Cody Insley Campbell

Cody Insley Campbell, a man who redefined resilience and leadership, passed away in Smithers, BC, on March 6, 2026, in the embrace of his family. He was 43.

Born in Smithers on July 20, 1982, Cody was a natural leader whose life was shaped by his community, family, and sport. His hockey journey began with Smithers Minor Hockey, carried him to the Sicamous Eagles and the Edmonton Royals, and eventually brought him back home, where he founded the “Whalers” men’s team.

When Cody finally hung up his skates, he traded them for a whistle, coaching countless children in hockey, swim club, and soccer. Most recently, he served as an assistant coach for his daughter Piper’s U13 team. He leaves behind a legacy of sportsmanship, confidence, and strength of character in every young athlete he mentored.

After graduating from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a minor in Geography, Cody trained with Nav Canada in Cornwall, Ontario, before being posted to Whitehorse, Yukon as an air traffic controller. While he excelled there, he knew his heart and his future belonged in Smithers. He soon returned home, joining Driftwood Diamond Drilling, where he found his passion in the industry and forged friendships that grew into deeply meaningful, lifelong bonds.

Cody was a true entrepreneur and never met a challenge he couldn’t research and master. From diamond drilling with his father, Doug, at Driftwood, to founding Ridgeline Diamond Drilling together in 2007, to his own ventures in CKC Ultralight and Northwell Drilling, he simply loved to try hard things. His curiosity was endless. He taught himself to sew, weld, and build, creating handmade gifts—stools for his daughters, nieces, and nephews, and a beautiful leather purse for Kelsey—just to prove to himself that he could.

In January 2013, Cody’s life was nearly cut short. With a two‑year‑old at home and a baby on the way, he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and was told he had only days to live. Cody spent the next thirteen years proving the experts wrong. Despite losing seven inches in height and living with constant pain, he never complained. He became a pioneer of his own survival, traveling as far as Beijing for CAR‑T therapy, driven by the singular goal of seeing his daughters grow up. Those stolen years were a gift—years that allowed for an “epic and sketchy” boat‑in moose hunt in Atlin with Piper and friends, and a dream trip to the Galápagos Islands in 2024 with extended family.

Above all his titles—captain, driller, coach—Cody’s favourite was Dad. He marveled at Taya’s outstanding artistic talents and her thoughtful, deliberate way of moving through the world. He shared a deep bond with Piper over their love of the Edmonton Oilers and their shared passions such as sports, hunting and wilderness adventure. He taught the girls to do donuts on the beaches of Haida Gwaii and made sure they knew, every single day, that they and Kelsey were the reason he kept fighting.

Cody is survived by his devoted wife and life partner of 18 years, Kelsey; his daughters, Taya (15) and Piper (12); his parents, Sharon and Doug Campbell; his sister, Sarah Bristow (Trevor) and nephews Trent and Hayden. He also leaves behind his sisters‑in‑law, Kirsten Rawkins (Alan) and their children Eleanor and Reed; Nicole Pinkerton (Daniel Yewell) and their children Stella and Jack; and his in‑laws, Jan and Gerry Pinkerton. He is also missed by the many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who adored him. He was predeceased by his nephew, Pascal.

Cody and his family have immense gratitude for the medical professionals that have supported and cared for him every step of the way. 

In his final moments, held in the arms of those he loved most, Cody found peace. He left this world hearing Taya’s “I love you” and was comforted by the certainty that his girls have the character and kindness to navigate whatever life brings.

He will be missed, but never forgotten, by his family, his friends, and the community he loved so well.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Smithers, BC, on June 27, 2026. Further details will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Cody’s name to any of the following:
• The Bulkley Valley Community Cancer Care Team (e-transfers to info@bvcancer.ca)
• The Smithers Minor Association (e-transfers to treasurer@smithersminorhockey.com)
• The BV Youth Sport Foundation (e-transfers to info@bvyouthsport.com)

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