Family asks public to watch for missing Teulon man

The search for a missing Teulon man has stretched on for three weeks. But his family – is no closer to answers than they were weeks ago.

69-year-old cattle farmer, Stewart Campbell was reported missing on July 17, last seen near Stonewall, north of Winnipeg. Then a week later – his car was found on a stretch of road west of Winnipeg off highway two.

“It’s a horrible feeling,” said Lana Knor, second cousin of Stewart Campbell. “He’s, my cousin. I can’t imagine how parents and wives of 50 years or husbands that have lost their loved ones. It’s a horrible feeling. Absolutely horrible feeling.”

“He kind of just vanished then his car showed up here,” said Knor. “We have no information that I’m aware of.”

Knor says searches are tricky – while respecting people’s properties and fields. RCMP have already used drones and informed technology to sweep the area of his last location.

RCMP sent out a silver alert when Campbell was first reported missing – those are issued when the individual is vulnerable. Knor says he developed some kind of dementia – and his close friends were trying to get supports in place.

“They were doing everything they could to try and get him help and basically the system failed them I guess in a way,” said Knor. “I don’t know for sure, but I do know they were doing everything they could.”

There is a growing call for changes to the silver alert system. Brenda Moburg started a petition earlier this year after her husband with dementia wandered off and was never found. 

“I encourage everyone to sign that petition,” said Knor. “Yes, it’s going to cost us money for tax dollars, but it also costs us money in tax dollars on resources to find these people when they disappear. I strongly believe if we had this program in play, and it went out on cell phones, that somebody would’ve been like ‘oh I saw that guy.’”

In the meantime, she’s continuing her search – and asking the public to keep an eye out for Campbell. Her personal theory – is that Campbell hitched a ride somewhere and forgets where home is.

“I don’t know where he is but I need everybody in Manitoba and even maybe outside of Manitoba to keep their eyes open and if they see him, to please report it as soon as possible,” said Knor.

Knor is still hopeful for a positive outcome. She’s grateful for all those who’ve helped search and continue to do so.