David Damian Campbell

With loving support from his nephew, Robert Shaw, David left this earth on the morning of May 21st, as the sun was rising in Vancouver, British Columbia. David is pre-deceased by sisters Mary, Stephanie, Theadora, Shawani, Celeste, and Valerie. He is survived by his remaining sisters, Carol and Ena, daughter Noona, son Paco, grandson Willem, and a large Campbell family.

Born in the Pomeroon region of Guyana, he was raised by his father, Stephen Campbell, the first Indigenous (Arawak) member of parliament in Guyanese history, and his mother Umbelina Campbell, a devoted and beloved teacher. David grew up in a household surrounded by art, music and political discussion. His curious spirit, love of exploring new places and passion for furthering his music career led him to Toronto in the early 1960’s and eventually to Europe. 

With his guitar and beautiful voice, David wrote empowering songs and poetry that helped give a voice to Indigenous Peoples of the Americas. He released 29 albums, highlighted by his song “Pretty Brown”, and was featured on various television and radio programs in Canada and Europe. David also helped support musicians by helping to create a model to produce and distribute their own music through his website. He is quoted as saying, “I’m an eternal optimist and I believe we human beings have the potential to some day become the beautiful, magical, powerful, laughing, living creatures we were always meant to be.”

In his later years, David became an accomplished photographer and painter, while creating over 75 paintings and 300 music videos on his YouTube channel “Marakakore.” David loved to view the mountains, golf, walk around the city, and regularly visit his beloved Stanley Park in Vancouver, with walking stick in hand.

Chi Miigwetch (Thank You) David, we love you and are grateful to you.

David will be interred at the Gardens of Gethsemani (15694 32 Ave., Surrey, BC V3Z 0C6) on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 1:00pm.