Farewell Colin Campbell

June 25, 2010 – Vancouver, BC….It is with deep sorrow that the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company announces that Colin Campbell passed away this morning after a long, inspiring battle with cancer. 

Colin, who retired from his position of Production Manager at the Playhouse last month, died peacefully at home in the company of loved ones. 

Colin lived and worked in technical theatre and live performance for over 30 years. He began his career in Kamloops at Western Canada Theatre while still in high school, often missing long stretches of school while on tour, where he received his real education for later life. 

His career in Vancouver spanned Expo ’86 to the 2010 Olympics, and he stick‐handled performance events within these major international events, saw the industry change and develop, and embraced new technologies, finding ways to “save time, save money” while always “putting the art first.” Despite his health challenges, he navigated three highly ambitious projects for the 2010 Cultural Olympiad for the Playhouse this year: two technically complex mainstage productions and a national tour to five venues. The Playhouse’s six Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards for the 2009/10 season are a reflection of his dedication, professionalism and absolute commitment to the highest production and artistic standards possible.  

“Colin Campbell was one of the main reasons I decided to return to Vancouver,” said Max Reimer, Artistic Managing Director of the Playhouse. “It has been an inspiration working with him these past two years. His was a unique contribution to our community and one that can never be matched or replaced.” 

Colin served as first Technical Director, and then Production Manager at the Playhouse from 1999‐2010.  Before that, he worked as Production Manager and Technical Director at the Gateway Theatre, Technical Director for Theatre Under the Stars and Karen Jamieson Dance Company, and Production Manager for the Vancouver Fringe Festival, and lent his time and talents to many productions around the city. 

“I’ve never met someone so creative at practical solutions,” said Harry Hertscheg, Executive Director of the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival and a longtime colleague of Colin’s at the Fringe Festival and Playhouse. “Colin’s leadership inspired such loyalty in the people around him that letting him down was never an option.” 

Colin is survived by his wife Lin, his brothers Bill and Craig, and his beloved dogs, Rupert and Corabel. A celebration of Colin’s life will be held at the Vancouver Playhouse, details to be announced.