Bert farewelled

Six hundred people filled the Latrobe Memorial Hall while nearby Bradshaw, George and James streets were filled with mourners' cars.

All Latrobe businesses closed during the 10am service, which was broadcast into the street for hundreds more mourners.

Two eulogies were presented, by family friend and community representative Marie McCulloch and the council's general manager Grant Atkins.

Representatives of Governor Sir Guy Green, Premier Jim Bacon and Archbishop Adrian Doyle also attended.

In her eulogy Mrs McCulloch said: "Bert Campbell was a gentleman, a devoted and loyal husband, father, brother, pop, pa pa, mate and neighbour.

"He will be remembered as humble and caring."

Mr Campbell grew up on a Latrobe farm and attended Wesley Vale and Launceston Church Grammar schools before returning to Latrobe and his first job at the local tyre service.

He raised three sons, David, Peter and Paul and daughter Robyn, had 13 grandchildren and is survived by his wife Irene and her children Gerhard and Ursula.

"He was a mate, mentor, instigator and pioneer," Mrs McCulloch said. "He was a hardworking, good, honest man.

"His marriage to Irene for 14 years gave them one of the best seasons of their lives."

She added: "Finally, Bert spent a lot of time listening to people's problems and if I could talk to him on the phone today I would tell him the whole town turned out for today and there is a flash hearse - everyone's here. He would say: `you are just kidding me'. Finally, Bert Campbell, we salute you and you have done us proud."

Mr Atkins said Mr Campbell was first elected to the council in 1982 as a representative of the Sassafras ward and was instrumental in the Cradle Coast Authority, the Australian Axeman's Hall of Fame and Latrobe's place as the adoptive home of HMAS Sheean. Australian Navy Commander Ian Dunbabbin attended the funeral.

Mr Campbell became Deputy Mayor in 1995 and was popularly elected as Mayor in 1996, serving for two terms.

"He was a great man and a humble character. He was a highly respected leader and a friend to us all," Mr Atkins said.

"Bert would often look at me and say, `what are you looking so worried about, Mr Manager?' He was an exceptional man and mayor."

Mr Campbell was carried from the hall by his sons and son-in- law Mark Jones.

Members of the Latrobe Federal Band marched in front of the shining, black 1935 Dodge hearse playing Waltzing Matilda followed by the Road To Gundagai.

The guard of honour comprised Tasmania Fire Service, Latrobe Football Club, Latrobe council employees, SES, scouts, RSL and people from the community.