“Sad news in the passing this week, June 14, of Tonia Bern-Campbell aged 93 in Palm Springs, California. The wife of speed ace Donald Campbell she accompanied him to Australia for his land speed attempts at Lake Eyre in 1963/64 as well as his water speed attempts. The Belgium-born night club and cabaret artist was trained by the great Maurice Chevalier, a friend of her fathers. Charming, I had much to do with her when I brought Campbell’s Bluebird back to Australia for a 12 month tour in 1985, She was also a girlfriend of our own cabaret artist Lorrae Desmond who ironically predeceased her by only a few weeks. Tonia described Donald as her soulmate and the love of her life despite the pair having at times a rather volatile relationship. After his death in 1967 on Coniston Water she emigrated to America where she lived in the mountains above Los Angeles. She continued to perform at top theatres and cabaret venues well into her late 80’s. She has requested her ashes to be scattered on Coniston Water to be reunited with Donald. In one of the photos attached Campbell is holding his lucky charm Teddy Bear with Tonia and my good friend and colleague the late Evan Green who was the project manager for the 1964 Land Speed Record Attempt. The end of a great era and wonderful Land Speed Record memories.”
Words and images kindly donated by David Berthon, a self-described, Obsessed Automobilist.
After the record, 31 Dec 1964, Lake Dumbleyung WA.
