Ian Campbell: REMEMBERED

A browning leaf, curled against the last breath of winter, flutters at the end of a barren branch. Beneath the same oak a patch of snow hides in the shade of the trunk, fearing the sun. Spring is on its way to New Hampshire, but the landscape is wary.

Our bus bounces across the bridge spanning the Merrimack River. A baker’s dozen of us are sprawled out inside a bus-turned-limo, laughing and remembering and telling stories. Twelve Campbells plus one tall outsider, joined for this evening in tribute to Ian: husband and father, son and brother, uncle and friend.

Laughter is the best medicine. Daughter Heather tells a barnyard story --- she’s attacked by a rooster but saved by Dad. Ian’s broomstick revenge on the rooster has us laughing out loud --- and when Heather tells this same story later tonight over at Shiloh Christian Fellowship in the midst of the tribute to Ian --- the crowd roars in response. We need the healing power of laughter right now: Heather, you’ve given us a priceless gift.

Son Michael runs the family business. Grace Limousine, within whose bus we are chauffeured to the church, is an ongoing success story. Ian built this business from dream to reality, from no fleet to a gleaming group of new Lincoln Town cars and other specialty vehicles. We are riding in style tonight. The pastor and many friends will greet us as we step out of our limo. Although it’s an hour before the service time, the community is already gathering to honor a favorite son.

From memorable moments among many: these few.

Marines unfurl a flag while a lone bugle calls us to attention. Then ever so slowly and with infinite precision, the color guard folds the flag and hands it to the widow of a United States Marine. It is, in an evening of meaningful tributes, a highlight that all 600-plus of us will remember forever. Solemn, dignified, and respectful.

Ian’s son grabs a guitar and approaches the microphone. With Collin are his mother Annie plus brother Mike and sister Shawna. Collin Campbell, musical heir to his parents’ many gifts, leads us in worship and praise as we pay tribute to his dad. Collin’s voice, clear and strong and beautiful, carries the harmonious group through Agnus Dei. “I didn’t know Collin could sing so well,” say many who attend. Back home in Tulsa there are 800 people who already knew that: Collin leads them in worship every Sunday.

Joseph clings to his grandfather, a noble Scotsman who is burying his son with dignity and with great courage. Isaac cares for his mother, checking to see if she needs anything. Son Jeff has brought his own sons, red-haired Scots with the full family DNA; Jeff’s joyous and active boys remind us of the cycle of life.

Shawna and others have prepared a wonderful slide show. Photo after photo shows us Ian as we love him: child, Marine, young wedded husband, doting dad. The birth of each child is celebrated and honored in pictures. The 25th anniversary of Ian and Annie is noted with photographs. One by one the images show us Ian surrounded by his adoring and grateful family.

This evening will end, as all such evenings must, yet the family lingers late and long, receiving each guest with great grace. They are tired, these Campbells, tired after days of watching Ian pass into eternity. But there is no hint of tiredness in their eyes or their words tonight: They are making sure that each guest gets their full attention. Annie, in particular, blesses the multitudes.

Eventually the limo will go home, back toward the house that Ian built, out in the country in Goffs Town. The house will be a little quieter, a little sadder, a bit subdued. Yet somehow everyone in that house knows that Ian has gone to his true home --- and that one day, we know not when, he will welcome us to join him.

Manchester is dark now. Little orbs of light flicker here and there against the ebony hillsides. We ride mostly in silence, watching the flames dance in the video fireplaces of the limo.

There could be no better tribute in all the world than the one Ian has received on this night. His bride, his children, his father, his family and his friends have gathered to remember him. They have gathered to honor his life and to affirm his long walk with God. Then when all is said and done, Ian’s bride and his children turn out the lights and go home, taking Ian’s example and witness with them always.

Ian, you are in our hearts forever.