Occasionally, at Compassionate Cremation, we to honour those who we never had the pleasure of knowing, but who nevertheless made significant contributions to our province. Iona Campagnolo is one such person.

Iona Campagnolo, 91, born October 18, 1932, on Galiano Island, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2024, surrounded by family in Courtenay, BC. A trailblazer in politics and a beloved community leader, she leaves behind a legacy of service and inspiration.

Born to a loving family on Galiano Island, Iona’s early years were shaped by Northern BC’s rugged landscape, where she began her career as a radio broadcaster. She eventually became the founding chancellor of the University of Northern British Columbia, a role through which she championed higher education in the province.

Iona’s political career was marked by many historic milestones. She was honoured with the Order of British Columbia, made a Member of the Order of Canada, and later promoted to Officer. Most notably, she served as British Columbia’s 27th Lieutenant Governor, the first woman to hold this position. When sworn in, she concluded her speech in Chinook, reflecting her commitment to honouring Indigenous cultures. Throughout her life, she remained deeply engaged in both local and national political communities.

Beyond her public achievements, Iona was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was predeceased by her brother Harold and sister Marion, and she is survived by her brother John (Margaret) Hardy; her two daughters, Gianna (Raymond) Logan and Jennifer Campagnolo; her three granddaughters Kim, Kate, and Chloe; and three great-grandchildren, Logan, Carmen, and Austin. Iona’s warmth extended to all who knew her, as evidenced by her extraordinary gardening skills, her talent in the kitchen, and her enduring love for the Courtenay-Comox Valley, where she made her home for over two decades.

Iona’s passion for politics was matched by her generosity and community spirit. She was known for creating welcoming spaces where ideas flourished and relationships grew. Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched, from students at UNBC to citizens across British Columbia who benefited from her leadership and kindness.