It is with great sadness we announce a great man gone too soon. Lee passed suddenly, but peacefully in his sleep at the age of 50. He is predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Dorothy and will be greatly missed by his close siblings, Wayne (Hetty), Marty (Shirley), Les (Diane), Patti (Randy), Terry (Brenda), his nieces and nephews Kris (Elise), Travis (Kelsey), Jessica, Shawn (Cathy), Ryan (Mallory), Laura (Josh), Lee (Michelle), Adam and Amanda; many great nieces and nephews and extended family.
Lee grew up in the farming community of Kettle Valley, BC where he graduated from Boundary Central Secondary School (BCSS) in Midway, BC in 1988. He later moved to Victoria, BC to attend UVic, graduating with a Bachelor of Education with Distinction in 1995.
After a short teaching internship at Parkland Secondary, life could not hold him back and soon he was off to Japan where he would live for the next 10 years teaching English and travelling. His adventures would take him many places including the Philippines, Australia, and Dubai.
Deciding to return to Canada in 2006, he settled in Vancouver where he had a few short-term jobs before beginning his 14 year career at what is now Kaplan International Languages.
Lee thoroughly enjoyed his job and connected with many co-workers locally and internationally and was well-respected amongst his colleagues. Stories shared say he was the 'go to' guy, could be depended on for so many tasks and always with humour and a witty comment. In addition to his day job, Lee worked as an usher at Rogers Arena where he saw his beloved Canucks play and witnessed many concerts, his favorite being Bare Naked Ladies!
When Lee wasn't working you could find him on the tennis courts in Stanley Park. He was passionate about the game and played and watched tennis at every opportunity, even planning vacations around Tennis Opens. He was so avid he played over 300 times last year.
Lee enjoyed visiting and vacationing with his family when time allowed and was always willing to play games and spend time with the younger ones. His easy-going manner, sharp wit, laughable insulting banter, and in-depth conversations are greatly missed and a void that will take much time to fill.
His friendships reached far and wide and were as diverse as his life. We strongly encourage his friends and colleagues to seek each other out and share your memories in lieu of a service during these unprecedented times.
In lieu of flowers, and to honour Lee, the family has established a bursary for Boundary Central Secondary School. Donations can be directed by cheque to the Osoyoos Credit Union, c/o Lee Campbell BCSS Bursary or etransfers can be sent to 'inmemoryofleecampbell@gmail.com'
Alternatively, as Lee was so passionate about tennis and sports in general, donations can be made to KidsportBC in memory of Lee at the following link: https://kidsportcanada.ca/british-columbia/donate/ where you may choose the community you would like to donate to.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Services at www.nunes-pottinger.com
Please feel free to reach out to the family members with stories, pictures or just to connect as he was as much a part of your family as he was ours.
Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Services