Voyageurs Mourn Loss of Peter Campbell, Winningest Coach in Men's Basketball Program History

The Voyageurs are saddened to learn of the passing of long-time men's basketball coach, Peter Campbell. 

Campbell, who is the winningest coach in program history, guided the team from 1985-2000, before moving on to Wilfrid Laurier.  In his 15 seasons, Campbell amassed 174 regular season wins, won two OUA titles and guided the team to six national championship tournaments.  During his tenure with the blue and gold, Campbell was a six-time men's basketball OUA East coach of the year and earned the CIAU (now U SPORTS) men's basketball coach of the year in the 1996-97 season.

For former Athletic Director, Pat Pickard, Campbell was more than just someone who patrolled the sidelines.  "Peter will be remembered here at Laurentian as one of the best basketball coaches to patrol our sidelines," she commented.  "As well as coaching, Peter left his mark as a dedicated Athletic Administrator within our Voyageur Athletic Department and a teacher in Human Kinetics, who left behind a top ranked legacy.  To have worked alongside of him was a privilege!  There are many fond memories of an era gone by."

Under his tutelage, the Voyageurs produced 16 first team OUA all-stars, 18 second team OUA all-stars, three first team all-Canadians, and seven second team all-Canadians.

One of those all-Canadians was former men's coach, Shawn Swords, who flourished under Campbell, culminating with a spot on the Canadian men's team at the Sydney Olympics.  Swords, now with the Long Island Nets of the G League, commented that Campbell was "an unbelievable coach but even a better person.  He is one of the most influential people in my life.  He helped breathe confidence into me on the court and taught me to respect everyone you come in contact with.  He molded the Voyageurs to believe that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.  He will be missed.  My next game, I'll have to give the officials a little extra in his honour."

Campbell's successes at Laurentian culminated with his introduction into the Alumni Voyageur Hall of Fame in 2010.

Current Athletic Director, Peter Hellstrom, joined the Voyageurs near the end of Campbell's tenure and watched Campbell bring two Wilson Cup's back to the Nickel City.  "Peter's legacy here at LU will go down as one of the greatest coaches to lead our men's basketball program," he said.  "He had a massive influence on so many young men as a coach and mentor. Pete's knack for demanding an all-in approach led to numerous successful OUA seasons and playoff runs. His legacy will always be remembered up north at LU."

Campbell is survived by his wife Jackie and his sons John (Dianne Norman), who played and coached at Laurentian, Paul, and Jamie, who also played at Laurentian. A visitation will be held on May 2, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Atrium at Lazaridis Hall on Wilfrid Laurier University's Waterloo campus.

Peter's obituary can be found here.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to KidSport or the Canadian Cancer Society would be

appreciated by the family. Donations may be made at the funeral home or online directly

through the charity's website. Those making an online donation are asked to notify the funeral

home at 519-749-8467.