Tributes to esteemed Mayo photographer on his passing
Fond tributes are being paid to Tom (Thomas) Campbell, Lakeshore Drive and Spencer Street, Castlebar, whose death has occurred in his 97th year.
Tom passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully yesterday at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, surrounded by his devoted wife and loving family.
A native of Market Street, Swinford, the deceased enjoyed a distinguished career as a photographer, leaving behind an extensive collection of images charting decades of public and families events.
Indeed a small selection of some of his finest work can be viewed on a daily basis as one passes the shop window of his long-established business premises on Spencer Street.
Louise Killeen, who grew up on Spencer Street, paid a lovely tribute to him when she observed: "He has been a big part of our every day life on Spencer Street and will be missed greatly.
"Remembering Tom fondly from his taking all the family photos, the annual school photos and letting us (as kids) go into the studio to see all his photos. He was always a gentle, patient and kind man."
He did a lot of assignments over the years for local and national newspapers, his excellent instinct for an eye-catching image winning many admirers of his work.
Tom was a regular face at Mayo County Council and Castlebar Town Council meetings over the years covering civic receptions and annual general meetings, the photographs of which were dispatched the following day to the local newspapers accompanied by captions so neatly typed out by his devoted wife, Mary.
He particularly enjoying capturing landscape images, most notably ones of the nearby Mall, as well as landmark events that took place at different times throughout the county.
Tom, a consummate professional, was a gentleman in his dealing with everybody, his kind and courteous nature always leaving a lasting impression.
One of his former colleagues, Frank Dolan, Westport, described Tom as 'a great friend for many years' and was very sad to learn of his passing.
In another tribute, Peter Jordan, Breaffy and Killalwalla, said he had fond memories of dealing with Tom during his time at the former Castlebar website, Castlebar.ie.
"He was also a great encouragement to budding photographers. He leaves a wonderful pictorial record of Castlebar.," added Peter.
Tom is deeply regretted by his loving wife Mary (née Coleman), devoted sons Joe and Gerry, brothers Albert (Galway) and Brendan (Castlebar), sisters Nuala (Osborne, Dundalk) and Angela (Kulkarni, UK), daughters-in-law Marie and Anne, treasured grandchildren Sarah, Conor and Caoimhe, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends, to whom deepest sympathy is tendered.
He was predeceased by his parents Margaret and Joseph, sister Nodie (Nestor), brothers JP and Jarlath, nephew John, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Tom will repose in Coady’s Funeral Home, Castlebar, on Sunday from 5.30 p.m. with removal at 7 p.m. to his residence.
Removal from his residence on Monday morning at 10.30 a.m. (via Spencer Street) for Requiem Mass at 11.30 a .m. at the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar, followed by burial in the New Cemetery.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.