CAMPBELL, Ian Alexander Campbell

He was born in Cornwall, Ontario, on November 21st, 1946. He passed away in his sleep in Kincardine, Ontario, on June 26th, 2026.

He is survived by his sister Cathie (Andy) Gellatly of Thornbury, Ontario, and her family, and by many great friends. Ian was predeceased by his birth mother Bernice Maujury and by his parents Audrea and Albert Robertson Campbell.

Ian Alexander Campbell spent much of his youth and young adulthood at the Huronia Institute in Orillia, Ontario. While there he worked at the associated dairy operation.

After Huronia, Ian lived at group homes briefly, but then moved to live with Beatrice and Cleason Snyder and their family in Hanover, Ontario. While in Hanover Ian formed many great friendships, especially with the Jim and Ruth Martin family who he enjoyed visiting at their farm near Chatsworth, Ontario. He also spent many summers working as a prep cook at the Silver Lake kids camp near Sauble Beach.

Ian stayed with the Snyders for 14 years, until shortly after Cleason passed away.  In 2001 he relocated to Kincardine where he lived independently for the rest of his life with support from Community Living Kincardine & District, especially Leisa Baird (always “Melissa” to Ian), and from many friends.  Since 2013 Ian was also helped by the VON nurses stationed in his building, who were there for him in many ways every day. Ian always remembered the Snyders fondly and stayed in touch with Beatrice until she passed in 2012.

Ian often said that he chose Kincardine because of the Scottish pipe band, and indeed he was their most devoted supporter for the rest of his life. Every year as summer approached, he made sure to inform everyone he met about the Saturday night parades and over the years he volunteered with the band in whatever capacity he could handle. Ian was also determined to be a piper himself one day and never gave up on his weekly chanter lessons with his great friend Jennifer Farrell.

Ian was always up for events, especially the annual Robbie Burns night in January and the Scottish Festival in July, both of which he helped out with. He was a regular at the Tuesday night Friendship meetings at the Fellowship Baptist Church and was also sure never to miss the Christmas parade in December. One year Ian even entered his own float in the parade, done up in a little wagon with help from his dear friend Margie.

Ian accompanied Margie and her husband Gord on various outings over the years, including visits with Beatrice and the Martins, and a couple of times to the Silver Lake campground where he had worked. The first time they went to Silver Lake they stopped at the office to ask if it was OK for them to go in. The young man at the desk took one look at Ian and exclaimed “EE-pie!” He was well remembered there. On another outing they went to see what was left of the Huronia Institute in Orillia. While touring the property, Ian shared a bit about his experiences there and said he wasn’t sad when he heard it had been shut down.

Ian was very gregarious and a real presence in Kincardine. He will be greatly missed by many. If you are inclined, you can remember him with a donation to the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band or to Community Living Kincardine & District. Donations and condolences may be made online at www.daveylinklaterfuneralhome.com.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Friday, July 17th at 2:00pm at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Kincardine.

Ian’s remains will be interred near his parents at the Southampton Cemetery.