E.A.D Campbell, Schoolmaster at Sedbergh 1974-2004
It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Ed (Ned) Campbell, former member of staff, who finally lost his battle with cancer on 12th June 2024. We send our sincere condolences to his wife, Maz, and his family.
In the coming weeks I am sure others will offer a fitting obituary but I offer a brief personal perspective of a man who was so influential to many and of whom I have the warmest memories.
Ed taught English at Sedbergh but also took on the roles of Housemastership at Powell House (1978-93) and Evans House (1998-2004). From 1993 to 1998 he was appointed Second Master.
As an English teacher he brought inspiration to his chosen subject. One of his notable successes was the Oscar winner Simon Beaufoy (P 83-85) who has often said, and does so now, that without Ed’s (and Maz’s) passion for the subject he may have taken a different course in life and films such as Slumdog Millionaire may never have been written.
For myself, when I was asked to read in Chapel in the ‘upper fourth’ to a packed congregation, I can remember my legs shaking as I stood at the lectern about to deliver a reading from a book by Corrie Ten Boom. Then amongst the sea of faces about twenty rows back I saw Ed Campbell. He winked at me, and I smiled. I was reassured. My legs stop shaking, my hands no longer trembled. To this day I have never again feared speaking in public.
Inspiration comes in many forms. It is always a gift. Thank you Ed, the generations of OS whom you have taught, the colleagues whom you have guided, the friends with whom you laughed, are all richer for your time on earth.
Jan van der Velde
