It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of Jillian Anne Esther (Campbell) Kingston in her 47th year.
Jillian’s appetite for adventure, love for nature, and affinity for outdoor activity shaped a life that was vibrant and dynamic—just as she was. Jill enjoyed skiing, hiking, running, and travelling, especially with her husband Brock, and sons Bailey and Soren. Her boys were her pride and joy. She loved and cared so deeply for them. As a family, they not only explored much of Ontario, but several countries spanning four continents. These were some of her most treasured memories.
Jill was born in Thunder Bay, Ont., where she grew up playing ringette, tennis and skiing. She shared her love for sport and the outdoors with others, both as a ski instructor at Loch Lomond and a camp councilor at Chippewa. Jill graduated from Algonquin Public School and Port Arthur Collegiate Institute before she studied at Trent University. This laid the foundation for a distinguished post-secondary career where she obtained one diploma and two degrees at two universities and one college.
Jillian made many friendships as a student. It was during her time at Trent she met her husband, Brock. Brock was the love of her life. He was a source of so much laughter, endless joy and unwavering support, especially in the final few months of her life. He never left her side.
Her career began as a geographic information system (GIS) specialist in Thunder Bay. She also worked in Wawa, South Korea, Washington, D.C., and Toronto. Jill returned to Thunder Bay in 2016 to work as a science coordinator for Northern forest ecosystem research at the Ministry of Natural Resources. She enjoyed being closer to family and renewing hometown friendships these past few years.
Jillian was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017. As a non-smoker, she learned the hard lesson that if you have lungs you can get lung cancer. She fought fiercely to stay with us as long as she could. Jill will be remembered for her spunk, insurmountable strength and determination. She soaked up every last minute of life that was handed to her, only to exude grace, positivity and steadfast advocacy for lung cancer awareness.
Husband Brock, sons Bailey and Soren, and many other family members will grieve her passing. This includes devoted parents, Joanne and Roger Campbell, older brothers Kevin (Connie) and Mark (Claudia), as well as nieces and nephews: Lindsay, Kyle, Ashley, Andrew, Avery, and Aidan Campbell. Her cousins Lianne Gulka and Leslie Youngson also meant a great deal to her.
Jill will be greatly missed by her mother-in-law Grace Kingston, sister-in-law Angela Kingston, Uncle Allan Campbell, Aunt Sharon Campbell Leyshon, cousins Karen Peltonen, Susie Steen, Dayn Leyshon, Dyan Leyshon, Tagyn Carsolio, and Larissa Gulka, as well as close friends including Melissa Cameron and Li Tung. She left this world far too soon.
Jillian was predeceased by grandparents Annie and Joseph Glowacki, Esther and Chester Campbell, as well as aunt and uncle Lillian and Wally Gulka and father-in-law Ray Kingston.
The Campbell-Kingston families would like to thank Dr. Valente, Dr. Chan, Dr. Haggarty, Dr. Bezanson and the incredible staff team at Regional Cancer Care Northwest, and home care nurses Georgette and Christine. As well as Dr. Leighl and team at Princess Margaret Hospital.
To keep Jillian’s passion alive in furthering lung cancer research, donations to the Jillian Kingston Lung Cancer Legacy Fund at the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation will be gratefully accepted. Jill’s goal was to reach $100,000 to fund advanced stage lung cancer research.
Jill has requested that instead of flowers, friends and family contribute to the program to make her wish a reality. You can donate here: https://supportthepmcf.ca/PDPMemorial/jillianlungcancerlegacyfund
Jill’s Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, December 1st at The Courthouse Hotel (277 Camelot St, Thunder Bay) from 1:00-4:00pm, memories shared at 2:00pm. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
