Prayer Calendar: Deceased Priests who have ministered the Catholic Faith throughout Toowoomba and districts, 1864–2025, Compiled by Annie Carrett, Diocesan Archivist, 2001, Updated by Gabrielle Saide, Diocesan Archivist, 2023:
Rev Stephen Patrick Campbell, died 14 July 1997

Stephen Patrick Campbell, affectionately known to family and friends as Fr Pat, died in the early hours of Monday 14th July, at St Vincent's Hospital, Toowoomba, with family members supporting him to the last. Fr Pat was the 4th child, and second son of George Campbell and Catherine Ryan whose family grew to 8 sons and 4 daughters. One brother, John, died some years ago and Fr Pat leaves brothers George, Ronald, Thomas (a Christian brother), Brian, Gerald, James, and sisters Mary Brown, Eileen Gribbin, Joan O'Dempsey and Frances Beil. He also leaves devoted sisters and brother-in-law as well as many nieces and nephews who all loved Fr Pat. Warwick was the birthplace of Fr Pat, but he grew up at Danderoo and attended the State School there. He was full of mischief as a child and loved to play tricks which could sometimes get him into trouble. He always had his pockets filled with biscuits, which he was loath to share. However, he was a loving brother and in one instance, at age nine, saved the life of his older brother, George, when he was bitten by a brown snake. His family have wonderful memories of the young boy who became Fr Pat. Growing up in the country, he loved to play cards with his family and preferred not to lose, but was still unable to win at Crib as an adult. In 1937, Pat attended Christian Brothers, Warwick, and in 1941 he was among the first students to continue secondary education at the newly formed Banyo Pius XII Junior Seminary, along with Frank (Fr) Leonard, who had also been to school with him at CBC Warwick., and the late Fr Bergin. As a student, he applied himself to his studies, he was prayerful and sincere in his pursuit of his priestly calling, and he was ordained to the priesthood at Warwick, with Fr Leonard and Fr Frank Burke, by Bishop Roper on 26th July 1949. Classmates, Fr John Bergin and Fr Ralph Underwood were ordained the previous day in St Patrick's Cathedral, Toowoomba. The young Fr Pat's first posting was to Holy Name Parish in 1950. In 1954 he ministered in St George and then followed Roma (1958-59), Surat ( 1960-62), Dalby (1962-69) and renewed appointments to St George (1969-73) and Roma (1974-82). In 1982 he began his last, and long, ministry as Parish Priest at Crow's Nest. During his adult life he has been father to his family, making sure that he attended family gatherings and events. He loved to attend the Weetwood races each year as apart from his love of horse racing, it was a great chance to catch up with people. He could never resist a game of golf and he was very upset when his health prevented his play in the game. He followed football and was an avid supporter of the Broncos. He had a wonderful relationship with his numerous nieces and nephews. His parishioners found him a gentle, holy, humble man whose sole interest was the Church, his parishioners. He loved children and was a wonderful mixer in the town. He was highly respected as a citizen of Crow's Nest. During his long battle with cancer, his Parish lovingly supported Fr Pat, by their kindness, their thoughtfulness, their deeds and certainly enabled him to continue as their pastor until the end. He will be greatly missed and was indeed loved and cherished by his parishioners. He will also be missed by the wider Church community as he always attended seminars, functions, meetings, events in other parishes and Diocesan gatherings whenever possible. His fellow Priests found him strongly committed to the priesthood and strong in building up fellowship among the priests. His fidelity to Church, people and priesthood was an example to all. On the vigil of Fr Pat's Burial, the Crow's Nest community, friends and family of Fr Pat, had the opportunity to share their memories of their pastor, friend and brother and to bid him farewell in a special liturgy. A packed St Patrick's Cathedral gathered for the Mass of Thanksgiving and burial rites. Bishop William Morris was the chief celebrant, and was joined by Bishop Cuskelly, Priests of the Brisbane Archdiocese and Toowoomba Diocese. Fr Pat's family did the readings and Fr Pat's 6 surviving brothers were the pallbearers. He is buried in the Toowoomba Lawn Cemetery.
(Ref. Clerical CV and Archives)

Reproduced by permission of Bishop Ken Howell.