Walter Campbell (judge)

Sir Walter Benjamin Campbell, AC, QC ( born March 4, 1921 in Burringbar, New South Wales; † 4 September 2004) was an Australian judge, civil servant and governor. He was a judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland, Chancellor of the University of Queensland and Governor of Queensland.

Life

Campbell was born in Burringbar, New South Wales. His parents were Archie Eric Gordon Campbell and Leila Mary nee Murphy. Archie Campbell was a deserving soldier in the First World War and was awarded the Military Cross for the battle against the Turks in Gaza as well as the Distinguished Service Order for fighting in Damascus. Leila Campbell died unexpectedly, leaving Walter and his brothers, who then grew up with their grandparents.

Campbell began studying at the University of Queensland from 1940, which he interrupted the following year to join the Royal Australian Air Force. Campbell was the author of the student newspaper Semper Floreat in the first year of study. He graduated in Law in 1948 from first class, where he had already gained a Master of Arts in the previous year. He passed his examination flyer at the Amberley Air Base on December 7, 1941 and became the 67th Reserve Squadron offset, which oversaw the Australian east coast. As a flight instructor, he had an accident and was wearing them a serious knee injury. After his recovery, he was commander of a Liberator based in Darling Downs.

Campbell received his license in 1948 and became Queen's Counsel in 1960. In 1967 he became a judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland.

Since 1963 Member of the University Council of the University of Queensland, he became chancellor in 1977 and remained so until 1985.

Campbell was born on July 22, 1985 Governor of Queensland and resigned in July 1992 from his office.

Private

Campbell married in 1942 Georgina Pearce and is the father of three children. He lived in Clayfield, Brisbane. He died aged 83 on 4 September 2004.

Honors

Walter Campbell was appointed a Knight Bachelor in 1979. He was since 1989 a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). On 1 January 2001 he was awarded the Centenary Medal.