College pays tribute to ‘true gentleman’

Mr Campbell, who was 60, took up post as principal of the North Road school in May 2001 having previously been vice-principal at Glengormley High School.

According to the current Carrick College principal, Hedley Webb: “It very quickly became apparent that Mr Campbell put the pupils and their welfare at the heart of everything which would happen in the college.

“His vision for the college saw it become a Specialist School in Business and Enterprise and gain its Investor In People Award.”

Mr Webb continued that Derek Campbell was both a colleague and a friend to all of those he worked with.

“Derek moved the college forward after an unsettled period in its history and did so with humility and integrity. He was truly a gentleman and treated all those with whom he came into contact as his equal.”

As a PE teacher Derek Campbell’s career saw him move from Ballymena Boy’s High School to Ballee Community High School before he became head of PE at Glengormley High School in 1982.

After almost 20 years there he was appointed to Carrick College as principal where he stayed in the post until September 2010 when he retired through ill health.

Outside of his working life Derek Campbell was first and foremost a devoted family man.

He was involved in his local Methodist church in Ballymena and was a keen sportsman, playing rugby and golf and taking part in judo. His hobbies also included fishing and music.

Mr Webb added: “On behalf of the governors, staff and pupils of Carrickfergus College I would like to pass on our sympathies to Derek’s wife Sandra, his son Paul and daughter Nikki.

“Derek was a friend and colleague who will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”

Mr Webb and two college vice-principals were among those in attendance at a celebration of Mr Campbell’s life in Ballymena Methodist Church on Monday.