Robert Laurence Campbell

Drummer · Fire Tower Watchman · Fossil Finder · Maker of Many Things

Bob was born to Mary & Frank Campbell in Calgary, Alberta, on August 6, 1954. His early years saw a move to Saint Albert where he grew up. As an only child, his 5 cousins from Three Hills in central Alberta, became his siblings. Visits to their family farm were always exciting and special. From the age of six, all alone, he would take the day-liner which ran between Edmonton and Calgary, stopping at all the hamlets along the way. There was always someone to make sure that he got off at the right stop.

During grades 1 through 12 in Saint Albert, Bob fondly remembered the Catholic and Protestant high school dances as the two schools pooled their resources to afford a live band. It was also the habit for the boys from one school to date the girls from the other school so all around it was a pretty fun time for everyone. Bob’s nickname was “Soup” because he was a Campbell. He would walk the mile home every day at noon as he so preferred a home cooked meal to a bagged lunch. By the time he got home he only had 15 minutes to eat his lunch before hurrying back to school. When he ran for student union president in Grade 12, his posters were Campbell soup labels. Already having a reputation as a wild and crazy guy, some of the teachers were worried. He did not win the vote, but it was a good try, and he was privately relieved!

After high school, Bob was accepted to the Alberta College of Art and moved to Calgary. He was excited to be in the right place and explored all the Art College had to offer. Bob met many people who remained lifetime friends and was proud that some of the instructors exchanged artwork with him. A major highlight of his fourth year was a trip to New York City with fellow students.

After graduating from the Alberta College of Art, Bob continued his art practice, both in Edmonton and when he moved North to Manning, in the Peace River Country, to work as a fire tower watchman and for the forest service. In North Star, Bob put down roots and bought property on land overlooking the Peace River with art school friend, Brian Hohner, and built his first house/studio. He made a life for himself cobbling together forestry related seasonal jobs: fire tower watch, running chainsaw crews in the winter, and issuing burning permits to local landowners. Memories of his time in the North remained a touchstone for the rest of his life.

In the late 80s, Bob moved to southern Alberta looking for new adventures and met Elizabeth who was working at the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, and also landed a job there as a technician. His natural creativity and practical skills from living and working in the North became valuable assets and he felt very fortunate to be part of field research expeditions, to the mountains of Alberta and British Columbia, also to the Eastern Arctic. These were all highlights of his working life.

In 1987, Bob married Elizabeth (Gibbs). Their Honeymoon was in Mexico City, the first of many great trips they took together. During this time, they lived in Munson, a hamlet on the prairie above the Drumheller Valley. Their house was a 1912 house originally lived in by the village blacksmith. It had a beautiful sweeping view to the East and the Hand Hills (a glacial refuge!). From there, they watched many spectacular sunrises, thunder and lightning storms, and howling winter blizzards.

In 1992, Bob became a father when Kaos Chuck was born—Bob’s best and most enduring creation! Besides becoming a new father, this period of Bob’s life included a passion for cycling. He organized the first Tour of the Badlands Cycling Race with many cyclists coming from Calgary. This was complete with official referees, sponsors, gongs (the medals!) and a BBQ at Midland Community Hall. Another passion also began at this time for African drumming, as Bob with Tyrrell friend Paul Johnston, traveled to Calgary for lessons from drumming master, David Thiaw. He and Paul went on to form the Hoodoo Drummers of 6 people including Bob’s wife, Elizabeth. They played throughout the Drumheller Valley at many events including the wedding of one of the Tyrrell technicians and at the Drumheller medium security prison.

By 1999, it was time for a change and the family moved to Prince George. Here Bob and Elizabeth designed exhibitions for the expansion and rebranding of the Fraser Fort George Regional Museum into The Exploration Place. In 2001, Bob became Curator at The Exploration Place where he was able to realize his passion for local history. The recollections of old timers and First Nations Elders provided much insight and enduring connections as he learned about his new home. Alongside a full career as museum curator, Bob joined the Prince George Rotary Club and continued volunteer work for the BC Paleontological Alliance, the Prince George Heritage Commission, and the BC Design Council. He continued to study African drumming forms, amassing a large collection of CDs and acquired and built his own drums and assorted percussion instruments.

After Bob’s retirement from the Exploration Place in 2016 due to illness, he took time at home at a slower pace. He worked on his antique cigar box collection, built a Sir Winston Churchill themed cigar box ukulele, worked in his home garden and as a volunteer for the David Douglas Botanical Garden Society, and spent time with his favorite dog, Webster. In 2017, he and Elizabeth had one last big trip, to England, Guernsey, and Scotland the home of his Campbell grandparents. He was able to see many famous museums, artworks and castles. It was a great adventure!

Bob’s life was lived with energy and enthusiasm. He will be sorely missed. Bob was most happy when surprising people with his ideas and by sharing innumerable stories and experiences, making many friends along the way. His legacy remains in the places he worked, the ideas he left behind and the people who knew him. Bob’s ashes are buried beside his mother’s, at Sarcee Butte Cemetery in central Alberta. He is gone now but that is not the end of his story!