An Oakville firefighter who lost his life to occupational cancer is being remembered as a gentle soul who was quick with a dad joke, loved his family and had no regrets about his career choice, even at the end.
Firefighters from across Ontario gathered in Oakville on Dec. 27 to honour the life of Capt. Stuart Campbell.
Campbell, who had served the community as a member of the Oakville Fire Department for more than 30 years, died on Dec. 21 following a metastatic thyroid cancer diagnosis.
He was 56.
Oakville Fire Chief Paul Boissonneault noted Campbell joined the Oakville Fire Department in 1992 and was promoted to fire captain in 2010.
Boissonneault described Campbell as a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather who proudly followed in the footsteps of his father Peter, who had served as Oakville’s chief fire prevention officer.
“Stu served with dedication in the Oakville Fire Department, spending most of his career at Fire Station 1 in Bronte and as a key member and leader for hazardous materials response,” said Boissonneault.
“On his days off, he generously shared his extensive hazmat knowledge by training others through Echelon Response (hazardous materials environmental response service) and at FESTI (Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute) at the GTAA (Greater Toronto Airports Authority) teaching students and courses specializing in hazmat.”
As thyroid cancer is on the province’s list of recognized occupational diseases resulting from the smoke and chemicals firefighters are exposed to, Campbell’s death is considered an active line of duty death.
To that end, he received a full ceremonial send-off at the International Union of Operating Engineers Banquet Hall, with his memorial attracting around 500 people, including representatives from more than 20 fire departments.
Boissonneault said the Burlington and Mississauga fire departments covered Oakville Fire Stations on Dec. 27 so all members of the Oakville Fire Department could attend.
Prior to the service, an honour guard made up of firefighters from more than 10 fire departments, as well as members of the Halton police and Halton Region Paramedic Services, made their way from the Bronte GO Station to the banquet hall.
“Firefighters don’t put on their uniforms expecting applause,” Halton Police chaplain Aaron Groat said during the service.
“They do it knowing there are risks, knowing there is a cost and choosing again and again to step towards danger so that others can step away from it.”
He said those present were there to grieve a life taken too soon, but also to honour a life that had given much for others.
Jason Corazza, president of the Oakville Professional Firefighters Association (OPFA), said Campbell looked out for his crew, taught by example and carried out the responsibilities of leadership with pride.
He said Campbell was also known for his sense of humour and even on the most stressful of days could be found giggling to himself, amused by a thought only he knew.
“That was Stu, a professional when it mattered most, a leader you trusted and a man who reminded us not to take ourselves too seriously,” said Corazza.
The OPFA president called Campbell’s passing a painful reminder of the hidden dangers of the firefighting profession.
He said Campbell’s sacrifice would strengthen the resolve of Oakville’s firefighters to protect each other and fight for firefighter health and safety.
“Rest easy brother, we have it from here,” said Corazza.
Those present at the service also heard from Campbell’s daughter Lexi who said that although her father looked tough, he was in reality just a giant softy.
She said he went to every cheerleading competition, every practice, and essentially did every ridiculous thing his daughters asked him to do.
“I am so grateful to call him dad,” said Lexi.
“I know he is here with us, watching over us. Probably cringing while we load the dishwasher without rinsing the dishes first.”
A statement by Campbell’s daughter Sierra was also read to the crowd.
In this statement she said her father loved his job and noted that when he got sick she asked him if he regretted being a firefighter knowing the career had caused his cancer.
She said he told her that while he hated what the cancer was putting his family through and he wished this could be different, he didn’t regret his job.
“He said he wholeheartedly loved helping others and being able to be there on their worst days,” said Sierra.
“The answer says everything about who my dad was. He was selfless, brave, compassionate. Someone who ran into danger so others didn’t have to … He showed up for people when they were scared, hurting or needed help and he did it without hesitation.”
Corazza said Campbell’s name will be added to both provincial and federal memorials honouring fallen firefighters and to the International Association of Firefighters memorial in Colorado Springs, Colo.