IT WAS one of the last acts of Cr Clare Le Serve as Bass Coast Mayor last week to deliver a heartfelt eulogy for former Bass Shire President Bruce Campbell OAM who died on September 16, 2024, aged 94.
Born April 22, 1930, Bruce is survived by his wife Sheila of 63 years and his children, extended family and friends.
Bruce was a wonderful Rotarian, an outstanding Community leader, great family man and one of the finest people you would ever meet. A great statesman, Bruce was certainly well-known, so well-respected and well-loved throughout the district, especially in the Kernot area.
He made a huge contribution to the community in so many ways and has left an enormous legacy. Bruce was a shire councillor for the Bass Shire from 1970-1988, he was the shire president for three years and he only faced one election in all that time.
He was on many committees including Weights and Measures and Library committee, Captain of Kernot Fire Brigade, the establishment of the Bass Valley Primary School, long-serving member of the Kernot Hall Committee, Woodleigh Vale Red Cross Unit, Wonthaggi Combined Probus Group, Grantville Cemetery Trust and was always ready to put up his hand to help someone else in the community.
He was a member of the Westernport Water Board and the shire representative for the Wonthaggi Secondary School committee. He attended many civic occasions at Government House representing the Shire of Bass.
Bruce was President of Rotary in 1995-96, an active member for over 30 years and was a Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary’s highest award, which was thoroughly deserved.
Bruce was sought out for advice and leadership when a job needed to be done. He was a quiet achiever, a real driving force in the community who certainly made a real difference to the lives of others.
Bruce was always great company, a humble man with a remarkable long and proud history of community service. He was proudly appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia for his wonderful work in the community over his lifetime which was worthy recognition. Above all Bruce was a true gentleman. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. (Obituary written by Cr Clare Le Serve and John Duscher).
