Richard Campbell , AM
Richard Campbell was a Minister-in-Association at St Margaret ’ s for quite some years and many of us well remember him wearing his traditional Presbyterian robes when he lead our services .
Richard ’ s wife Petra and her children had previously been well-known to many St Margaret ’ s folk as they lived in Mackenzie Street , Hackett directly opposite the Tyler family and close to various others of us . Petra ’ s children were in the same classes at Hackett Primary School as a number of our children and they were all good friends .
Richard was an Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at ANU and was engaged in teaching , research and administration until retiring in 2003 . He served five years as Dean of the Faculty of Arts , followed by four years as Pro Vice-Chancellor at ANU .
For fifteen years , Richard was involved in restructuring the system of public education in the ACT . He spent six years as Chairman of the ACT Schools Authority . During that time he met with various school Boards , including the Hackett Primary School one , which had a number of St Margaret ’ s people amongst its membership .
Richard ’ s well-attended funeral at St Margaret ’ s and the committal prayers at the graveside were jointly conducted by our Rev Don Erickson ( who delivered an excellent reflection ) and Rev David Campbell ( no relation ) of St Andrew ’ s Presbyterian church .
Following the eucharist , the congregation listened to a recording of one of his favourite pieces , Allegri ’ s Miserere , whilst photographs of Richard ’ s life were screened - including one of Richard receiving his AM from Queen Elizabeth II . He received that Membership of the Order of Australia in 1986 in recognition of his service to education .
During the afternoon tea afterwards , many memories were shared with Richard ’ s family and others . Various young and older folk who knew each other during those Hackett years of the 70s and 80s had the opportunity to catch up with each other as well .
Our thoughts and prayers are with Richard ’ s extended family and friends .
- Brian Rope
St Margaret ’ s News 9 August 2022