TRIBUTES have flowed for Margaret Campe (née Buckingham), who passed away in Hamilton recently aged 81 and will be fondly remembered for her contribution to the community in many ways.

She was best renowned as one half of the long-time husband wife team who ran Campe’s Coaches and took many locals on trips creating memories of a lifetime.

“Condolences to Glen and family at this sad time. Margaret was such a lovely lady. Enjoyed many a bus trip with Glen and Margaret,” said one local on social media.

Mrs Campe is also fondly remembered for her 40 years’ involvement with the Hamilton Girl Guides and Brownies as ‘Brown Owl’ to many young girls, as well as the marching girls.

“Margaret how you will be missed by so many. So many great times over our Marching years,” said one local.

Said another, “A ‘Brown Owl’ to many guides over many years, an amazing hostess to Glen’s bus tours and a wonderful community support with kind words and gestures for everyone. A wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother that I’m sure will never be forgotten”.

Margaret Rose Campe was born in Hamilton in 1943, to parents Frank and Doris Buckingham and had two siblings, Leonard and Shirley growing up at 106 Lonsdale Street.

She attended Gray Street Primary School followed by Hamilton High School which is where she met future husband, Glen.

Upon leaving school, she accepted a position as a receptionist with Hull, Newns & Lord.

At age 19, she got engaged to Glen before marrying the following year in the now Hamilton Uniting Church which meant she just had to walk across the road from the family home to go to her own wedding.

Mr and Mrs Campe started their family with the birth of Julie in 1964 followed by a son, Andrew, who only lived a short time, then in 1968 Rodney was born.

  In 1979 the Campes bought their first school bus which they worked at building up to what everyone remembers as Campes Coaches, working tirelessly for 32 years.

They saw a lot of the world during this time going on tours in New Zealand, Tasmania, Norfolk Island, Africa, Alaska, Canada, Borneo, many musicals and shows in Melbourne and much more.

She was also an avid walker and member of the Walker’s Club and loved the monthly History Club catch ups.

Mrs Campe is survived by her husband Glen and children, Julie, Rodney, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.