This eulogy was prepared to honor the life of Hector George Campbell. Funeral service took place on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at the Mt. Salem Open Bible Church.
His life touched many—through family, faith, swimming, farming, and unwavering generosity. We share it here so his story may continue to speak to those who knew him—and even those who didn’t.
The Journey Begins | Hampton to Montego Bay
It began on February 15, 1931, in the district of Hampton, St. James, where Hector George Campbell was born to Feddy Campbell and Elizabeth Morris. He was the youngest of seven siblings—six brothers and one sister.
He barely attended school, but from an early age, it was clear that he was determined, resourceful, and destined to carve his own path.
As a young man, Hector set out for Montego Bay in search of better opportunities. This bold move marked the beginning of a life defined by purpose, resilience, and an unshakable work ethic.
It was in Montego Bay that he met Clarabell Allen, who would become his wife and the mother of six of his seven children. Their life together was rooted in love, shared values, and a deep commitment to family.
{Image: Hector and Clarabell Wedding Photo}
It wasn’t without struggles, but their union stood the test of time, built on perseverance and a quiet strength.
One of the great landmarks of Hector’s life was the completion of the three-story house at Jarrett Terrace in 1965—a home that stood as his determination and vision for his family’s future. It was built with Clarabell and her mother, Amanda Gardener, by his side with much sacrifice.
Before the family even moved in, the upstairs was occupied by two Open Bible Church missionaries from the United States, Sister Nelson and Sister Cummings. That house would go on to welcome countless local and international guests, extended family, and tenants through the decades.
It was a revolving door of warmth, laughter, guidance, and community. People came and went, but the heartbeat of that home always remained the same: steady, open, and full of life. Just ask Sean Hawkins, his “adopted” son from the USA who made this his home away from home since the age of 11.
Church Life and Commitment
Hector’s devotion to Mt. Salem Open Bible Church extended far beyond weekly worship. He was deeply involved in the life and growth of the church community, offering not just his time, but his influence and hands-on support.
Among his most notable contributions was his involvement in the church’s manse—a project close to his heart, and one that served as a legacy of faith and forward thinking.
Equally memorable were the annual church dinners held at Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club—elegant affairs that brought the congregation together in celebration and fellowship. Hector played a pivotal role in making these events happen.
Whether he was coordinating behind the scenes, lending his trusted connections, or simply ensuring things ran smoothly, his presence was felt. He believed that the church was not only a place of worship, but a place where community and joy could flourish.
Another of Hector’s remarkable contributions to the church was his unwavering commitment to its fundraising efforts—especially during the early rallies.
Through the church’s collective effort to sell advertisements as a means of raising funds, Hector singlehandedly brought in nearly half of the total proceeds. It wasn’t luck—it was his:
- Genuine gift for connecting with people.
- Unshakable belief in the cause.
- And his tireless determination that made it happen.
He had a way of presenting a vision that others wanted to support. Whether it was a business owner, a friend, or a stranger, people said yes to Hector—not just because he asked, but because he believed in what he was asking for. His passion was contagious, and his follow-through unmatched.
Love of the Ocean and Water Safety
The ocean, though, may have been his second home. As a longtime employee of Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club and the founder of Sunfish Swimming School, he taught generations of children and adults how to swim—not just for recreation, but for survival. He saved numerous lives during his tenure at the beach.
{Image: Hector on Life Guard Duty at DCBC}
His work extended to Mt. Alvernia Prep and High Schools. There he served as swimming instructor, shaping young lives with patience, discipline, and encouragement.
But it was never about money for Hector. He offered free swimming lessons to the children at SOS Children’s Village and others. He believed every child deserved the gift of knowing how to swim. That was the heart of the man—generous, humble, and quietly heroic.
Over the years, Hector’s impact through Sunfish Swimming School extended well beyond the shoreline. Dozens of students graduated under his watchful eye. His story as a lifeguard and swimming instructor was covered in the press, paying tribute to a man whose life’s work kept others safe in the water.
One of Hector’s most frequently asked questions—posed to nearly everyone he met—was, “Can you swim?”
It was his way of opening a door to something much deeper. If the answer was no, it was often followed by an earnest conversation about the importance of learning. And, more often than not, there was an offer to teach using his tried-and-true techniques.
The Legacy of Sunfish Swimming School
The legacy of Sunfish Swimming School lives on not only in the skills he passed on, but in the lives he shaped. Photos—taken from his personal album—capture:
- Graduating classes proudly holding their certificates.
- Young swimmers guided by his steady hand in the water.
- SOS Children’s Village participants and his grandchildren among those he taught.
Each face tells a story of someone who benefited from his patience, discipline, and unwavering belief in the importance of water safety. Whether it was a first lesson or a final exam, Hector made every moment in the water count.
Hector’s Training and Awards
Another proud accomplishment was his appointment as a Lifeguards Examiner, recommended by the Western Jamaica Lifeguards Association.
This honor was based on his “years of experience as a lifeguard and the level of expertise and professionalism displayed by him over the years.” His qualifications and contributions included:
- Successfully passing the Royal Life Saving test in 1956 on his first attempt
- His long-standing tenure at Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club
- Founder and Instructor of Sunfish Swimming School
He was also the recipient of several awards, including:
- The Duke of Edinburgh Royal Humane Society Award for resuscitating a woman who was under water for 20 minutes.
- An award from the Western Jamaica Lifeguards Association for excellence in lifeguarding and community service
- Lifeguard of the Year in 1976
These recognitions spoke not only to his skill and dedication but also to the deep respect he earned from his peers and community.
He trained people from all walks of life, including the rafters at Great River bordering St. James and Hanover, helping them earn their lifeguard licenses.
It was yet another reflection of his belief that water safety was for everyone, and that the knowledge he carried should never be kept to himself.
{Image: Hector receiving Duke of Edinburgh Royal Humane Society Award at DCBC}
{Image: Great River Rafters Ceremony after Receiving Their Licenses}
Farm-to-Table and Other Ventures
Beyond his aquatic endeavors, Hector was a man of the land. He embraced farming with passion, advocating for the farm-to-table movement long before it became mainstream.
You’d find him tending to his backyard garden at home or traveling to his farm in the country. Farming wasn’t just a chore—it was his therapy.
His culinary skills were renowned locally and abroad, with dishes like:
- Ackee and Saltfish with Callaloo and Roast Breadfruit
- Rice and Peas with Escovitch Fish, or Chicken with Steam Vegetables
- Mackerel with Boiled Bananas, Yellow Yam, and Cabbage
- Juices include sorrel, soursop, carrot, to mention a few.
His kitchen was a place of warmth, where family and friends gathered to share meals and stories.
He also explored small business ventures, including a thriving cane juice operation and raising chickens for meat and eggs.
As a people person he built friendships both locally and abroad, forming lasting bonds with people across the globe. Despite his flaws—because he was no saint—he was loved, deeply and sincerely, by those who knew him. He was direct, occasionally stubborn, but always consistent and dependable.
Hector worked alongside his late son as director of Campbell’s Haulage & Equipment, investing not only in the company but in his son’s dream. It was a source of pride, partnership, and one of his greatest sacrifices.
He didn’t go far in school, but what he lacked in formal education, he made up for tenfold in street smarts, common sense, and raw talent.
Hector had a way of figuring things out—whether it was how to build, how to negotiate, how to fix, or how to connect. He could outthink, outwork, and outmaneuver just about anyone. He did it all with confidence, charm, and a quiet assurance that came from real-life experience. In so many ways, he was a genius.
Health, Wellness, and His Final Breath
He enjoyed relatively good health for most of his life. In later years, his hearing declined, and arthritis began to take its toll, but he pressed on with grace, rarely complaining. Even when his body slowed down, his spirit remained steady.
At 94 years old, Hector George Campbell lived a long and full life—a gift not only of grace but also of discipline.
His strength and vitality were no accident. He stayed active well into his later years, not through gym routines, but through the rigors of honest work and the rhythm of the ocean.
Swimming wasn’t just something he taught—it was something that sustained him. Farming, too, kept his body moving and his mind sharp.
He believed in nourishing the body with what the earth provided—fruits, vegetables, and the fresh juice he often made.
Long before health trends took hold, Hector was living it out in real time, grounded in nature, hard work, and a simple yet powerful lifestyle. His longevity was a reflection of that balance—physical, mental, and spiritual—and of a life that, while imperfect, was intentional and full of purpose.
His health declined noticeably on Sunday, May 4, 2025, when he was taken to Cornwall Regional Hospital. That was where he took his final breath on Friday, May 16.
Closing Thoughts | Honoring a Life Well Lived
Among the many values our father instilled in us, one stands out as both a lesson and a legacy:
“Don’t treat others as though you are better than them, and never allow anyone to treat you as though they are better than you.”
It wasn’t just advice—it was a foundation for how to move through the world with dignity and respect. He taught us to honor others, regardless of their position or background, while also recognizing our own worth.
We invite you to share your voice.
If Hector George Campbell touched your life in any way—through a kind word, a shared story, a swimming lesson, or even a simple moment of encouragement—please don’t leave without adding your voice in the comments below.
Your memories, tributes, or reflections, no matter how small, are part of the legacy we continue to build. Let’s keep his story alive—together.
Thank you for taking the time to read and remember my father with us.
Veron Lee Campbell, Administrator, daughter of Hector George Campbell | The Way 4Word Enterprises
{Image: Hector George Personal Touch Products/Poems & Things Name Gift}