Brett James Campaigne

Brett lived a very full 44 years. He was born in Victoria BC and moved to Cow Bay NS when he was 18 months old. Brett has always been a strong and proud Nova Scotian. Brett leaves behind his life partner Alison Patricia Baker and son Zeke Damon Baker-Campaigne. Brett is also survived by brother Kael Troy Campaigne, sister-in-law Carissa Eileen Frenette, father Frederick James Campaigne, stepmother Addie Rochelle Campaigne(Tuttle), Alison’s father, Gregory Baker and step-mother Dr Nancy Morrison. Brett is predeceased by his mother Sandra Yvonne Melvin and Alison’s mother Catherine Chambers. Brett also leaves hundreds, if not thousands of people, he kindly touched through his friendship, education and his stalwart presence in Halifax’s metal music scene.

Brett continually demonstrated his love and skill with words, drawing and music all through his childhood. At four Brett would sing along with the radio and TV. It was comical to see him singing his heart out to Billy Idol’s Flesh for Fantasy. He would be jumping and raising both hands in a fist when the “Flesh...Flesh for Fantasy” line hit. He loved music and had no problem memorizing lyrics and was a natural with rhythm and timing. Brett had a passion for drawing and filled numerous boxes with his art. His drawing ability continuously evolved with him and resulted in his very distinctive, detailed and recognizable style. At a young age Brett developed a love of poetry and some of his works have been published. Brett’s poetry talent later flourished as lyrics he authored for numerous songs.

Brett was a natural in the water. He completed the Red Cross swimming program up to and including the coveted Bronze Medallion. He was also a Cub then Boy Scout. Brett delivered the news paper in our neighbourhood for many years and was known and liked by all. Brett, Jamie Archibald, Jonathan and Justin Lorette were as thick as thieves and all took judo for several years and they completed many adventures together.

Brett completed grade six at the Tallahassee Community, grade eight at Ocean View in Eastern Passage NS and grade 12 at Cole Harbour District High. In 2004 Brett received a BA completing an advanced major in philosophy with a minor in english from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax. Brett’s great grandfather’s dream that one of his descendants would earn a university degree finally came to fruition with Brett. Brett also completed a diploma program at the Nova Scotia Community College in graphic arts. Brett used these new skills to create show posters and album art for bands all over the Halifax music scene.

Brett was always kind and a fabulous older brother and Kael has always looked up to Brett. Kael learned so much from Brett and he will treasure that knowledge his entire life.

Brett and Alison were an awesome couple and together, with love, they made Zeke. Zeke was Brett’s life. Brett afforded Zeke patience, kind words, attention, wisdom and love. Zeke, in return, instilled the greatest level of pride that I have ever witnessed in Brett. Brett was always there for Zeke. Whether taking him to and from the bus stop, going on bus rides, getting dressed up together and going trick-or-treating. It did not matter, Brett was there for Zeke, a fabulous loving father.

Brett worked at Julien’s Bakery in the Hydro-stone area then Java Blend on North Street. If you’ve been a local coffee patron in Halifax, chances are Brett has made and served your beverage with pride and care. Brett served the people of the north end for years. He was a fixture of the community and everyone seemed to know him. People would walk into the cafe and be instantly lifted by his positive energy. He gained a very enduring reputation as a singing barista. While singing, if he forgot a line he would quickly ad-lib with the name of a store product. At Java blend there was always love and excitement in Brett’s eyes and voice as he talked about his family, and his plans with them each holiday, birthday, back-to-school, or even just as he proudly mentioned little things about Allison and Zeke.

From his teens until his untimely death, Brett was in many hard rock and metal bands as a front man and vocalist. His performances were full of confidence, focus and intensity and he always had the crowd's attention whether they liked it or not. His unique style and performative dances made it difficult not to be enamoured with him, not only musically, but visually as well. His bandmates were proud to have him as their front man and will keep him in their hearts and on their minds. His music will live on forever through his friends, bandmates and future fans.

A complete list of his bands and official releases are as follows, in no particular order.

Bands:

Ludacris speed, Impavid, Janus, River nihil, Pounding sand, Pyramid schemes, Aftrr, Pith, North end metal allstars and Cottus

Albums :

Impavid - self titled (2001)

Janus - self titled (2005)

River nihil - blue album (2013)

Aftrr - self titled (2017)

North end metal allstars - self titled (2009)

Cottus - self titled (2012)

Cottus - eater of worlds (2016)

Cottus - typhon (2023)

Pyramid schemes - self titled (2023)

Pith - fore (2011)

Pith - nein (2014)

Pith - baptisms along the acheron (2013)

Pith - the liminal space between life and death (2025)