It is with deep sadness we share the news of the passing of Dennis Oscar Campbell, a long-time Professor and former Manager of Athletics at Mohawk College. Campbell passed away, surrounded by family, on June 4, 2021 at Carpenter Hospice in Waterdown, Ontario. He was 67.
Campbell served in multiple roles during his lengthy time at Mohawk, including serving as the Mountaineers Manager of Athletics from 1980 until 1985. He served in many other athletic roles around campus and quickly became a familiar face within Mountaineer Athletics.
Later, Campbell served as a professor in the Health, Wellness and Fitness program for many years and was a champion of student services and supports at the college's Brantford Campus. He was also active on the executive council of Local 240 for a number of years.
His impact was felt beyond Mohawk College. Campbell served the collegiate sports community, joining the OCAA Awards Committee in 1981. In 1983 he was elected to the OCAA Executive Committee, serving as Vice President for two years while chairing the Membership Committee. He served as the OCAA tennis convenor for five years in the 1980s and women's soccer convenor for four years in the 1980s and '90s. He was honoured by the OCAA in 1991 with a Service Award and was eventually inducted into the OCAA Hall of Fame in 2003.
Campbell was also very active in the Hamilton community. He was a well-regarded soccer coach and basketball official. Dennis was a member of the Hamilton Board of Approved Basketball Officials for 25 years (1988-2013) and, in 1999, was awarded the Jim Lyle / Bob Wilmot Dedicated Officials Award.
The Mohawk community, Academic and Athletics, and the greater Hamilton community have benefitted from Dennis Campbell's tireless energy and commitment over the years. He will be greatly missed.
His passion was 100% focused on ensuring that students had the best opportunities and experiences. That commitment to students was the thread that cut across every role that Dennis had at Mohawk. – Paul Armstrong, Chief Operating Officer, Mohawk College
His vision and commitment inspired not only his students but elevated every academic program at Mohawk Dennis touched to a higher level of excellence. - Laurie Cahill, former Manager of Varsity Athletics and Facilities and Mountaineer Hall of Fame member
Dennis always found a way to make you smile, or push you further than you thought you could run! He could also think outside of the box like no other person could. If Dennis wanted something done he just did it! He was such a go-getter. - Shelley Lang, Mohawk College employee who was a student-athlete during Campbell's time at the college
Dennis is remembered for his generosity, always having a smile and his willingness to help others learn, whether it was on the court as a basketball referee or in his position as a professor at Mohawk College. – executive Hamilton Board of Approved Basketball Officials
Dennis Campbell was the Manager of Athletics when I worked at Mohawk College for one of my co-op placements while attending the University of Windsor. He was a quiet leader that I respected a great deal and learned a lot from. He was not your typical "boss." He led more by example rather than an authoritarian figure. Even though I was only at Mohawk for three and a half months, I really enjoyed my time working with him and have many great memories from my time with Dennis. – Jay Shewfelt, Athletic Coordinator, St. Clair College
We extend our sympathy to Dennis' family and loved ones.
For additional information, please visit his obituary page.
Source: Mohawk Mountaineers