Longtime horseman Lenard “Babe” Campbell of Belmont, Ont. passed away peacefully at Valleyview Home in St. Thomas, Ont., on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 at the age of 86.
Len was an avid horse trainer and driver for over 60 years of trotters and pacers, and Director of the Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA) - London. He was taught by many and teacher to some.
Loving husband to Beverley Campbell (nee Watcher) for 67 years. Loved father and father-in-law to Cynthia (Bob) Nelson, Sherry Campbell, late Len Campbell Jr. (Brenda), Trudy (Tony) Maresch, Rhonda Campbell, Douglas Campbell, late Laura Forgues (Sylvain), and Jackie (Charles) Forgues. Loving grandfather to Crystal (Steve) Abdey, late Beverly Campbell, Jeremy (Christine) Campbell, Erin Campbell, Tyler Campbell, Stephen Campbell, Ashley and Michael Maresh, Justin (Libbie) Forgues, Renée Forgues, and Samantha Forgues. Great grandfather to Matthew, Caylee, Danika, Aria, Nicholas, and Mona. Predeceased by his brother Glen (Arliss) Campbell and sister Lexi (Gord) Watts.
The funeral service will be held at the Shawn Jackson Funeral Home, located at 31 Elgin Street, St. Thomas, Ont., on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024 at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment in St. Thomas Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society, or the Humane Society London & Middlesex.
Personal condolences to the family can be made at sjfh.ca
The family wishes to thank the wonderful nurses and PSWs at Valleyview for their compassionate care during this difficult transition.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Len Campbell.
Lenard Campbell
Lenard was a wonderful boss and mentor to me years ago. He gave me a chance to learn to train horses. Great horseman and kind and classy man. He was one of a kind and I will never forget him. My condolences to his family.
A Herbert Stable Pupil
I did not know this gentleman personally but do recall that he was a long time member of the fabled Herbert stable from London and Lambeth. I also remember him working for a short time in Harold Wellwood's stable back in the Batavia days. Many people started their careers with Bill and Jack Herbert; gone but not forgotten.