Paul Campbell who has died aged 73, was a well-known Belfast solicitor who gave notable service to the community.
He was born in Belfast on August 29th, 1926. His father, T. J. Campbell was leader of the Nationalist Party in Stormont, Father of the Bar and later County Court Judge for Tyrone. His mother was Nora Gilfedder, a member of a well-known Belfast business family.
Campbell was educated at Clongowes Wood College and Queen's University Belfast, graduating in 1948. He qualified as a solicitor in 1951 and was a founding partner with the late James P. O'Rawe, of the firm Campbell & O'Rawe which reached the peak of its eminence under his leadership. In 1986 Campbell went into partnership with his son Tom, who recently was installed as High Sheriff of Belfast. Unfortunately, due to the swift progression of his illness, he was unable to attend this memorable and proud occasion.
In 1957 Campbell married Sheila McLaverty, daughter of Michael McLaverty, the well known novelist and writer of short stories. As a couple, they maintained a friendly and hospitable home where music and literature played prominent roles. Campbell was a loving and caring husband and father, but could be strict when strictness was called for, but he was tender and gentle when tenderness and gentleness brought their own rich reward.
He was on the Board of Trustees of the Irish School of Ecumenics, an organisation started by the Rev Michael Hurley SJ, to promote greater understanding and closer ties between the people of Ireland.
The charity, however, which attracted his support most in these last years was the Martin Trust in Glengormley. This Trust was set up by the Rev Jim Martin to help look after severely handicapped people and to give support to their families. Campbell was a foundation member and active in the Trust's management and at the funeral service in Kilclief, the Rev Jim Martin paid a moving tribute to his work in this field.
For many years, and particularly after retirement, Campbell's great love was for the garden he created with his wife Sheila, in his beloved Kilclief. Theirs was a labour of love and as I recall the words of Vita Sackville-West, I cannot be but deeply moved:
"He walks among the loveliness he made
Between the apple blossom and the water
He walks among the patterned pied brocade
Each flower his son and every tree his daughter".
Campbell's many other interests included golf, rugby, sailing and local history. His most recent purchase was a 1959 Massey-Ferguson tractor, and his ambition was to arrive at Sunday Mass driving it with Sheila at his side. It would have been a sight to behold and could only have encouraged attendances but, alas, he never got his wish.
He leaves a widow, Sheila, two sons Tom and Mark, two daughters Mary Clare and Paula, and grandchildren. D.D.