Julie Campbell

After an intriguing, fascinating, and adventurous life, Julie Campbell unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, July 22nd.

Julie lived life to the full, boundless energy, seemingly indestructible through near death encounters with Dengue, septicaemia, hit by a motorcycle at 85 while cycling solo through Laos, among other misses. A woman with diverse talents; keen photographer, published writer, lecturer, Reiki healer, superb cook and hostess, always in front to lead the walkers, kayaker and gardener. Forever inquisitive, widely read and creative, she was interested in people, learning new things and conversing on a broad range of topics. Julie loved to be involved, always ready to help and gave so much time volunteering; cooking at the homeless shelter, gardening at the Botanical Gardens, and at 90 serving at the Monday lunch for “senior” people, and more. 

Born in England, her love for travel started early when she devoured the encyclopaedias her “Aunt” kept hidden in boxes showing her a world of adventure. She vowed that she would travel the globe, learning about different people and their cultures; promising herself the adventures she knew she would take. Her desire became a reality in her 20’s becoming a stewardess, flying around the Middle East and East Africa, and continued throughout her life only slowing when she settled in the US with her first husband, Bill Lang, and raising her two daughters, Suzette and Yvette. 

Life as an expat in Indonesia with her second husband, Mal Campbell, rekindled the travel flame. And did they ever explore! immersing themselves in multicultural lives of people throughout Indonesia, Southeast Asia, China, Australia and further afield to South America. 

She was known for her expertise on Irian Jaya; first visiting in 1985 and 25 subsequent trips often for extended periods, living with the Dani and other tribes, frequently in areas closed to the outside world.  She was a lecturer, guide, translator for various international groups visiting Irian, and a cultural and social advisor for major mining and oil companies. Her own photography book, Irian Jaya, the Timeliness Domain, was extremely well received.  

After Mal’s retirement, they returned to North America first to Quadra Island, BC, Hawaii and then Santa Barbara where they joined the newcomers group, getting involved in a multitude of activities and making many new friends. 

Julie continued to travel extensively after Mal’s demise with Santa Barbara as her base and Quadra as her second and spiritual home. Through Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, heading to outlying areas where most foreigners still do not go, Julie was learning, absorbing and photographing the ever-welcoming people, never a stranger in their midst.

Even at 90, adventures did not stop as she scrambled, balanced and bobbed in a small Zodiac for a late-night June picnic on the water to watch the “super moon”, burning from strawberry red to a brilliant orange, rise above the Isle of Wight into the sky. 

Her motto true to that day and her life, never too old and ever ready for adventure.

Goodbye Julie. You will be hugely missed by Suzette and Yvette, their husbands, Simon and Steve; friends and many more. Thank you for being extraordinary and bringing such energy, passion, joy and wonder to our lives.

Those who knew her and wish to celebrate her life may contact suzette_lang@hotmail.com.