Longtime respected horseman Mike Campbell of Hanwell, N.B. passed away on Saturday, Sept. 25 at the Doctor Everett Chalmers Hospital. He was 73.
Born in Charlottetown, P.E.I, he was a son of the late Cyril and Reta (Hennessey) Campbell.
Mike’s career in harness racing was legendary. It was in the stable of his grandfather Wal Hennessey that his love of horse racing began. Sleigh rides with Wal and time spent in the barns started a passion that lasted a lifetime.
He worked with some of P.E.I.'s finest horsemen before heading out on his own. His journey landed him on harness racing’s biggest stages in Ontario, New York, Florida and the Maritimes. Mike raced and won against the best drivers and trainers of the time. Harness racing led him to the love of his life, Joan, after they met at Fredericton Raceway in the 1960s. Training horses is where he excelled and among the many standouts, a few favourites were Igoddago, Bob Collins, Vulga Wil and Warbucks Pick. He drove winners of 1,120 races and more than $1 million in addition to earning 400 training wins with his stable banking more than $580,000 in purses. Mike was inducted into the Fredericton Raceway Hall of Fame in 2014.
Despite all of his trips to the winner's circle, Mike would tell you that the best things in his life were Joan, Lori, Luke and Leo. For him, they hung the moon and stars and were the reason his eyes sparkled so brightly. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his family. Mike's friends meant the world to him and their adventures would make for a best selling book. He was larger than life.
Mike is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Joan Campbell, their daughter Lori Campbell-Gay (Stacy) of Fredericton, two grandsons, Luke and Leo. His siblings, Celeste Currie of Halifax, Hugh Campbell (Heather) of Charlottetown, Joan Campbell CSM of Charlottetown and Jim Campbell of Charlottetown. Beloved in-laws, Sandra, David, Carol, Paul, Kathy, Glen and Mark, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by a brother Paddy Campbell.
There will be no visitation or service at this time. A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at a later date. Interment will be in the Hermitage Cemetery.
Donations in memory of Mike, may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be expressed at bishopsfuneralhome.com.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Mike Campbell.
Mike Campbell was a terrific
Mike Campbell was a terrific horseman. He campaigned Tidy Point many years ago, and put on quite a show. Very sad new that he's passed, he will be greatly missed by many.