Denis Allen Campbell

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Denis Allen Campbell of Ochre River, Manitoba at the age of 75. Denis passed away peacefully at the Dauphin Hospital on April 20, 2026 with his wife Judy by his side while listening to his favourite hymn, “I Saw the Light”.

Born on May 20, 1950 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to his birth mother Doreen, Denis was adopted and raised by his grandparents, Alfred and Marie (Julia) Campbell, whom he referred to as Mom and Dad. His childhood was filled with stories about living at the lake, fishing, playing baseball and hockey, farming, and spending time with family. After finishing high school, Denis struck out on his own, finding work with Manitoba Hydro in Thompson, Manitoba, a Pulp and Paper plant in Kitimat, BC, and later at the rolling mills in Selkirk, Manitoba.

Denis married Brenda in 1973.  It was in Selkirk that Denis began his own family, welcoming Patrick in 1974. The family moved back to Ochre River in 1975 during the big flood. Their family grew with the arrival of Melissa in 1976 and Tyler in 1980. Denis worked diligently across Manitoba for the Department of Highways until his retirement in 2004, though his true passion was always the farm.

Denis enjoyed farming alongside his Dad, Alfred, until Alfred’s passing in 1996. The farm began small in 1975, but through relentless hard work and perseverance, it continued to expand. Denis became well known for his resourcefulness, independence, and reliability—always willing to lend a hand to neighbours and friends. When not farming, cutting wood, or commercial fishing, Denis relished hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time outdoors. He passed on to his children the importance of strength, resourcefulness, and respect for hard work, the land, and family.

In his later years, Denis found love again with Judy from Winkler, Manitoba. They married on May 9, 2020, and Judy joined him on the farm. Although Denis frequently claimed he was retiring, he never fully stepped away, choosing instead to share his farming knowledge with Judy. In turn, Judy helped Denis rediscover the joys of life. Denis loved attending Mountain View Church and spending time with family and friends. Before his passing, Denis was able to fulfil a lifelong dream of driving to Alaska with Judy. While Judy enjoyed the hiking and camping, Denis remained ever the farmer, interested most in the land.

During the last year of his life, Denis’s health declined rapidly as he bravely fought cancer. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife Judy; his children; Patrick (Kim) and Tyler of Winnipeg, and Melissa (Neil) of the RM of Dauphin; his stepchildren Kyla (Cary), Kaylan (Carly), and Katrina (Abe); and 14 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Denis’s life on Friday, 24 April 2026 at 2:00 p.m. (with a family and close friends viewing at 12:30 p.m.) at the Mountain View Christian Assembly at 525 Whitmore Avenue in Dauphin, Manitoba. Lunch will be served after the service at the Sneath-Strilchuk Funeral Hall on Riverside Road in Dauphin, Manitoba. Interment services will take place at Reinland Cemetery, in Rhineland, Manitoba at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026. 

The family extends their gratitude to everyone for their support and condolences during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a local charity of your choice in Denis’s memory.

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