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Campbell Family Hosts Golden Anniversary Celebration

By:  David Deschesne

Fort Fairfield Journal | February 15, 2006

   Over one hundred fifty family and friends gathered at the Fort Fairfield VFW to honor and recognize the 50th Wedding anniversary of one of Fort Fairfield’s most beloved couples; Robert and Mary Campbell.

   A huge meal was provided by the family and served by the VFW Post 6187 Ladies’ Auxiliary to a full house of anxious well-wishers who kept filing through for nearly two hours after the doors opened.

   Bob and Mary were married on February 6, 1956 at Holy Rosary Church in Caribou.  They have thirteen children, thirty-one grandchildren and five great grandchildren.  After their wedding, they moved to Connecticut for a while before returning to the County.  Their second home was in Caribou, where they stayed a few years before moving to the Ashby Farm in Presque Isle.  Their fourth and final move brought them to Fort Fairfield where they have lived on Fort Hill ever since.

    “We’ve been planning the celebration for about two months,” said Joan Bernard, one of the daughters.  “It started out as a surprise, but that only lasted about a week.”  “We learned they were planning on going away for their anniversary.  Since we were planning a party here in town, we couldn’t have that.”

   The day began with 11:00 Mass at St. Denis Church where a special blessing was bestowed upon the marriage, whereupon they convened the gathering at the other end of town at the VFW.

   “We were raised well by our parents,” said daughter, Barb Turner, “with a good work ethic, to be neighborly, be good to each other and to have a strong family.”

   “Today, I was able to do something I’ve never been able to do in my life,” Bob Campbell exclaimed to the crowd of well-wishers.  “I was able to get a plate of food before Don Gallagher.”

   Bob reflected on his life, “I’ve had a good life.  I’ve been blessed with Mary and the kids.”  “I have a very devoted and loving wife; you can tell by all the kids we had.”

   Bob then divulged his secret formula for success; “Have a job you like, make time to spend with your family, anything else is free.”

   The Campbell family makes an attempt to stay in touch by meeting at an area restaurant at least every two months for either breakfast or lunch - which usually brings out about thirty or more family members.

   All but two of the children were able to make it to the event.  “I told my kids a month ago, one of the happiest days in my life would be to have all my kids together in church,” said Mary.  “Today, we almost made it.

   A letter from long-time family friend Peter Fisher was read aloud over the P.A. system congratulating Bob and Mary for a long and prosperous marriage.  “We used to have good fun,” Bob said, reminiscing of his old friend.  “We never destroyed anything, but almost did.”