Colonel Edward Campbell

[SeaKingTacco]

A loss to the country, the military and this site. The collective IQ lamp dimmed.

From googling Ted, I was reminded of his (semi-anonymous?) contribution as part of the "Ruxted Group" which to a great extent was responsible for the good reputation that this site enjoyed.

I had forgotten that.

There was some really great, thought provoking writing that came from that group. I am certain Ted was the clearest thinker there.

 

[The Bread Guy]

... I was reminded of his (semi-anonymous?) contribution as part of the "Ruxted Group" which to a great extent was responsible for the good reputation that this site enjoyed.

Also had his own Wordpress blog with pithy & detailed observations of all kinds around the same time. Lots of stuff in his head to share out there, for sure.

 

[brihard]

It's tough to think of a succinct way to describe what Ted was to this site. The term that came to me early and that I think I like - if Army.ca had an 'elder statesman', it was Ted Campbell. He's been a fixture the entire 22 years I've been a member here; basically from when I was a kid going through BMQ til now,. If there was a discussion here truly deserving of some intellectual engagement, odds are he was a part of it. Ted brought a depth of wisdom, insight, and experience few here can come close to. Any discussion was better with him in it, and we'd generally come out learning more.

Despite our many years of interactions here, I didn't know him very well individually - not as well as I'd have liked. I've been privileged to join him and a few others here for beers on some occasions; when I was fortunate enough to be near Ted's end of the table I was probably at my quietest because anything he had to say was just going to be far more interesting and valuable than anything coming out of me. But I was really glad he was fine with me joining, and it was a privilege to learn from him. He was an absolute gent.

Ted continued a family's tradition of honourable and distinguished service to Canada, and I know he's passed that ethic on through his own family. Canada and army.ca are slightly lesser for his passing - but so much more for the live he lived, the service he gave, the family he raised, and the significant ripples he left that have touched so many of us with bits of his intellect, wit, and wisdom.

Ted will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

 

[mariomike]

CBH99 asked Colonel Campbell a direct, and very personal question,

Mr. Campbell, may I be so bold as to kind of put you on the spot...??

Your post here has me wanting to ask you something I try to work into most conversations I have when chatting with senior citizens...

Looking back on your life, what "life advice" would you give to the younger generations to help them have as few regrets as possible when they get older & are reflecting back on their lives?

There is so much quiet and profound wisdom that tragically goes unshared by those who have navigated this adventure we call life before we did.

I just try to soak up what I can, where I can, and share it with others when it feels like it may be helpful.

As he was in the last six months of his life, Colonel Campbell's reply is all the more poignant ,

Oh, my goodness ...

But, OK, here are some thoughts about how I wish I had lived ...

Be kind, it's not too hard, it doesn't hurt, it doesn't even take all that much effort ...

Try to do what's "right" - right for you and right for others, too ...

Be honest, especially in your dealings with family and friends - don't hide fears and problems.

It's not hard to be "smart," it just takes a bit of effort, but being smart is a lot different from acting like a 'smarty pants.' If you know something, if you're a bit better than the other gals and guys at this or that, then share your knowledge - life is easier and happier when you're part of a team that works well together.

Friends, including the ones who are family, matter; enemies are transient. But, "love your enemy" is really good advice - hard, but good.

Believe in something - it doesn't have to be religion, but religion is not silly if it helps you live a better, fuller, happier life.