WYMAN CAMPBELL

1917 - 2006

"Wyman took his final flight on Thursday, March 23, 2006 to touch the hand of God and receive his second set of wings...."

Wyman Ellsworth Campbell, beloved husband of Doris Campbell of Burdett, passed away at the Bow Island Health Centre at the age of 88 years.
Besides Doris, his loving wife of more than fifty six years, Wyman is survived by his children Dale (Gloria), Cheryl Ell, Howard (Heather), Glen (Bonnie) and Craig (Marina). He is also survived by his grandchildren Scott (Tania) and Steven Campbell, Kristian and Michael Ell, Kristin (Aaron) Sturgeon, Erin and Matthew Campbell, Taylor and Jordan Campbell, Shelby and Dusty Renschler; his great granddaughter Ruby-Ann Sturgeon; his sisters-in-law Ruth Campbell and Carol Campbell and by his special cousin Merle Thacker.
He was predeceased by his parents Roy and Mina, his sisters Dorothy Morrison and Esther McMahen, his brothers Kenneth, Alvin and Donald, his son-in-law Daryl Ell and by his nephews David Campbell and Robert McMahen.
Wyman was born in Bow Island on October 25, 1917. He received all of his schooling in Burdett after which he helped his dad on the farm for five years. He then enrolled in the Aeronautical Engineering course at SAIT in Calgary. He then gained employment at Elementary Flight Training School in Lethbridge and High River. In 1943, Wyman joined the air force and received his wings, graduating with the highest marks ever attained up to that point. He received his officers commission for Pilot Instructor and instructed in Claresholm and High River in the Commonwealth Air Training Program. He missed the opportunity to fly overseas as his flying skills were deemed more valuable as an instructor on the homefront. Following his discharge, he worked on the construction on the highway to Grimshaw. He and a couple of chums also did brushcutting west of Innisfail. This is where he would meet his future wife Doris Hillman, an RN working in Innisfail. After a two year courtship, they were wed January 7, 1950. They returned to the family farm at Burdett in April of 1950 where he farmed full time until his retirement in January 1990. When not farming, Wyman enjoyed playing trumpet and saxophone in several dance bands, as well as with his brothers Ken and Donald, his son Glen and his nephew Richard. He also enjoyed playing the piano and shared hours of music with his family. Many of those hours with kids and grandkids on his knee or on the bench alongside him. Many Sunday nights were spent at the family farmhouse with Wyman and his siblings playing up a storm, which also involved huge bowls of popcorn and fudge. He also maintained his flying skills and passed on his love of flying to his kids. After retiring from farming, Wyman and Doris resided in Burdett where he kept himself busy with projects in his woodworking shop.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Burdett United Church, Burdett on Monday, March 27, 2006 at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Sandra McMillan officiating.  A private family graveside service will follow in the Burdett Cemetery.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Wyman's name may be made directly to the Burdett Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 105, Burdett, Alberta  T0K 0J0 and/or to the Bow Island & District Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 1172, Bow Island, Alberta  T0K 0G0.