330 Smith Street
New Waterford, NS
902-849-4505
CREMATION~CHAPEL~RECEPTION
FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED
Gerard Anthony "Perch" Campbell, Glace Bay
1946 - 2025
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Rose Abraham posted a condolence
Friday, December 12, 2025
Dear Peter and Families,
I was so saddened to learn of Gerard’s passing at the recent RTO meeting.
An outstanding educator, and indeed a pioneer in the field of environmental studies and biodiversity. A teacher who made us all aware of the ‘big picture’. Gerard retired just as I was beginning my career. We were colleagues at BEC and then I would see him in Glace Bay when I
moved to St.Mike’s and OVEC. And in the summer, our paths would cross again when he was “out on the Mira” fishing, of course. It was truly an honour to know him. I think he knew how loved and respected he was as a teacher and how he inspired us all with his love of nature.
May Gerard ‘Perch’ Rest in Peace. My sincerest condolences. Rose Pembroke-Abraham
“Nature’s first green is gold. Her hardest hue to hold.” R. Frost.
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Toby Morris posted a condolence
Thursday, November 20, 2025
I had the pleasure of teaching with Perch at BEC. He had a great disposition and helped a Sydney guy feel at home at BEC. My wife enjoyed our encounters along the boardwalk at Dominion Beach. RIP, Perch...you were one of the good ones. Toby Morris
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Ashley Young posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
I am very sorry to the Campbell family. Mr Campbell was an amazing teacher. I still think of him when I look at the stars at night over 20 years later.
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Tony Fortune posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
This man took me under his wing and guidance at the early age of 14.. he was a true friend, mentor, and role model. We ran alot of miles together over my high-school years and stayed in touch over the last 35 years. You will be missed and always remembered.
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Brian Petrie posted a condolence
Saturday, October 25, 2025
David, Francis, Peter and Tom
So sorry to learn of Gerard's death. The tributes and memories in the postings show what a remarkable, well-loved man he was. It was especially nice to see the letters of the Alexander Street crew, many of whom I knew well. It has been about 60 years since I last spoke with Gerard; nonetheless, over that period I wondered what he was up to.
My sincere condolences to all of you.
Brian Petrie
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Susan Burke posted a condolence
Friday, October 24, 2025
My condolences to the Campbell family. I have very fond memories of Mr. Campbell’s science class at BEC. He was great at explaining complex concepts in simple terms. He ignited the spark for my interest in science. For that, I will always be grateful.
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Anonymous planted a tree in memory of Gerard Campbell, Glace Bay
Thursday, October 23, 2025
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Planted in loving memory of Perch, whose classroom planted the roots of a lifelong friendship. Jillian Muir & Darryl Desveaux Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Gary MacAulay posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
I played hockey with Persch, and taught with him at BEC. Even shared the occasional bottle of wine with him Alex and Jimmy years ago! A true gentleman , who never spoke an ill word about anyone. RIP Perch!
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Dorothy Gale posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Best Teacher I ever had. Just talked with him within the last month at Sobeys in Glace Bay. a very nice person. I will always remember him and have great respect for Perch. Tom Gale
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Wish Donovan posted a condolence
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Very sorry to hear of Perch's passing. He was a great neighbor. Always came over to say hello or gave a friendly wave. He always made sure we had fresh tomatoes from his little garden. Perch will be missed.
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Raymond MacAdam posted a condolence
Sunday, October 19, 2025
My sincere condolences to the Campbell family. Deepest respect and great sadness for the loss of such a good friend.Ray &MaryAnn MacAdam
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Jimmy Smith posted a condolence
Sunday, October 19, 2025
I am very sorry to hear of Gerard's passing and my sincere condolences to Gerard's family and friends. I logged many running miles with him, and he taught me so much about life decisions. He was one of the most honorable guys I ever met.
Jimmy Smith & Family
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Bob MacKay posted a condolence
Saturday, October 18, 2025
To PERCH’s siblings. Our sympathy for a former neighbour who we remember as a kind person who marched to his own drum. Many benefited from his spirit and generosity. RIP Gerard.
Bob & Janice MacKay
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Mick McIntyre posted a condolence
Friday, October 17, 2025
Very sorry to hear of the passing of your brother and everybody's friend Perch. He was known by everyone in the neighborhood growing up and so well liked.
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Donald Mac Leod posted a condolence
Friday, October 17, 2025
Condolences to all family and friends of Perch.
We shared many of the same interests. Teaching, hockey, hunting, fishing, love of and respect for nature.
He was one of a kind, and will be missed.
Sincere sympathy to all.
Donald Mac Leod
Homeville
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Jim Campbell posted a condolence
Friday, October 17, 2025
Perch was a consummate gentleman. He was kind, caring and intelligent, which are the core traits of all his brothers. I always loved chatting with Perch. Rest in peace my friend.
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Steve Macdonald posted a condolence
Friday, October 17, 2025
I am saddened to hear of his passing. Although I didn’t have him as a science teacher, I knew him as a fellow avid fisherman and a friend. He generously took the time to teach me how to tie flies, sharing his knowledge with such patience and enthusiasm. I was fortunate to join him and my father on a fishing trip, where I put those homemade flies to good use. To this day, fly fishing remains one of my favourite pastimes, and I often think of him when I’m on the water. May he rest in peace.
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Steve Macdonald posted a condolence
Friday, October 17, 2025
I am saddened to hear of his passing. Although I didn’t have him as a science teacher, I knew him as a fellow avid fisherman and a friend. He generously took the time to teach me how to tie flies, sharing his knowledge with such patience and enthusiasm. I was fortunate to join him and my father on a fishing trip, where I put those homemade flies to good use. To this day, fly fishing remains one of my favourite pastimes, and I often think of him when I’m on the water. May he rest in peace.
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Joe and Francine Churney posted a condolence
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Our deepest condolences to Peter, Tom, Francis and David and families. Perch was a great friend and neighbor and he will be missed by everyone who knew him. His stories will be retold by many RIP Gerard
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Anonymous planted a tree in memory of Gerard Campbell, Glace Bay
Thursday, October 16, 2025
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Terry MacSween posted a condolence
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Our sincere condolences to the Campbell family on the news of Gerard's passing. Perch was an excellent teacher , a valuable staff member and a friend to all. He was both easy to like and well respected by everyone. Besides having a great ability to interact with both his students and staff he continued to impress with his running, fishing and hockey friends. On many school days he ran five miles at dinner hour and played hockey after school. He often gave our two dozen cleaned smelts to any hockey players who he know would enjoy them. He was a great guy and we all will miss him. Terry Mac Sween and Family.
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John (Jed) Gerald MacNeil posted a condolence
Thursday, October 16, 2025
So sad to find out Mr.Campbell's passing, my deepest condolences to his family and friends. I have many fond memories of in class and out of class to focus on just one, but one crept in that beckoned me to share. Mr. Campbell gave us a word on our exam knowing there would be one or may be others that would catch his "slight of wording" for we had been learning it what seemed months in the making to spell. Sure enough it was asked to spell the word we learned in class "TRICHLOROMONOFLUOROMETHANE "(not on the exam spelled out - lol), spell it backwards.... All but one of us spelled the word out "backwards," one stood out and wrote the word IT backwards, he gave that student a point lol. May he rest in peach.
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Dave and Linda MacKay posted a condolence
Thursday, October 16, 2025
To Gerard's brothers and their families, we offer our deep and loving condolences. Gerard was our neighbourhood friend for our entire lives. We looked forward to fresh cleaned smelt on many visits in the winter and for the bounty from his vegetable garden in late summer. These visits involved long chats and reminiscing about the good old days. All these fond memories are what will keep him alive in our hearts Rest in peace dear friend, you were one of a kind.
Dave and Linda MacKay
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Anonymous planted a tree in memory of Gerard Campbell, Glace Bay
Thursday, October 16, 2025
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Bill & Daria Johnston posted a condolence
Thursday, October 16, 2025
To David, Francis, Peter, and Tom: We are so sorry to hear of Perch passing. Very many great memories of our conversations over the years. He was a gentleman and just a great human being. God Bless '
Bill & Daria Johnston
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Beth Boudreau posted a condolence
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Perch was a true gentleman, a mind teacher, a wonderful athlete and an avid woodsman. He was always calm with a great sense of humor.
We are so sorry to learn of his passing. We hope heaven has brooks, forests and friends waiting for him
Rest in peace Perch.
Beth & Bernie Boudreau
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Barbara Ruelland posted a condolence
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of Gerard. He was a fine colleague at Breton Education Centre, a kind and sincere man. His was a life woven from the fabric of the classroom, the forests and the waters . May he rest in peace.
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Ray Morrison posted a condolence
Thursday, October 16, 2025
I never knew Gerard )Perch) on a personal level, but it makes me feel proud to have been on the same teaching staff as this most excellent of teachers. Throughout my years at BEC, I very often heard his students mention their Science teacher, “Perch.” Always, those comments were glowing reports of an extra-ordinary man whose main qualities were love of Science and love for his students. His concern for the success of “his” students was not peripheral, it was the core of who he was as a man. Perch was a man who possessed a great love of nature and he seemed to instinctively know how to inspire that same curiosity in all his students.
Based upon his student’s testimonies, Perch “Gerard” Campbell has paved a road of solid gold that any teacher, student or human being would be wise to observe and emulate. Rest in peace, Gerard “Perch” Campbell, you ran the good race , now, you may accept the prize!
Ray Morrison
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Krista Pearson uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, October 16, 2025
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Wonderful Uncle, very generous person. I am very glad I got to visit him this past Summer. He will be greatly missed by Dartmouth relatives & remembered for his love of nature & caring spirit.
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Brian Spencer posted a condolence
Thursday, October 16, 2025
To David, Francis, Peter and Tommy
Diane and I offer our sincere condolences. Gerard was a great friend and there are so many great memories from St. F.X. and the ball fields and the hockey rinks and the gym and where ever we crossed paths. Gerard had a great sense of humour. May he rest in peace.
Brian and Diane Spencer
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Tom MacNeil posted a condolence
Thursday, October 16, 2025
A good man and a very fine teacher. Condolences to Tom and The rest of Gerard's family.
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Marion MacNeil posted a symbolic gesture
Thursday, October 16, 2025
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I taught many years at BEC with Ge3rard and I am saddened to hear of his passing. Condolences to his brothers and their families.
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Derrick Nearing posted a condolence
Thursday, October 16, 2025
I opened the Cape Breton Post Obituaries today and was saddened to see the obituary for my former homeroom and science teacher, Mr. Gerard “Perch” Campbell. His passing stirred up a flood of memories, especially of how pivotal he was at a certain point in my life.
Mr. Campbell was more than just a teacher. His firm but fair discipline, steady guidance, and unwavering commitment made a lasting impact on me. Looking back, I realize how differently things might have turned out if not for his influence.
I consider myself very fortunate to have crossed paths with such an incredible man. His legacy lives on in the lives of the many students he helped shape.
Rest in peace, Mr. Campbell. And thank you—for everything.
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Shawn Boutilier posted a condolence
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Perch was my science teacher and running coach. He instilled a lifetime of love for science and health in me, and had a major role in shaping the person I am today.
Without his support, I wouldn't have the career I have today, and I wouldn't have the same level of physical fitness. I know he had this impression on many students.
Rest easy.
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Jenna (Chiasson) Martell posted a condolence
Thursday, October 16, 2025
I have many wonderful memories of Perch's Physical Science classes at BEC. He was a fantastic teacher and made a lasting impression on many people. My condolences to his family and friends.
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Dan Hiscott posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Perch was a special guy— he led a quiet, humble life, and gave his best effort to everything he did. He will surely be missed by many people, including his friends at Perry’s. My condolences to his brothers and their families. Danny Hiscott
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Laura Ann Finn posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Perch. My husband, Paul, spent many fishing trips with Perch and there was always a story to tell of their fishing adventures when he arrived home. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. - Laura Ann Finn
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Jack and Marlane MacNeil posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Saddened to hear of Perch's passing.Sincere condolences on your loss.We were fortunate recipients of his fishing bounty.We recall our last conversation with Perch on Dominion Beach.May he rest in peace.
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Jimmy Rankin posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Perch inspired my love of science—his enthusiasm was truly contagious whenever he explained something. He was also my cross-country coach, always knowing exactly how to motivate and encourage us to believe in ourselves. A kind and gentle soul, he created some of my most cherished high school memories. He will be deeply missed. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
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Verna Bisson posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
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Sincere condolences to Perch's family,He was a quiet & humble man,he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
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Theresa Odo posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Sending condolences to the Campbell family on the loss of Perch. He was one of my most memorable teachers in high school. He really loved his work and worked hard to make science interesting for his students.
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Leo Mac Isaac posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Sincere condolences to the family.Enjoyed many fishing outings with Gerard. He was one of the best!
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Colin Campbell posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Perch was a teacher of mine in high school. I then became a teaching colleague of his at BEC. He was very well liked by all, and was one of the most honest people I ever met. He made a great impact on a whole generation of New Waterford. Sincere condolences to his entire family.
Colin Campbell
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Dannie Roach posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Sorry to hear of Gerard’s passing. Such a fine gentleman.
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Harvey and Monica Kelloway posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
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Sending our condolences to Perch’s family and his dear friends. Glace Bay lost one of their most loyal sports player and fan of all sports. He always had time to talk to you at any place he met you. Perch was well respected in the community and as a teacher. A friend to all. RIP Perch
Harvey (Shack) and Monica Kelloway
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Gary and Arlene Peach posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Our sincere condolences to the family. Perch was always full of great conversation and was a great neighbor. He will be missed in our neighborhood.
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Allan MacDonald posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
To the Campbell boys. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of one of my best friends Perch. We grew up together on Alexander Street playing a lot of baseball on the street and hockey playing on the bog and pond. When I would return home for a visit I would get together once in a while with Perch for a beverage. I will have a mass said in his honour at our church in Oakville, Ontario.
Allan and Eileen MacDonald.
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Dale Kearney posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Sorry to hear of Gerard's passing. He and my mom Boots were great friends at BEC. Never a bad word about him and omg did he LOVE to run!
RIP My Campbell you will be missed
Dale Kearney
Amherst NS
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Bernadette Hollohan posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
My husband Dennis Hollohan (deceased) and Perch shared many happy moments together talking about running, fishing, or whatever conversation came up. We always enjoyed his stories and company. RIP Perch
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John McVarish. posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Condolences to Perch’s brothers. Great friend and neighbour. Johnny and Arlene McVarish.
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Rene Cameron posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
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I'm very sorry to hear of Gerard's passing. I was fortunate to have been taught by him at BEC. He was one of the best and is fondly remembered by all his students as Perch. Rest in peace Gerard.
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Jay White uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
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Hats off to Perch who was an amazing teacher.
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Amanda and Jason posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
I met Perch almost 10 years ago when we moved in across the street. He was always willing to lend a helpful hand to all of our neighbours whether it be helping snow shovel, dropping off fresh produce from his garden or giving great advice. Our girls just loved him.. often yelling across “Gerard!!”. He will certainly be missed on our street ! Thinking of his brother’s and their families at this difficult time. Amanda and Jason
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Darlene Wadden posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
To his brothers and their families, my deepest sympathy on the loss of your brother. I remember Perch very well, I grew up across the street from the Campbell’s. Many the lessons and stories were shared with the many kids in our neighborhood. He never forgot me, I often would run into Perch on his visits to his many friends while they were in hospital. He was so willing to chat and happy to see me.Rest in peace.
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Allan nicholson posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Always liked conversations with Gerard.Very positive & encouraging when I would see him.Extending my sympathy! Allan Nicholson
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Michelle Tatlock posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
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Very sorry to hear of Mr. Campbell's passing. I was fortunate to have him as a science teacher while I was attending Breton Education Center. He worked very hard to make it an enjoyable class. He was a great man and will be missed very much. Thank you Gerard. Sincerely, Michelle Tatlock
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Carl Getto posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Enjoyed having Gerard as a teacher in grade 8 at St. Agnes in New Waterford during his first year teaching. I was pleased to have remained connected with Gerard over the years. Appreciated his positivity and pleasantness. Sorry to be hearing of his passing. Gerard is a legendary Cape Breton runner, one of the best, who jogged with speed from New Waterford to Glace Bay, from school to home, many times.
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Carl Getto posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Enjoyed having Gerard as a teacher in grade 8 at St. Agnes in New Waterford during his first year teaching. I was pleased to have remained connected with Gerard over the years. Appreciated his positivity and pleasantness. Sorry to be hearing of his passing. Gerard is a legendary Cape Breton runner, one of the best, who jogged with speed from New Waterford to Glace Bay, from school to home, many times.
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Darlene MacKenzie posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
To Gerard's Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of such and kind and gentle man. He made science fun and interesting, teaching lessons that last a lifetime. Such a lovely man. May God Bless You during this sad time.
Darlene MacKenzie
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John MacEachern posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
David, Francis, Peter and Tommy.
I was particularly saddened when reading of Gerard’s passing.
My memories of Gerard pitching softballs or shooting pucks behind the Alexander Street factory, fishing smelt at Glace Bay Harbour, telling stories up at “the log”, lifting weights at St F X.
Anything that Gerard did required his full attention.
I was not at all surprised when told that attention allowed him to become a most respected and loved science teacher at Breton Education Centre.
It has been a while since I spoke with Gerard, usually at the grocery store, but I will miss him being there on Alexander Street.
John MacEachern
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John Nickelo posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
We shared countless fishing and hunting trips together with countless stories to be told. We could have written a book. Those stories my friend I’ll continue to tell to any and all who would listen. You were an incredible-person and a great friend. I’ll miss you Perch.
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Barry and Marguerite Verbeski posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
A true outdoor adventurer. Besides playing fastball and running, Perch was an excellent fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed sharing stories of his adventures, especially in the lakes and rivers of Cape Breton, casting a line for trout, salmon and smelt. Gerard was also an avid duck hunter. He kindly shared his bounty. He was a long-time friend. He will be missed. (Barry and Marguerite Verbeski.
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Darrell Chiasson posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Mr. Campbell was a great teacher. So sorry to read of his passing. He was an inspiration to many. He and Dennis Roach will be logging miles together once again.
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David White posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Perch was an awesome teacher back in my bec days and had the ability to connect with almost all of his students, making his class a very enjoyable experience, Great man ! Truly sorry.
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Helen Desveaux Neufeld posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Fond memories of teaching days at BEC
A Memorial Tree was planted for Gerard Campbell, Glace Bay
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at V.J McGillivray Funeral Homes - Glace Bay Location Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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The family of Gerard Anthony "Perch" Campbell, Glace Bay uploaded a photo
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
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Jeannie White posted a condolence
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Mr. Campbell was a top notch teacher who cared deeply about his profession and his students. He is a teacher who will be fondly remembered by any student who had the pleasure of being in his classroom. My condolences to his family and friends.
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Cynthia McDonald DeShaw posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
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So sorry to hear of Gerard's passing. A fine man with a healthy zest for life I remember his doing his daily runs while he was At the School. He was one of my Favorite Teachers during and after my education. He was a positive influence on many of the students he taught and became friends with during their adult years. Bill Nye had nothing on our "Perch". Rest in Peace Gerard. Sending thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
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