With heavy hearts we regret to announce the passing of Michael Alexander Campbell Jr. on October 17, 2025 at the age of 73.  He was the son of Michael Campbell Sr. (Marilyn) and his late mother, Margaret (Peggy) Campbell (MacNeil). Michael was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son and brother.

Michael is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Jane (McClelland) and they celebrated their 50th anniversary on July 4th of this year and his sons, Michael (Kim) and John Bruce, both of Halifax and his granddaughter, MacKenzie Jane.  He is also survived by his brothers, Robbie (Alana) of Cole Harbour, Bruce (Corrine) of New Waterford, Blaise (Joann) of Halifax, Hector (Tracey) of Brantford, ON and Glen (Liza) of New Waterford; his sisters, Sharon (Greg) MacMaster of New Victoria and Lorraine (Raymond) MacDonald of River Ryan; his sister-in-law, Susan Campbell of Scotchtown.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews who he enjoyed seeing and spending time with whenever the opportunity arose. Michael is also survived by Jane’s siblings, Jackie (Edwina) McClelland of Ontario, Charlie (Margaret) McClelland of New Brunswick and Danny (Patty) McClelland of Ontario. As previously noted, he was predeceased by his loving mother, Peggy and by his siblings, Mary, Bernadette, Colleen and George.

Michael was an extremely hard working and dedicated miner his entire working life. He began his mining career at Lingan Mine in 1972.  In 1978, he transitioned to employment with Dosco Oversees Engineering out of the UK as an Engineer and Hydraulics Specialist.  In this capacity, he continued working on countless Devco underground projects under the auspices of Dosco.  With the downsizing of Devco, Michael transitioned his mining skills and employment to Barrick Gold from 1997 to 2020.  Michael worked in various areas throughout North America until his retirement in 2020.  During his mining career, Michael was extremely proud to offer his knowledge and skill as a mine rescue manager involved in many different mine rescue scenarios.  He also lent his time and skill as a mine rescue teacher. Michael was extremely proud to be what is referred to as a “Draegerman”, in mine rescue circles, and was able to assist during any mining accident. Upon his retirement, Michael and Jane fulfilled their wish to return to their beloved Cape Breton to be closer to family.

Upon his return to Cape Breton, Michael took every opportunity to surround himself with his family and Jane’s family.  Not long after returning home and beginning to enjoy his much deserved retirement, Michael was diagnosed with ALS. Michael did not allow this to derail what he wanted to do upon his return home.  He attended every family function and celebration and never allowed his disease to sidetrack the family gatherings.  He would arrive with a smile on his face and would bring a smile to the face of everyone who attended. Michael was a man of rare spirit; kind and gentle yet unmistakably intense in his presence. He had a natural gift for storytelling, and could captivate others with a well-timed tale or a sharp and witty observation. Michael was deeply social, and outgoing and someone who could make people feel seen, heard and valued with his warm and calming demeanor. To say Michael was the epitome of selflessness would be an understatement. He was always more concerned with others happiness above his own. His quiet strength and selflessness were a true testament to the depth and breadth of his character.  This was reflected in the deep love he showed and expressed to all those around him.  Even when his illness began taking away his ability to attend functions, we would all still be met with a text or phone call to inquire how we were doing and to ask about our lives or the lives and activities of our children.  Also, his door was always open for a visit where every person would be greeted with a warm hug no matter how difficult it may be for him to rise and greet us. We can honestly say that during the several years he battled ALS he never once complained or said “Why me”.  His resilience throughout his illness was unwavering.  Though he endured more than most ever knew, Michael never allowed his health to overshadow his shining spirit and he never allowed his illness to be what people focused on when they were in his presence.  Michael lived his entire life by the mantra – just be a kind and decent human being. If there were more Michael Campbells in the world, the world would surely be a much happier and peaceful place. We were fortunate to have him as a husband, father and big brother as he led by example through his compassion, strength and unwavering loyalty.

Michael’s entire family would like to extend their deepest thanks to Brett Gillis whose exceptional care and friendship meant so much to Michael over the last year.  We also want to thank Drs. Burns, Ernst and Shimon for their dedicated and compassionate care.  Also, we would be remiss if we did not extend a huge thank you to the ALS Society.  They were there at every step of Michael’s journey to assist in every way possible.  In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations be made to the ALS Society of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 23rd from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at noon all in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home Chapel, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. Deacon Lorne MacNeil officiating.  A reception will follow in the funeral home. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca

 IT’S A WORKING MAN I AM AND I’VE BEEN DOWN UNDER GROUND