Campbell Wallace ~ A Retrospective
You will immediately read that I’m using the present tense when writing about Campbell, for, in my mind, his friendship, company, advice, common sense, and fairness will always influence my life, providing comfort and reassurance in times of need.
Campbell Wallace
Most of you will have learned of Campbell’s passing into the ‘final sleep.’ Like so many of us, we are more than privileged to be a friend of this most extraordinary and brave man. Campbell is a rare and precious friend who would message me with mild chastisement on more than a few occasions when I’d gone too far with my opinions. There was no criticism, only a reminder that people can be easily hurt or may take a few words out of context. Cam’s opinion steered me in a better direction on several occasions.
This will be a longish read and far from a complete history. I wish to avoid troubling Carol with fact-checking at this time, so my retrospective is based on my years spent with Campbell. However, I will begin with a most memorable meeting.
I knew and spoke to Cam at mind, body and spirit events for some time before our conversation at the BSSK event at Gorton Monestry in late October 2012. He sat in his Subaru, and there was no doubting his poor health from the picture his body betrayed.
‘Are you struggling Cam?’
‘Not so good Ian’
‘What does the future hold?’
‘If I do not receive a transplant in the next few weeks. I’ll not be here this time next year.’
What can one say in these circumstances? Only ‘I hope all goes well for you.’ And then Cam, sensing my discord, shifted the conversation to my Christmas and fast cars. Many will know that Cam was a phenomenal and well-respected rally driver. He raced and sometimes bettered some of his era’s most well-known rally drivers. We enjoyed a common interest in motor cars and racing.
“Campbell in serious thought mode!“
Within three months of the conversation, Cam had received his gift of life and was back to work and planning for the future. Truthfully, the following twelve years bind the bravery, fortitude, and fantastic character of an incredible man in the hearts and memories of hundreds of people. He encountered and overcame a health issue many would turn into a life-long drama. Not Cam; he used the experience to help many unknown friends (I’ll return to this later). Cam’s words resonate with so many because they are ones of truth and pragmatism. There is no need for sympathy; the deal is to get on with life and make the most of what is offered. That is Cam’s engrained belief. His persona and spirit reinforced the message and consequently influenced hundreds of people. I believe this is why he captivated those who came to love him. Cam’s uniqueness made us love him, and then, as we knew him more, the love was bonded.
However, I realised Cam had a clear and well-defined line. His absolute priority is his devotion to a devoted wife and family. Few could breach this line, although two are within this parameter (SH and MD), who proved their love and caring in Cam’s final weeks. Cam was no stranger to tragedy. When Stewart was cruelly taken from his family, Cam chose to get on with life and never wallow in self-pity and regret; the Wallace family’s loss would be private. A mark of great character and integrity.
A Decade of Excellence
Before I continue with my thoughts, why not listen to Campbell’s philosophy, clearly defined at the Newark Well Being Show? In an interview recorded in 2017, Campbell talks about his transplant experience and his book. It’s terrific to listen to his forthright words and hear his bravery come through. Readers can, of course, continue to read while listening to the interview.
INTERVIEW
Travelling:
Carol’s insistence on buying the best crystals for her customers is at the heart of her business. And this meant twice—or sometimes thrice-yearly journeys across the world! Europe, South America, and North America are regular calendar events. Of course, the Tuscon Rock and Gem show was the two-week highlight of the yearly calendar. And there was Campbell with his ‘Yes, dear’ and hours of driving supporting the mission. His dedication to helping Carol with her incredible success should never be underestimated. And, as we know, they became a formidable business partnership. The beauty of their ability is why they made their success look so easy.
Liz and I had the privilege of accompanying Cam and Carol on a few occasions to the St Marie aux Mines gem and rock show. We shared a house, and while Carol, Liz, and Cam beat hard deals and endured the oppressive heat and dry, dusty conditions, I stayed home, went shopping, and cooked the evening meals. Mind you, I was always trepidated by Carol’s high culinary standards being compared to my own efforts. The trio returned every evening around six; they were in a sorry state! Filthy, smelly and exhausted! Cam sat down and enjoyed a Bacardi and Coke. Liz and Carol sipped wine and, later, my culinary offerings. I loved the solitude of the days in Thannenkirch. Not wishing to upset the hard-working trio, a guilty conscience meant I never mentioned my walk down to the local restaurant around lunchtime and enjoyed a few beers while they were enduring excessive heat and work. Cam and I talked about these happy times a couple of years ago. Out of the blue, he said, ‘Did you like the restaurant in Thannenkirch?’ He knew all along!
Book:
Cam’s book, Second Chance, is an absolute success. He could never see the point of writing a biography or recalling the pre- and post-transplant years. Of course, he was right. His opinion was, ‘Ian, there are many books out there already written from the perspective of illness and a transplant as the only option for survival. And, in reality, people know as much as I feel is necessary about my past and present personal life.’ He, therefore, wrote a book for those who are living with severe illnesses and expecting to go through significant and extensive surgery. ‘Second Chance’ also explained why we all should carry donor cards and be on the donor registry. And a mighty fine book it is! Below are a few reviews from Amazon. Let the words of readers define the book. Use the link below and read more reviews for yourself. And why not buy the book and read Campbell’s words, thoughts and encouragement for you to become a donor? After all, much of the book is focused on why you should make this vital contribution to humankind.
UK Reviewer
If you are awaiting a transplant or in the early stages of recovery, this book is for you. Every recipient’s journey is different (mine is different from Campbell’s in many ways), but his central message is vitally important: looking for the positive makes your recovery quicker.
This is also a book for the recipient’s family. The chapter written by his wife, Carol, provides excellent insight into families’ practical and emotional challenges.
This book is a first-hand account, and Campbell’s personality and belief system come through strongly. Your journey so far may be different from Campbell’s. Stay focused on this. Adopt his mental attitude, and you will be OK. It would have been a help to me had the book been available as I started my journey,
Mrs D
This is a book to be uplifted, amazed, and sometimes saddened by. Campbell’s diary entries take you through his journey, and his wife Carol writes a chapter on being the partner and carer while her dear husband is so poorly. This helped me tremendously as I am currently facing seeing my lovely husband through debilitating lung disease. The second part of the book about donation makes you wonder why any of us fail to register on the donor list!
A fascinating and informative read.
H Craig
This is a well-written and honest account of a harrowing journey from illness to health of a husband and wife. It is easy to read and take on board, written with positivity and humour, even though it’s evident that things were very tough in the early days. I have been on the organ donor register for many years, but if I hadn’t been, this book would have won me over to register my details.
A.N Another
This book makes you think about how one human being can come back from being unable to breathe due to his condition. Then, he finds the mental strength to fight through years of pain and, at one point, face a long, slow death to fight for his life. The medical help was enormous, but this guy’s resolve and determination not to give in are the power of the message. It is an excellent read for anyone facing mountains to climb with no ropes in their life.
Cam’s Thoughts:
Searching through LizianEvents News, you will discover numerous articles Campell wrote. These articles give you a taste of his thoughts and are a profound testament to his inner strength. Below is an article written by Campbell. Thank you for your inspiration and words, Mr Wallace!
Campbell Wallace Reflects….
We have different tastes, ideas, beliefs and life experiences. Travel, music, food, friends, sports, learning, charity, spiritual ideas, so many options, choices and moments. Try everything available, enjoy each moment, and laugh at adversity. Celebrate each day and try not to deny yourself too much. Overindulgence is therapeutic on occasion, so balance the excess with some beneficial exercise. I prefer sharing time with Carol, family, friends, travel and not forgetting our business. Ask me about life; my answer is to live, love, and enjoy it.
Campbell Wallace a 101% Winner
Sometimes, I look at my world through rose-tinted glasses. Why not? When we search to see the great opportunities the world has to offer, we see them, we really do. In the same way, those who decide to see the negative, the difficult, the hard way, will discover darkness. Make your choice and watch life change. I know, you’re thinking “I wish it was that easy Campbell.” I reply: You can wager life can be as easy or difficult as you make it. The moment we decide to look for the best options is the moment we find them. In the years since my transplant, I have come to know this is true. Sometimes I wonder if I should thank my illness for the lessons I have learned.
Lessons can be taken from the situations we find ourselves within. Even when going through challenging experiences and issues. It is easy to become weighed down with one problem and miss the aspects which will see us through the situation. It is imperative we seek happiness and success in our lives. For example: when I became ill, family and friends supported me through the darkest moments. On reflection, I would have allowed them to help me more than I did. Most of us believe being independent is a sign of strength. It is worth considering how much stronger we can be by accepting the support of those who care.
Lessons Are Learned Every Day
Deciding to search for the best answers to certain hurdles. Often means accepting progress can be slow. Impatience results in people looking for the easy ways out of an issue. We can choose to demonstrate how to be strong during adversity. And the determination to assess without bias is a powerful asset. Those burdened with speculation and misinformation cannot see the whole picture. I am thinking about this because of the event in London this morning. Again we are reminded the world is unpredictable, and terrible disasters occur.
I watched the horror of The Grenfell Tower. And like all of us, my feeling of sadness and sorrow for those involved is beyond words. My journey pales into insignificance when we consider the fire in London. The days to come will be impossible to anticipate. I offer my prayers to those involved in the tragedy. There is no need for speculation bar two further comments. The first suggestion is, don’t look for blame. Enter a place of kindness and fortitude, express a desire that lessons will be learned and fast and positive changes are made. The second is a reminder: It is situations like this which send the message ‘We must live every day.’
Live Life Well – Never Waste A Moment ~ Campbell
I could write hundreds of words about my conversations with Campbell Wallace. And yet, they need to be sealed in my memory, private words deserve to be respected. By writing these words I wanted to briefly explain Campbell’s achievements twelve years after my conversation with him at Gorton Monestry. I doubt many people could go through an experience and continue with life with such courage and determination. You have read about a few of his achievements during the twelve or so years that I know of. Cam lived every moment in a way that puts many people to shame. Campbell has a ‘Second Chance’ to his life, and he took advantage of every minute. He never stopped being aware of the gift that his donor provided. Indeed, Cam once said, ‘I have a moral obligation to live my life to the full for the donor’s sake, and I therefore look after my health and wellbeing with respect for the life lost.’
This is a far complete retrospective of an incredible man. I am proud to know him, and his memory will stay alive in my being until I enter my final sleep. If there were ever a Scotsman who could be called ‘Brave Heart’, it would be Campbell Wallace. He was loved by all who knew him and an influence to many who listened to and also read his words. Through adversity, he saw an opportunity to educate people about the importance of being a donor. He demonstrated how to live a life with a positive mental attitude. Few come close…
Campbell Wallace 4th March 1953 ~ 1St October 2024