It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband and cherished father, Andy “André” Campbell on June 19, 2025 at the Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus. A veteran, who served 35 years in the Royal Canadian Air Force, he was keenly interested in aviation and space.
Andy was born in Mont-Laurier, QC to Paul Emile (1989) and Madeleine Desautels (2005). Growing up in the Laurentians, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, lifeguarding and diving, alpine skiing and amateur photography. He competed in high diving and giant slalom skiing and mentored many students as a swimming and skiing instructor.
He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1964 and was very proud of earning his wings! Andy served on various postings and squadrons: 404 Maritime Patrol Sqn., CFB Greenwood, NS; 447 Surface to Air Missile Sqn., La Macaza, QC; 425 All Weather Fighter Sqn., CFB Bagotville, QC; with NATO in CFB Baden-Soellingen, Germany; National Defence Headquarters, Ottawa, ON; with NORAD USAF Space Command, Colorado Springs. He retired in Ottawa, Sept. 1999. Andy loved flying and keeping up with advanced technologies.
A kind and generous man, he enjoyed volunteering in Orleans for Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, Nordic ski patrolling in Gatineau Park and digitized aircraft photos for the Canadian Air and Space Museum. After moving to Kanata, he was an active member of the Pine Meadows Community Association, serving on the Board of Directors and helping fellow residents whenever possible.
Andy brought his sense of humour and “joie de vivre” to Nordic Walkfit classes - 18 years of exercising and socializing with the “old gang” – they completed several 10 km and half marathons on Ottawa Race Weekends and shared many tales from the trails. He was an avid hiker – enjoying volksmarches all over Germany, exploring trails in Canada, the Sonoran Desert and even climbing Colorado’s famous Pikes Peak more than once! He loved cooking, sampling fine wines and entertaining friends and family. World travel brought many adventures and exploring new regions was such fun. Andy loved e-biking, flying a complicated drone with ease - a lifelong learner who embraced technology. He loved to tease family and friends: he would plan and execute elaborate practical jokes with a straight face! Andy was a story-teller – especially about his life experiences and adventures. He knew that social connections with loved ones, dear friends and neighbours were the main ingredients for a happy life.
Andy leaves behind his wife of 54 years, Brenda Claudette Landry, his sons Dennis (Zen) and Mitch (Inge) as well as his grandchildren, Camille and Annabel. His siblings include Lise (Claude Marsolais), Gilles, Raymond (Diane), Céline (Jean-Pierre Harvey), Lucie (Guy Paquet), Colette (Guy Ouellet), Yvon and Marie-France (Gilles Laurin). He also leaves behind sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Linda and Dave Peart and Teresa and Barry Smith as well as nieces and nephews he loved very much.
A private interment will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025 at the National Military Cemetery, located at Beechwood Cemetery. You are welcome to join a Celebration of a Life Well-Lived for family and friends from 2 to 4 p.m. at Pine Meadows Community Centre,100 Pine Hill Drive, Kanata, Ontario.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada in his memory.
Andy will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered for having lived a wonderful life but always with us in spirit!
Digital Guestbook
Diane McCallum
Dee Dee Eaton
So many fond memories of Andy - skiing in CO - BLack Diamonds :0!! Teaching Josh to ski,
eating wonderful CA thanksgivings together. Traveling to CA and to AZ!! Loving our dogs! Teasing with all of us! He was a special friend and wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Many prayers to Brenda and all the family.
Walter C.
I did not know Andy well, however his kindness towards my family will always be remembered. When my father became ill, Andy was a great support and friend to my parents during that difficult time, and has continued to be a great support to my mother since my father’s passing. My condolences to his family & friends - thank you for everything Andy.
It was as a pleasure knowing Andy. A true gentleman and friend.