Hi Marilyn, It has been decades since I was in Sechelt: much has happened in the intervening years, yet I have always remembered and appreciated you and your family. I thought to look Kim up on Facebook today, just to see, and was deeply saddened to find that he passed 6 years ago, plus to find that Neil is gone, too, a year later. One often thinks that the ones we love, respect and admire will live on with us through the years, even though we know that isn't always the case. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, as I loved and appreciated you all very much. May God's blessings of love, peace and joy be a great comfort to you, despite the temporary loss of these two good & godly men in your life. It is a great comfort to know that we will meet again in heaven one day with our great LORD and Saviour, King of Kings, Jesus Christ, Who loves us all so very much!💖👑💎💒😇🙏💖 Take good care and stay safe. P. S. You knew me by my former names of Grace Eileen Bandi and Grace Eileen Foster. I reverted to my first name after a first marriage failure, and then, after a second marriage failure, eventually changed my surname to an ancestoral one on my maternal Grandparents side that has blessed my heart.

Neil, I missed you this year in the Mall manning the Salvation Army kettles. You were the kindly store owner who took the time to welcome and chat with this newly arrived and lonely lady who dropped into your store one day. Will miss your smile each Sunday, but we know you’re with your Heavenly Father now. We’ll be there for Marilyn. It was my privilege to know you.

Neil Campbell, the Sechelt, BC - based friend of many - passed away this week. He was a warrior for good things - for hard work, for decency in human relationships, for family love, and for his faith.

Just one short year ago, almost to the day, he lost his beloved son, Kim, in a car crash that was not Kim's fault. This tore Neil up but it would have had even more devastating effect on someone without Neil’s faith. He knew he had to stick by his lifetime love, Marilyn, and his other son, Wayne. From what I understood, he observed those responsibilities like a man of stature and backbone would. Neil had stature and backbone.

I got to know Neil and Marilyn first as volunteers in my political campaigns. They cared about the community even more than the political party they supported. That was clear from Marilyn’s ongoing relationships sustained through her retail shop, a Sechelt landmark, Maribel’s Fine Fashions. It was also clear from the wide circle of friends they claimed - politics was important but friendship even more so.

Our relationship rapidly grew into a friendship. I loved the occasions when I overnighted at their place. They made sure their candidate was fed and watered. Always fed and watered very well, thanks to Marilyn! And always with good humor, thanks to both of them.
I am sad today to contemplate life without Neil. But he told me in the last couple of weeks of his confidence. He knew where he was going. His faith in his Lord gave him great hope - and Neil expects to see to see us all with him once again, no doubt.
expects to see to see us all with him once again, no doubt.