David (Dave) Campbell
Following the celebration of his 82nd birthday (February 16) he sadly passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, in Panama City, Florida.
1958/59 Elmvale Juvenile Ontario Champions Hockey Team
1964 Elmvale Palace Hotel Fastball Team
With heavy hearts Springwater Sports Heritage (SSH) acknowledges the passing of one of its esteemed Alumni. Dave leaves behind a legacy that stretched far beyond the arena, the curling club, and the ball diamond, reaching deep into the heart of the Elmvale community and beyond.
As a significant contributor to the Elmvale sporting community, Dave was inducted into the SSH Hall of Fame in 2016 as a member of two legendary teams.
- The Juvenile hockey team is famously remembered for defeating the Lucknow team, which featured the legendary 1972 Canada-Russia series hockey celebrity Paul Henderson. This historic victory remains a legendary chapter in Elmvale’s hockey lore.
- In a true act of dedication to his teammates and local history, Dave himself submitted the nomination to ensure the fastball team was formally recognized and preserved in the SSH Hall of Fame.
While many knew him as an outstanding team member and athlete, Dave was also the steward of a local institution. Alongside his devoted wife, Margie, he carried on the third-generation legacy of Campbell’s Hardware in Elmvale. More than just a store, it was a community hub where the "creaky wood floors" and unique door handle bore witness to decades of laughter, neighbourly advice, and the strong community ethic Dave inherited and added to.
Whether he was on the hockey or curling ice, at the ball park, or behind the counter, Dave embodied the spirit of Springwater.
Springwater Sports Heritage extends its deepest condolences to the Campbell family. Dave was a true "Home Grown" hero, and his contributions to our sporting heritage will never be forgotten.
