colin

July 24, 2023 at 2:22 PM

Risen with Christ to everlasting life, may your reunion with Glen and Julia be filled with joy. I miss you, old friend. Thank you. Thank God. Ethel, Sheila, Ruth and all the amazing grandkids - you are in my prayers.

Nancy Finlayson

July 22, 2023 at 4:25 PM

 Dear Ethel and family, Paul was such a gifted man, a humble and deeply kind person.  He was able to roll the stones away from the tombs that encase so many, liberating possibility, encouraging hearts,  and seeding hope.  As a student in ICPO, I was blessed with getting to know a man so very humble, wise and gracious and am deeply sad to lose him as my friend.  His ministry has left an indelible mark - not only on my own, but upon my life and I will never forget him. I cannot be at Paul's service as I will be away, but please know that on that day, my heart will be there in celebration of the tremendous soul I was privileged to know.

Sylvia Dubeczy

July 21, 2023 at 8:21 PM

Dear Ethel and family  I was deeply saddened to receive news that Paul has died. I am at a loss of how to respond other than to sad that his passing is leaving a tremendous big void in the lives of all of your friends.  Paul and you have enriched my life by your love and kindness towards us.  Please know that I am holding you in my thoughts and prayers as you move forward in the days and weeks to come. 

Margaret, Ram Samsoondar and Family, Smith Family

July 21, 2023 at 11:07 AM

Dear Ethel and Family, we are so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you All at this time.  Paul was such a great friend to our Family, both my parents and to myself. Ethel stay well and know that we are thinking of all the wonderful memories we shared. Rest in Peace Paul.

Darrell Reine

July 19, 2023 at 12:41 PM

On behalf of the people of Westminster United in Regina, we extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Paul. May beautiful memories sustain you all in this journey of mourning the loss of life and peace be with you all.

Ed Tymofichuk

July 18, 2023 at 7:24 PM

Dear Ethel and family, Our deepest condolences to you knowing that words are difficult to find that express our feelings and emotions on learning of Paul's passing. Paul was an inspiration to everyone he met. A friend among friends and strangers alike with time for everyone, engaging and willing to share his knowledge of any topic and always interested in others' views. Paul's on-line sermons during the pandemic and his live sermons at Trinity United Church were truly inspirational messages of how to live life as God intended. We will miss your smile and friendship. Ed and Isabel Tymofichuk and Family

Janelle Mellamphy

July 18, 2023 at 11:50 AM

Dear Ethel and Sheila, My deepest condolences to you and to the entire family. We were heartbroken to learn of Paul"s passing, and all the more honoured that he made the trip to Ontario just weeks before. He was an exceptional person -- caring and accepting and infinitely gracious; his humour, his laughter, and zest for life will be immensely missed. I find comfort in the thought that he is reunited with Glen and with Julia, but I remain bereft for you all at his loss. Sending much love to you from Montreal.

Nancy DeLong (Peters)

July 18, 2023 at 10:27 AM

My deepest sympathy to Ethel and Family on your loss. Paul was such a great mainstay at Trinity United Church and will be sorely missed by all of our Congregation and many others elsewhere. I loved how he would usually walk to Church, as Nancy and I often do. And then you, Ethel, would often give him a ride home. He was such a friendly soul and we would often ask each other if we had walked to Church and then comment about the weather. In fact we spoke to each other the Sunday before he passed away. I look forward to seeing you, Ethel, at Trinity for many years to come, as you are also definitely a mainstay there as well. May the Lord Bless You and  Keep You and always hold you in the hollow of his hand. Terry and Nancy DeLong

barb janes

July 18, 2023 at 10:14 AM

Ethel, Ruth and families, my sympathies. I feel diminished by Paul’s death. Although we never worked together, his presence at meetings made me feel seen and appreciated- and that wisdom would prevail (eventually!). 

Darline Artemchuk

July 18, 2023 at 12:02 AM

My condolences Ethel and family. I so enjoyed working with Paul at Westminster. He was always so gentle and caring. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.  Darline Artemchuk

Bill Wall

July 17, 2023 at 8:45 PM

It is hard to accept that my friend of 60 years is no longer with us, But, as others have said, he is with us still through so many rich memories and through the impact he made on our lives. I know mine would have been much poorer, and more difficult without him. My deepest condolences to you Ethel, Sheila, Ruth and the rest of the family.

Barbara Brown

July 17, 2023 at 7:50 PM

Deepest sympathy to all of Paul's family on his passing. My parents, Ivan and Frances Smith we friends of the Campbells for many years. I will keep the family in my prayers.  Barbara Brown 

Garry Loewen

July 17, 2023 at 12:16 PM

Paul has been a wonderful friend and soulmate to me. We went to movies and dinners together with our partners. We had long conversations about theology, politics, the state of the church and our own feelings and responses to a range of personal and public events. And we golfed together a lot.  Many of the other respondents on this memory board have shared what a wise, generous, caring, insightful and accepting person Paul was. That was how I experienced him too; and I will miss him dearly. But I would like to reflect a bit about our time on the golf course.  Paul had a curious relationship with the game of golf. He loved it, and until he lost his strength in the last few years, he was really good at it. But the game also brought out some of his demons. While in the rest of his life Paul was a relaxed and gentle soul, when it came to the game of golf he tended to get a bit wound up. He had no patience for slow golfers. Often when he would phone to tell me about a game he had just had, the first thing he would tell me was how long it had taken to play. Then he would tell me how the game had gone. When we played together, as soon as we hit the golf course parking lot, he was anxious to get started. No time for hitting balls on the driving range first. No time for taking a few practice putts on the putting green.  Barely time to switch into golf shoes and do a few stretches before he was teeing off. And he regularly got annoyed by the slow play of the people ahead of us. Sometimes I would point out to him that the people ahead of us were only playing slow because the people ahead of them were holding them up. He would have none of that, continuing to get exasperated at how slow they walked, or how many practice swings they took, or a variety of other annoyances.  And he constantly beat himself up over bad shots. Sometimes, when he was having a particularly bad game, he would say “What really annoys me is how I keep moaning and groaning about how my game. Why can’t I just accept that this is what my game has come to!”  I don’t know if Paul ever had a hole-in-one. He deserved to. Maybe in the next life.

stephanie

July 17, 2023 at 9:28 AM

Sending love Ethel. Paul was such a great support and friend for my dad and family. I am sure in time, the two of them will be reminiscing about the fun adventures they had. - Stephanie S. 

Todd Cook

July 17, 2023 at 9:10 AM

Deepest Sympathies and condolences Ethyl. Paul will be remembered always. He's in good company with his parents, Glen and Julia! Together Forever. Love from Todd (Zilla) Cook -the Coiler.❤

Harry Johnson

July 16, 2023 at 7:59 PM

Our sincere condolences to Ethyl and family on the passing of a most respected friend and a remarkable spiritual leader.  Ethyl, you have been such a strong supportive partner - and to us, you have offered much encouragement.  You are in our thoughts.   We met Paul late in life and cherish the friendship.  I shared limited golf experience with Paul.  We played on a rural course that he knew well - he knew the century-old history of changes and challenges of the course, and his score certainly bested mine!  Talks with Paul touched on things I had encountered in my past - as if Paul had always been my friend.  Our last discussion on Sunday, before he departed, was similarly related to places and individuals of our common experience. Video interviews conducted with Paul in support of Trinity’s program gave he and I the fun of leading on our discussion in spiritual and intellectual ways that were stimulating to us both.  Paul’s support of Trinity was a source of insight and comfort to us as a congregation.  He is much missed. Ellen and Harry Johnson

Bob and Muriel Kenyon

July 16, 2023 at 7:48 PM

Our sincere sympathy goes out to Ethel, Sheila, Trevor, the beloved grandchildren, and Ruth and her family in the passing of their beloved Paul. If asked to describe Paul in one word beside a caring, accepting friend, we would say he was a connector. What an appreciative, diverse group of folks he gathered. We were blessed to have felt a part of that group.  We appreciated our lunches at Stella’s, a beer here and there and our connection at wider church events with Paul and Ethel. Many thanks! May your memories bring you peace as you adjust to this new reality.        Bob and Muriel Kenyon

Ike & Brenda Unger

July 16, 2023 at 7:21 PM

My husband and I were married by Paul , August 14/1971, and he baptized our oldest son., in St Paul’s United Church in Morden , MB. We were so sad when he moved, we were so blessed to have known Paul, he was so special to us , and we are honoured to have known him.  May our dear Lord give you strength and peace in the days, weeks and years ahead. ❤

Ken DeLisle

July 16, 2023 at 5:01 PM

"Worship happens despite our best efforts." That was the best piece of advice I got from Paul.  Paul was an educational supervisor for me and for my late husband John Robertson. Paul and Ethel became fast friends with us and supported us through all the mess the United Church faced in the late 80's and 90's.  Always there for a coffee, (or more), always there with a joke (not always the best) and with a hug.  He's just a memory away. Rest my friend.  Hugs, prayers, and sympathy to Ethel, Sheila, and Ruth.

Irma Nadeau

July 16, 2023 at 11:37 AM

My heart goes out to you Ethel and your family as you grieve the loss of Paul. He was a great encourager, had a humble wisdom and shared his love freely. He encouraged me through my studies and shared resources with me. I will miss him especially on Sunday mornings. Ethel, you are your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God be with you and give you peace in the coming days, weeks and months. ❤

Cindy Randall

July 16, 2023 at 10:42 AM

My heart goes out to Ethel and Sheila and all of Paul's family. I give thanks for Paul's leadership and mentorship to those of us who trained for ministry through ICPO (In Community Program for Ordination). He didn't just teach us academics, but also what ministry was about "on the ground". I am grateful for the gift of his life and for having known him, for all we learned and shared at what was then PCTC - the Prairie Christian Training Centre in Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan and in Winnipeg. May he rest in peace. Rev. Cindy Randall (formerly Laing)

Dawn Rolke

July 16, 2023 at 9:41 AM

Dear Ethel and family, I am so sorry to hear of Paul's death. I met Paul through a mutual friend when I moved to Winnipeg some years ago. As a United Church minister of the next generation, I called on Paul occasionally for support or advice and I was never disappointed. Paul was always generous with his time, unfailingly helpful, wise and kind. He leaves behind a legacy of goodness and integrity,  rooted deeply in a joyous humanity. The ripples continue. And we are blessed.  -Dawn Rolke   

Rob Fennell

July 15, 2023 at 10:28 PM

Paul was an early-ministry mentor to me; an unusual and wonderful combination of wise, gentle, tough, and straight-shooting. I know he and my Dad also had a lot of regard for each other. My sympathies to Ethel and all the family. I am grateful for his life and ministry. 

Ron & Cheryl Peters

July 15, 2023 at 9:06 PM

Our sincere condolences to Ethel & family. Paul married us in Morden in 1975. He was such a gentle soul & will be missed by many.

Rudy Friesen

July 15, 2023 at 5:04 PM

My sincere condolences to Paul's family. Paul was a close friend during our earlier years in Elmwood, attending Glenelm and Lord Selkirk Schools together. After my family moved away we lost contact. I have often thought about him over the years, especially his humor and his imitations of popular musicians, and very much  wish we could have reconnected. 

Claudia (Johnston) Scott

July 15, 2023 at 4:00 PM

Paul has been a presence in the life of my family since the late 1950's, when my dad, the Rev. Dr. Ernie Johnston was called to King Memorial (now Gordon-King Memorial) United Church in Winnipeg, where a teen-aged Paul and his family were members. My first concrete memory of Paul is seeing him in the rôle of Pish Tush in the Elmwood High School production of Gilbert and Sullivan's  'The Mikado' in 1959. My grade 6 class walked from Lord Selkirk School to Elmwood High to see the show. I was quite smitten by him and his performance, and have had a soft spot for the character Pish Tush ever since.  Ernie was first a mentor to Paul, and then they became friends and colleagues.  As the years, and my dad, passed, Paul remained a family friend who we always felt we could call upon. Though we didn't see each other often, the visits we had always had an easy, comfortable, familiarity. We will miss Paul greatly.  Our hearts are with Ethel, Ruth, Sheila, and the rest of the family. May all that you need be given to you at this time of transition. 

Bonita E. Garrett

July 15, 2023 at 1:43 PM

From his supervisory role within ICPO (In  Community Program for Ordination) to sharing a short ministry with me in The Native United Church to ‘sharing’ his Registrar’s position in the Certificate of Theology Program (UofW) to regular coffee meetings, I will cherish Paul’s wisdom, sense of humour, and great stories. My deepest condolences. 

Helen Hughes

July 15, 2023 at 11:57 AM

Ruth, I am very sad to  hear of your brothers passing. I know that you loved him dearly. Edward and I are thinking of you at this time. Helen Hughes.

Ken Grower

July 15, 2023 at 11:12 AM

Paul introduced me to the United Church in Morden. Before I joined the Church I asked what he thought I should read - Paul suggested "God Bless You Mr. Rosewater" by Kurt Vonnegut!  Marjorie and I had the privilege of having him as our Minister and our friend. Paul & I had many memorable golf games together. He will be missed by all of our family.  For all of us Paul was: "The life of our hearts, and the heart of our lives".

Bob Galston

July 15, 2023 at 8:08 AM

There is no doubt about it; when it comes to living and caring, Paul was the genuine article. I was privileged to be a friend and colleague. ❤

Chris Salstrom

July 15, 2023 at 7:14 AM

Paul made a real difference to me as a professor and a person.  My deepest condolences. 
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