 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 the life of Colin Campbell was
held at the Vancouver Playhouse, Monday, July 12th.
It is with great sadness that his family announces the
sudden passing of ELLIS ROBERT (BOB) HALLSOR.
He died quickly and peacefully in his home on the morning of
Saturday, May 22nd, 2010. He is survived by his loving
wife of 44 years Merry Loreen, his sons Robert Bruce
Ellis and Christopher Allan Hallsor, their wives and 5
grandchildren. Bob was raised in Oak Bay (Victoria) where he
graduated from Oak Bay High in 1960. His first career was as a
Provincial Health Inspector. This took him to Terrace, B.C.
where he met and married Merry McColl in 1966. The couple were
very active in the local theatre community and Merry served as
Theatre BC President from 1992- 1992. She won the Hamber Award
for her service in 1998. Bob retired from his position as City
Manager in 1997 after over twenty years with the City of
Terrace. After six years on Pender Island, Bob & Merry moved to Parksville in 2004. Bob was a happy man and loved by all. He
enjoyed travel, golf and time with friends and family. Everyone
who knew him will miss his caring devotion and wise counsel. A
Memorial Service was held on June 3, 2010 in Parksville.
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 Bill
Elliott
Theatre BC recently lost a
dear friend, Bill Elliott. Bill had served on the
TBC Executive Committee for the past five years, and
was our-Vice President in charge of Events.
Born July 5, 1937, passed away on March 12, 2010.
Bill was born in Vancouver and lived and worked on
the North Shore his entire life. The original Billy
Elliott, Bill was a director, producer, stage
manager, actor, singer and dancer; as a teacher he
inspired many of his students towards a career in
the arts. He was active in theatre and choirs until
the end. Bill was predeceased by his father Roy, his
mother Irene, and his sister Mary Ann. He will be
remembered lovingly by his family and friends,
including daughters Meredith and Susan (Jesse),
brother-in-law John, nephew Jody (Roberta), niece
Heidi (Gerald) and great-nieces Pearl and Sarah.
A Celebration of Bill's life was held on
Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 2 pm at St.
Christopher's
Anglican Church,West Vancouver.
Donations may be made to the BCSPCA.
Bill was
posthumously awarded the Eric Hamber Award at the
MAINSTAGE 2010 Festival, July 10th, in Kamloops in
recognition of his long-term involvement and support
of
Theatre BC.
and
community theatre. He will be sorely missed.
Above: Bill,
Thespian in hand, at Mainstage 2009
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