STELLARTON, N.S. — Long-time Stellarton Fire Chief Dwight Campbell has died.
The news was announced on the Stellarton fire department’s Facebook page on Wednesday afternoon.
“It is with great sadness that the members of Stellarton Fire Department wish to inform our followers of the sudden passing of our Chief, Dwight Campbell.” the post reads.
Stellarton Town Clerk Susan Higdon said the death was a shock to the town. She said Campbell passed away Tuesday as a result of a heart attack. He was 65.
“It’s just a huge, huge loss here today,” she said.
Campbell had been a firefighter in Stellarton since he was 18 and was named chief in January 2009, Higdon said.
A funeral will take place at First Presbyterian Church in Stellarton at 2 p.m. on Oct. 19. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Oct. 18 at MacQuarrie Funeral Chapel.
Higdon said Campbell was one of the first to welcome her when she started working with the Town a year and a half ago.
“He was always so jovial and so welcoming. He was a joy to be around. He really, truly was.”
Every month they would meet to go over issues affecting the fire department.
“He was always so passionate about the fire department and making sure their needs were met.”
Stellarton Mayor Danny MacGillivray called Campbell’s death “a significant loss” for the Town, as well as the fire department itself, whose members viewed Campbell as a mentor and a leader.
“The day he turned 18, he went down to join the fire department – it was a lifelong passion of his,” he added.
“We are very sad at the events that transpired. We were fortunate to have him for 47 years. He will be missed.”
His obituary can be seen on the H.C. MacQuarrie Funeral Homes website.
