A legend remembered

Ian 'Cambo' Campbell's family was on hand for the unveiling of a special tribute to the Bulls life member, which will be displayed proudly in the clubrooms.

By sports editor Russell Bennett

As the sun shone down on the Cardinia Recreation Reserve on the last day of summer on Sunday, Ian ‘Cambo’ Campbell must have been looking down from above with a huge grin from ear to ear.

The Bulls life member loved with all his heart, and was beloved by so many in return.

That love he had for his friends, family, and the entire Cardinia Cricket Club was legendary, and it’s what was spoken about most on Sunday as people came from far and wide to tell stories and reminisce about the great man, who passed away after a long battle with illness at just 61 mid-last year.

Unfortunately, given the circumstances of the Covid-19 restrictions at the time, only a small number of people were able to be there in person at his funeral.

But Sunday was in stark contrast to that.

Generations of the Campbell family – including almost all of his children and grandchildren – joined current and past Cardinia players, life members of the club, and even players and officials from other clubs to share their memories and stories of Cambo on what was, ultimately, a real day of celebration of his life in the impact he had on the broader community.

The Bulls were joined by members of other cricket clubs throughout the WGCA – such as Clyde, Merinda Park, and Tooradin – in addition to clubs from neighbouring competitions, including the MPCA and DDCA.

Cardinia’s former premiership-winning leader Mark Cooper, now leading Carrum in the MPCA, has had a number of particularly successful stints since leaving the Bulls – including multiple flags with famous rival, Kooweerup.

On Sunday, he led the Past Players XI – which he organised – to victory over a Cardinia Cricket Club/Campbell XI.

He and Bulls favourite son Alex Nooy were instrumental in bringing together players from both sides, and they both spoke after Sunday’s game at the unveiling of a special memorial to Cambo and his impact on the club.

“I think today has summed up Ian Campbell and the person he was,” Nooy explained.

“Family, friends, opponents, team mates all coming together – that sums up the guy he was.

“He did so much for our club – along with a lot of his close friends and family – so the least we could do is put on a day like today.”

Cambo’s great mate, Dave Webster, also spoke about the significance of the day – on behalf of both his family, and Cardinia’s life members.

“I played a lot of cricket with Cambo – I had a cricket bat that made probably five centuries, and they were all made by Cambo. Every time I went out, I had to give him my bat,” he said.

“To see this – his wonderful family here with us today, and everyone here honouring such a great man – it’s just such a fitting farewell and I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved with this.

“There’s nothing much more to be said, except for let’s just keep honouring the great man, and I would really like to see this (event) back each year.”

Cambo’s son, Ricky – a current Bulls first XI player and life member in his own right – was clearly touched by the occasion.

“It’s just phenomenal to see everyone here,” he said, fighting back tears.

“I want to thank the Cardinia Cricket Club – I can express how much we, as a family, thank you for this.

“Being able to have this day and honour dad means the world to our family.”

Ian Campbell’s daughter Lisa (centre) and grandkids Mackenzee and Jack were among those who donned special commemorative Bulls playing shirts on Sunday. Pictures: COURTESY OF RYAN WEBSTER

He also thanked Nooy and Cooper for their work in making the day a reality.

“I just want you all to enjoy the day, have some beers, laugh together, and tell stories – funny, sad, or whatever. As a family, we’d love to hear them all.”

For his part, Cooper added: “Obviously Covid has been a really difficult time for everyone in their own particular way, and unfortunately Cambo did pass away during that time and all most of us could do was stream the funeral and not really go through the grieving period and celebrate the life that was Cambo’s.

“At least this is a way to be able to come together and celebrate someone who was really special to the club, and the area as well. He gave a lot to WGCA rep cricket, Beaconsfield, and most competitions around would have known Cambo or had some connection with him and really treasured that.”