Mr R. D. Campbell Caledonian Stalwart

Northern Advocate, 6 May 1946, Page 4

Mr R. D. Campbell Caledonian Stalwart

OBITUARY

The death has occurred at the age of 81 of Mr Roderick Duncan Campbell, who had not missed a Waipu Caledonian sports meeting since the society was first inaugurated in 1871. Taking great interest in the yearly event, Mr Campbell himself was a former champion Highland dancer and piper and won many medals for his performances. Mr Campbell also took part in judging at various Highland gatherings in the surrounding district.

Born at Waipu in 1865, Mr Campbell was the youngest son of Mr and Mrs R. Campbell who settled at Waipu after coming to New Zealand from Nova Scotia. There were eight in the family—six boys and two girls—and now the only remaining member is Mrs Keane, of Auckland. Mr Campbell was married in 1922. During his lifetime Mr Campbell built several houses, the first of which were made from pit-sawn timber cut by himself and his brother, Mr Duncan Campbell. At the age of 76 Mr Campbell commenced alone to build a new house, and at the time of his death had completed it except for the water supply. SPRIGS OF HEATHER Each year Mrs Campbell, who came from Edinburgh, has been sent a parcel of heather by a friend, and this Mr Campbell distributed at every Caledonian sports day, Mr Campbell, with his brother, Duncan, constructed a dancing stage from pit-sawn timber and presented it to the Waipu Caledonian Society. The stage is acknowledged as the finest in the North. Members of the Caledonian Society were pall bearers at the interment which took place at Waipu Cemetery, the Rev. R. McNeur conducting the service. Mr Campbell is survived by his wife, Mrs Elizabeth Campbell.