A family and army of volunteers were left in shock following the untimely death of Bob Campbell, the 68-year-old man who was killed in a two-vehicle collision on April 27. "He was a man of action. He was always there when it counted," said his daughter-in-law, Melanie Campbell, wife to Bob's son, Bryan. "The most valuable thing he gave to people was his time." Bob, a retired chartered accountant and active volunteer who was known for his dedication to the greater Cochrane community, was the single occupant in a vehicle travelling north on Highway 22 when his car collided with another vehicle, also containing a single occupant. Both individuals died on scene. RCMP had not released further details by press time. The accident occurred around 10:20 p.m. at the Twp Road 274 turnoff. Bob had been travelling toward his acreage off Horse Creek Road following an evening spent at the Bearcat Murray Tribute - a fundraiser in honour of the legendary Flames athletic trainer and community advocate, with all proceeds going toward Cochrane's future women's shelter, Big Hill Haven. That evening alone, $27,000 and counting was raised for the shelter. Melanie, also a former shelter board member, said Bob was thrilled about the success of the event that night. He was the secretary for the Big Hill Haven shelter board - the elbow grease behind getting the non-profit's charitable status and business plan off the ground. "I don't think anybody can fill his shoes ... he was a pretty special person," said Margaret Van Tighem, co-chair and co-founder of the shelter and friend of several years. "He was really invested in getting this going." Bob rolled up his sleeves and gave back in every way he could, whether it was never missing a grandchild's game to being front and centre at his son's music gigs to coaching, photography and involvement in the equestrian community. He also took the Little Warriors course for sexual abuse prevention and treatment of children. Melanie said the irony of the evening is that his best friend and now living legacy - a black lab named Remmy who went everywhere with him - was not with him. Remmy was being trained by Bob through the Pacific Assistance Dog Society (PADS) to live with a family with a child who has special needs and due to his commitments with the shelter volunteers efforts last weekend, had left his four-legged companion with Wendy Proudlock. Proudlock is the Alberta development coordinator for PADS. She got to know Bob after he came on board as a volunteer less than two years ago and is shaken by the sudden loss of her friend. "He wanted a dog in his life again - one that he could have by his side while he continued his numerous retirement activities with his family and community," said Proudlock, recanting Bob's sharp and intense learning curve of training a service dog and the close bond between him and Remmy. "After the tragic loss of Bob, another PADS volunteer has stepped up to take Remmy to the school reading program. Campbell also leaves a hole in a number of other community organizations he was actively involved in including Alcoholics Anonymous, Cochrane Curling Club and Cochrane Ringette. Bob leaves behind his son, Bryan, his daughter, Robyn, their spouses and a total of six grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Lee, who died of cancer. He is also survived by his cat, jazzy and horse Misty. A memorial service for Bob will be held at the Cochrane Alliance Church on May 11 at 2 p.m. - the sixth anniversary of his wife's service. Melanie said that following the loss of his wife, Bob made a bucket list and moved forward with living life to the fullest, including a trip to Africa two years ago where he was able to photograph safari animals - as he was a big animal lover. He was also very devoted to his grandchildren and spent a lot of time with each of them. Melanie said the family is grateful, as a nearby farmer had heard the accident and attended the scene. His surviving family is asking that in lieu of flowers, people donate to Big Hill Haven to move the shelter vision forward. A gofundmepage has been set up to facilitate donations. Go to https://www.gofundme.com/bob-campbell.
