MR J. A. F. CAMPION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXII, Issue 292, 9 November 1942, Page 4

MR J. A. F. CAMPION

(Contributed.)

The recent death of Mr John Alexander Fraser Campion marks the passing of another kinsman of the clans representing a group of pioneer families whose names and personalities have been interwoven in the life and progress of Lower Rangitikei for the past 90 years. The Campions, the Frasers, the McKenzies, and all the inter-related units, now numbering upwards of 1000 strong throughout the Dominion, have ever been closely associated with the early history and subsequent development of the farming and domestic life of the country. Of this pioneer stock came the subject of this notice, who was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs Duncan Campion. _ He was born at Parewanui in 1878, and as a lad attended the old Carnarvon School, on the other side of the river, during which time lie lived witli old “Granny” Campion on the farm: adjoining the highway which bears the family name. On leaving school Mr Campion followed the storckceping business in various centres until finally setting up for himself at Bulls. Here he was married to Miss Edith Green, a member of another well-known family in that centre. On the outbreak of war in 1914 he volunteered and served Ids country in various capacities at home and overseas throughout the campaign. On his return to civil life Mr Campion took up farming near Bulls, where lie carried on with success until failing health caused him to let the farm for a period and to live a less strenuous life in town. Some few years ago he resumed possession, only to incur another and more serious breakdown, the complications of which caused prolonged suffering and. finally claimed him. Throughout his life, as I and all others knew him, “Jack” Campion was a staunch friend and a jovial companion. A man of wide and thoughtful reading, with quick powers of observation and a ready wit, lie possessed the rare faculty for making and retaining friendships. Ever cheerful in his outlook and independent in his thought and utterances upon matters of public concern ho looked upon life as a gift to he enjoyed, and for the purpose of communicating happiness to others both by word and deed. His prevailing interests in matters appertaining to the welfare of the community were especially centred in tlio well-being of his Church, of which he was an elder, and in promoting educational facilities for the instruction of youth on the broadest lines of outlook. Tile community owes much to his efforts in this direction. No greater testimony to the sterling worth of the man could have been expressed than by the large assembly of influential men and representative families who met at the graveside to pay tribute to his life and work, and, through flic expressive medium of many beautiful floral offerings, to convey their sympathetic condolences wih those who remain to mourn.

Air Campion is survived by his wife and second son Ray, formerly of Palmerston North, and now transferred to the staff of the Bank of Australasia in Sydney. There are two grandchildren. An elder son died in his youth. The burial took place at the Clifton cemetery, Bui’s, to which the casket, enshrouded by the Union Jack, was borne by former com-rades-at-arms who filed through a guard of honour formed by a detachment from the Air Force. The Presbyterian ceremonial rites for the dead were conducted by Rev. Air Crockett, and an impressive servico concluded with the sounding of the Last Post. And so vie take our leave of one who will be remembered for the simple way ho performed his God-given part with “words of good cheer to bring forth a smile and banish a tear.”