To my dear friend John Campbell.

Words can’t describe the sadness I feel right now. What I will say is that I’m am grateful to have had you in my life, grateful that you were always my best mate and grateful for the great times we shared. You taught me it’s ok to hug, it’s ok to say ‘I love you’ out loud and in public to your kids, your parents, your partner and your best mate. You taught me it’s great to have a laugh and have fun. I will miss you my dearest friend but I will cherish the memories we had for the rest of my life. My heart aches for Vicky, Devon and Cole. Love to you guys. Love you my friend ….

Maurice Ward (NZ)

I met John last year at our allotment. We’d both volunteered to dig holes so they could extend the manure section. A stink job we both agreed but the pleasure was all mine as I soon discovered my fellow hole digger was a kiwi. Over the course of next two hours, we’d dug the required holes and I’d met a great chap. John was so easy to talk to, very engaging and super friendly.

Over the summer, I got to meet his lovely wife Vicky and to catch up with John on the latest sports news or to see how his newly planted Agapanthus were doing. Their plot is not too far from the allotment entrance so it was always a joy to discover when John was there and up for a chat. My wife and I were there just yesterday and we stopped at his plot and I had a thought of excitement about how much sports news we had to discuss.

So it’s with great sadness that I discovered last night that John had passed away in late February. Condolences to Vicky, their children and the rest of the family and friends. Rest in Love, my friend.

Richard Sharkey

Dearest John
I thought of you a few weeks ago when a tomato shortage was announced and thought ‘I know one guy who’s gonna be OK for tomatoes’. You loved growing them.
I remember fondly the community cricket match that you generously supported me with your time and you giving away a load of kit after the game. Amazing. Actions that stick in one’s memory as a true example of a gent.
Such awful news and truly a terrible untimely loss to a lovely family.
Love to you all x

Andrew Dickinson

It is with great sadness that we say Farewell to our loved and loving nephew. We had such fun always with John. Getting to know Vicky was special and their two delightful sons. Much Love and Sympathy to his family.

Janet Litt

It cut through our hearts when we learnt of John’s passing.
Vicki, Devon, Cole, Marian, Kathy and family, words cannot express my condolences. John was just an amazing human being. I was so proud to have him as a mate. Be it on a rugby field or life in general, John always had you’re back. He was unique in that he could happily laugh at himself and always had a quick wit.
I text him before England played France in the World Cup Football Quarter Final wishing everyone good luck. I was assuming everyone in the Country would be behind them. He immediately responded, “Oh no I’m supporting France.” You could tell he was laughing as he text. Just loved winding people up.
John, it was a privilege to know you. You were truly one of the best.
“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”
RIP my friend

Garry Cossey

It is difficult to write this tribute. I got to know John when we worked together at the Royal Bank of Scotland where he would go on to teach me work, introduce me to golf and swimming.
I looked forward to going to work because of him. He would literally make you laugh all day. John would get me a cup of tea and then stick his fingers in it, wipe his hands off my shirt and head after washing them, then make a joke about himself, and everyone else in the Bank, wind me up by telling me I play golf like a one-handed man. I can go on and on. Nick my laptop and hide it or type rubbish on it when I leave it unlocked or send random email from my laptop to others telling them “they are fired”. What a guy. At the same time he still remains one of the best in the UK when it comes to his profession. He would always look out for his mates and colleague’s. He Loved and adored Vicky and his boys.
Extremely hardworking, generous, warm and hospitable, he would invite me to Xmas dinner where he, Cole, Devon, and I would fool and clown around all evening with me asking Vicky “ how do you put up with this lot”
He became a senior brother to me and impacted my life is ways I cannot put into words. John would alway find a funny side of anything regardless of how bad the situation is. I will for sure miss him for the rest of my life.
To Vicky, Cole, and Devon, may God comfort all of you. John was much loved and will be missed. He had great impact on the life of others and left great memories.
Thanks and love you all.

Shedrack Igwe

Dear Camps
We bonded over tennis, NFL and the terrible performances of our fantasy football squads. You honestly made me laugh every day, all it really took was your giggle to set me off. Our weekly Wednesday catch up calls were the highlight of my work week, you supported me in my first ever Movember attempt, and I mocked you for your ‘damp’ (not quite dry) January. Kate would ask me most evenings why I was smiling at my phone, and the reason was often one of your stories: your extensive Toby jug collection; your far from lucrative career as a racehorse owner; or your insistence I seek out the elusive moa bird in a random museum in Prague. You are, and will continue to be missed, my friend.
Vicki, Devon and Cole, I am so sorry for your loss, I hope you find some comfort in the happiness that John brought to so many people, he was truly a lovely man, and it is an honour to have known him.
Bakes

Toby Baker

So many great memories John. From meeting you and Mal and Stu and Nick and Nige and Sam at your house party all those years ago, to “showing me the ropes” (lol) when you got me that holiday job at NCR to the never ending OE through all the years in London, seeing our families grow and enjoying each new stage in life. Always a constant – a good friend who always made you feel better with such a good energy and humour. So smart yet so modest and humble. Everyone who knew only realising now you are gone, way way too early, how lucky we were. One of a kind loved by all of us.

Jason Tunui

The distinction between nice and kind – A tribute to the late and great John Campbell

Many of us here have known John for a long time – from work, from friends, from school, from sport.

And that longevity of friendship is not coincidental, you only had to meet John Campbell once to feel his impact. He was the type of man that said very little about himself and always had questions for others. Always took an interest, even when he wasn’t interested, always let someone have a voice even if he didn’t need to, always told you the truth.

He was a rare type of person.

Rarest of all his qualities was the surplus of kindness he carried around at all times. He never asked for anything. Which, for a man with a very important job, a family, with two boys, was remarkable – though, it helps when you have an amazing partner by your side.

A lot of people are nice. Nice is something you do to make the time pass, to make others like you, to build relationships. But kindness takes effort, kindness takes being selfless.

Kindness is taking leave to pick a friend up from the airport.
Kindness is inviting others into your home when they help.
Kindness is generous gifts outside the holidays.
Kindness is putting people up.
Kindness is involving people.
Kindness is being honest when you need to be.

Thank you John, you will always be loved, and you will forever be missed.

Sean Ryan

I have known John since we were little as our parents are great friends. In the early days John was the annoying little brother but as we grew into adults we became great friends ourselves. I remember times at the Campbell farm and ours, letters from John in his first year at uni in Dunedin, family catch ups, visiting in London in 2012 and heading to Kew gardens.

I will remember Johns wonderful sense of humour. He was always the one cracking jokes and bringing life and laughter to any event. He also had the most wonderful knack of making everyone feel at ease in his quiet gentle way.

Big hugs to Vicky, Cole and Devon and Marian and Kathy and family, and Asa and family. I hope your memories give you comfort!

Julie Greenwood

Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Marian,Kathy & Troy,As’a & Families AND of course to Vicky,Devon & Cole.We too mourn a fine, upstanding,good “Kiwi” & Sportsman.

Marian our boys were born on the same day at the Papakura Hospital. It still will be a special day for us to share.

All your friends in NZ will have their arms and love surrounding you all at St.Annes on Thursday.

Loving thoughts,

David & Julie Karaka,NZ

I first met John when we were assigned the same hostel at Otago university – it was miles away from the main campus and the students developed a wide ranging and deep bond out of necessity. John seemed to get the study/ party balance right better than others – he was one of the very few that managed to do a 3 year degree in 3 years yet he was often seen wondering around the campus in a fully enclosed Lion or Bear suit with our friend Chads. They stuck to character so well it was a little uncomfortable how they would blank you until we all started to ignore them and leave them to perch in whatever public tree they fancied. I always respected John’s full commitment to this gag. John loved to laugh, and our routine was for him to batter me with highly politically incorrect comedic abuse and my role was to soak it up and occasionally squeak something back. I wasn’t alone in this fall guy role and some of the questionable things he could get away with saying was outstanding and a testament to how much he was loved. One of his greatest skills was making it absolutely clear that he loved you.

I remain delighted in how much pleasure John took when recounting my accomplishments as someone that blagged his way into the London banking sector. I’d never done any finance at school or university. It was his idea to slip an accounting degree onto my resume and try out for a “part qualified” accounting position. This worked out great, I could do maths and most of the skill lay in sensibility checking and spreadsheeting. After a few months though I think John must have gotten bored of this accomplishment and he set me up for an interview in a department that he was also working in. Brimming with confidence at the start of the interview, my mood took a massive swing when the interviewer casually informed me as to why this was a position for a fully qualified Chartered accountant and how he was glad of John’s recommendation. Bloody John! Enter the cold sweat! Anywho, I kept my interview chat to an absolute minimum and got the job. Needless to say, I didn’t shine and it only lasted a couple of months before my boss sneakily transferred me to another department while my new boss was on holiday. I also had to endure a conversation that went something like “Jules, I don’t know what they teach you in accounting degrees in NZ but I’m disappointed and surprised you don’t know this…” Thank you John. The experience taught me I can do anything – at the very least it kept my weight off and ultimately paid for my pilot license.

Vicky, Devon, Cole – John and you have always looked after me – ILiving near you in Kew helped me endure the London life for quite a few years before NZ called me home. I’ll always be grateful to you all for your generosity and friendship. I also couldn’t be more proud of Devon and Cole. Vicky and John provided you a home with so much laughter and support and you’ve both flourished. You poor boys knew you would be dealing with two gibbering idiots whenever Uncle Jules visited.

I’m so sorry I’m not there today. I will see you in Summer.

Goodbye my dear John – I’m so grateful to have been your friend.

Jules Gay

Our hearts are truly broken for Vicky, Devon, Cole, Marian and Kathy.

How we will miss John, who was such a beautiful person in every way.

John was always so welcoming, warm, humorous and very humble, while being so smart and capable. Although very busy, John always made time for you.

We watched him grow up as he walked the long driveway home from school over the years, to mature into such a wonderful son, husband, and a legend of a dad.

John was so loving, with a genuine laugh that only belonged to John.

Our family was really blessed for the years we had with him.

Thank you, John, our very special family friend, for the cherished memories deep in our hearts.

The McDiarmid family. NZ.

We met John when we became next door neighbours in Kew. John, you irradiated warmth. You probably didn’t know just how much your warm smile, happy spontaneous chats and friendly beers in the garden meant to us. As life would have it, we couldn’t stay there as long as we had planned. Despite this and Covid, when we look back at our time in Kew, John and Vicky, you always come to our minds. Our hearts ache for Vicky and the kids and we wish we could be closer to offer more support. Thanks John for making us feel so welcome and part of the community. You will be missed by so many.

Carmen and Andrea.

Carmen Rodriguez Gonzalvez

I had the allotment plot next to John and Vicki’s a really nice couple. We usually meet on a Sunday morning if the weather was ok. John would be there T shirt, old shorts which he had to hitch up all the time (elastic was worn) wellington boots and his pride and joy knee protectors. Vicki had to buy him a second pair for his birthday wore out the first pair in six months. John being John would be planting veg all over the plot, when asked what he had planted would know that But then with that smile he had would say but I do not know we’re I planted them, never labelled anything. Vicki would there with her superb home made cakes and coffee all calm and collected. No where I would rather be on sunny Sunday morning with neighbours like these. Will be very sadly missed but not forgotten many happy memories to remember him with.

Brian Nicholls

Johnny

3 Christmas holidays spent working the roads for the Franklin County Council forged a great friendship. Well sometimes we worked, but often it was playing euchre in the forest at Awhitu or surfing at Kariotahi or figuring out your winnings at the TAB. You had a talent for so many things – a tougher rugby player than your skinny legs suggested, a skilled cricketer and a bloody smart fella with an uncanny knack for numbers. The midweek trips up the hill to Ponga Road to the boys den and endless chuckles with Spotty and Nick and your crew of mates. A loyal and generous mate, loving husband and a proud Dad. Our lives were enriched by knowing you.

Farewell Johnny.

Mark Wood

My dear brother-in-law John I am going to miss you so much mate, you were a true gem of a man who I admired, respected and loved!

I last saw you on one of my calls with Vicki, popping up in the background, looking good as you’d always tell me and then pull a face ha ha then throwing a whimsical comment my way. I loved your humour and your laugh was infectious. I loved to get you going and once you started you made me feel I was the funniest person around, good times.

Thank you for being the best husband to Vicki and and a legend of a Dad to Devon and Cole, they could have never have hoped for more, you were simply awesome John.

I am so grateful to have had you in my life John, a lovely twist of fate that brought you and Vicki together all those years ago that created your amazing family who I love so much. And this sick and twisted fate that has taken you away from us far too soon, I can never understand!

Rest in Peace big fella, there is a light and it never goes out, you will live on in my memories and heart.

All our love to Vicki, Devon and Cole at this incredibly hard time. Love from Ryan, Charlotte,, Nana Elsie Sonja and Uncle Leigh.

Xoxo

Leigh Baker

Loved son of our dearly loved friend Marian.

We the Greenwood family in New Zealand spent many wonderful times together over the years. John always played a huge part in any activties.He grew into a fine young man. To Vicki,Devon and Cole,Marian,Kathy and family our deepest sympathy. We are thinking of you.

Much Love to you all.

Rosemary Greenwood

Still in shock that I won’t be hearing “Gday Digger, howz it goin” – one of John’s favourite activities was putting on an Aussie accent for days when we would hang out. I met John while we worked on a project together – He was presenting, I was asking lots of questions. At the end he asked if I wanted to see his notes on my questions, it said “ignore Darren three times”. John will be missed for his friendship and ability to make anyone laugh, he was a great bloke.

My heart goes out to Vicki and the boys. John was loved by his mates and will be sadly missed.

Darren Walker

We were privileged to have John and Cole as part of our age group rugby at London Welsh. Despite John being a Coventry City supporting Kiwi , a strange mix, we made John and Cole honorary Welsh men. It soon became evident that John was such a warm and friendly person who got on well with everyone. The memory of John running touch in his wellies is the stuff of legend at the club. John you will be sorely missed by all at the club. Love also to Vicki, Devon and Cole.

RIP John a great man

Andrew Stitson

To Vicki, Devon, Cole, Marian, Cathy and Family

It is with heartfelt sadness that we say goodbye to our loved and loving nephew. John was always full of fun. RIP John

Thinking of you all.

Lois MacDonald and family

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