ANDOVER, MA— Bruce L Campbell, 75, died on June 8 after a lengthy battle with lung cancer.
A lifelong Andover resident, Bruce attended Andover public schools and graduated with highest honors from Bentley College. He was employed as an accountant for his entire career by General Electric or one of its many subsidiaries where he was repeatedly honored for his exemplary work.
Bruce was well- known throughout the Merrimack Valley as an excellent bagpiper. He marched first with Clan MacPherson and then with the Campbell Highlanders in hundreds of parades over the years, hanging up his kilt and sporran only when his health prevented him from continuing. He was frequently asked to play at weddings, private parties, and funerals and often piped for his sister Alison, a former highland dancer.
Like his father before him, Bruce perpetuated Scottish tradition by teaching students young and old how to play the pipes. With little fanfare he supported his students in ways unbeknownst to his family. One student recently shared that Bruce’s guidance and assistance extended beyond piping and played a significant role in shaping him into the man he became. That same student came to Bruce’s bedside to thank him and to quietly play a few Scottish tunes for him on his chanter on the last day of Bruce’s life.
Bruce’s commitment to others was manifested in many ways throughout his life. When his mother’s loss of vision and declining health necessitated her move to a nursing home, Bruce visited her nearly every morning throughout her two and a half year residency. He was a fixture in his mum’s room, reading her articles of interest about the Merrimack Valley and beyond. When a fun craft item caught his eye, Bruce shipped it to his younger grandnieces or nephews. Even neighborhood children received playful items from Bruce. And for his sister Nancy who often misplaced her reading glasses, he once sent her 20 pair of readers complete with display case and chuckled when she called laughing helplessly to thank him.
When he was able to travel, there were three destinations that held special meaning for Bruce: Coolidge State Park where he vacationed with his son Ian, Colonial Williamsburg which he frequently visited with his sister Nancy, and York Beach where he vacationed annually with sister Lynne, her husband Walter, and multiple generations of their family who not only looked forward to time with Bruce but also provided a willing audience for his wit and humor.
Bruce received loving support on a daily basis throughout his two year illness from his niece Amy Wetterskog, her partner James Marshall, and her daughter Ruth Couture. Ruth frequently stopped by to chat with Uncle Bruce, time shared that they both valued. As his primary caregivers, Amy and James thoughtfully worked to meet his needs by taking him for treatments and appointments, providing meals, running his errands, taking him out to eat, communicating concerns with medical staff, coordinating hospice support, and simply spending time with him. When Bruce was hospitalized, it was not uncommon to find James at his bedside, often visiting twice a day with coffee in one hand and donut in the other. Waiting in the wings and responding whenever needed were his nephew, Keith and his wife Vicki Wetterskog.
Bruce was predeceased by his parents, A. Morris Campbell and Eunice Remick Campbell. He is survived by his son Ian Campbell who resides in Bruce’s childhood Andover home with wife Shawna and granddaughter Ivy who Bruce adored. In addition, he is survived by siblings Nancy Koza of Fayetteville NY, Lynne Ellen and Walter Joncas of Cazenovia NY, Alison and Jerry Wetterskog of Sargentville ME, many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. He also leaves his close cousins Ruth and Bill Lowes of Bradford as well as dear friends Heather and Frank Rowe of North Andover and his beloved cat Yeti.
At Bruce’s request, there were no calling hours. If you wish to remember Bruce with a donation, please consider directing your gift to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation at www.colonialwilliamsburg. org. If you wish to honor Bruce with an action, please consider what Bruce most valued and extend a kindness to a family member, friend, or stranger.