My association with Don Campbell began in the early 1980′s when Don was a Curriculum Coordinator overseeing the Industrial Arts program in Kennewick. He provided guidance and support as Industrial Arts transitioned to Technology Education. Don’s leadership enabled teachers to research the latest and best educational practices and implement those skills in Kennewick schools. He was a kind, generous, thoughtful man who was among the best educational administrators I have been privileged to work with.
This tribute to Don Campbell was presented by one of his sons, Doug (Principal of Lincoln Elementary School), during Don’s memorial service at St. Joseph’s Parish Chapel on May 20, 2011.
I think dad would have preferred we all be at the cabin in Lincoln, Montana drinking your beverage of choice, listening to Country Western and bagpipe music.
Before I begin you might hear us refer to dad by several names:
He was born Donald Ian Campbell. Ian is Gaelic for John, so early on he started going by Donald John Campbell. He then shortened it to Donald J. Campbell. His brothers and friends then combined the D and the J to form the nick name “Deege”, Later on, he was given the nick name “Bull” because of the way he ran with the football in high school and college. I hope you were taking notes, because dad was an educator and he worked for the Kennewick School District……………..There will be a test later! (It’s OK to laugh……This is a celebration!)
Dad had a lot of nick names, but we were the fortunate ones who got to call him by the most important ones, husband, dad, and grandpa.
Donald J. Campbell was born in Great Falls, Montana, March 13, 1927, the son of Scottish immigrant parents, Murdo and Elizabeth Campbell. He was extremely proud of his Scottish heritage and remained so his entire life.
Reflecting on dad’s life, other than his love for mom, his commitment to education/athletics, his love for music, and his love for family and friends helped shape the man we love.
Dad was the oldest of four brothers, followed by Ken, Tom, and Murdo. Born into what is now being called “The Greatest Generation”, dad and his brothers spent their early years growing up in Great Falls during the Great Depression. He would often tell us stories about what it was like growing up during this difficult time with his brothers and friends. One particular story is that his family was so poor they couldn’t afford a wagon to play with, so he and his brothers improvised and pulled around a red brick with a rope. (He is the only person I know who could make growing up during the Depression sound like fun.)
Dad began his journey into athletics early on, playing football and basketball at Paris Gibson Junior High. While attending Great Falls High School, he played football, basketball and track, and was a member of the Bison basketball team that won the state championship in 1944. Dad blazed the trail for his younger brothers and for a ten year span from 1941-51 there was always a Campbell playing sports at Great Falls High School, playing in ten state championship games and winning six.
Dad graduated from Great Falls High School in May of 1945. Shortly after, he enlisted in the Army. He completed paratrooper training and at the end of the war, was stationed in Sendai, Japan (which was near the epicenter of the recent earthquake) as part as the U.S. Occupation Forces.
After being discharged from the Army, dad attended the University of Montana on a football scholarship, where he played fullback. His brothers followed him to Missoula and the Campbell brothers became only the second family of four brothers to ever letter in the same sport at the University of Montana. It was also there that he met, Patrica Kabrick who he eventually would marry on June 17, 1950. Dad graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in Education in 1951. As an alumni he was an active member of the University of Montana Alumni Association and remained what you could describe as “more than your avid “Griz” supporter”, the remainder of his life. Go Griz!
The same year he graduated from college, he was hired as a teacher, football, and basketball coach for the Libby Loggers in Libby, Montana, where he taught and coached for eight years.
In 1959, Dad was hired as a teacher and assistant football coach in a town called Kennewick, Washington. I think the initial plan was to stay two years. He stayed for 52. Working for the Kennewick School District, most of his career in education was spent just across the street from here at Kennewick High School, first as a History/Government teacher and coach then as Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, and Principal. He then moved into the central office as a Curriculum Coordinator until he retired in 1992.
As an administrator, dad continued his association with school athletics by serving as a Yakima Valley Interscholastic Activities Association representative and as a board member of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association for nine years including one term as president. It was also during this time dad had the opportunity for a couple of years to work as a free agent signer for the Denver Bronco’s after the NFL draft. The Bronco’s became his second favorite team and he became a serious Bronco fan. Watching Bronco games he would often recite the now famous family cheer, “All the way in one play with John Elway!”. This would later become part of the legendary, lengthy, Don Campbell driveway good byes which always ended with Deege standing in the driveway, no matter what the weather, with his fist raised and everyone yelling, “All the way……..” always followed by “Go Griz!”.
Dad developed his love and passion for music at an early age as well. He had the rare ability to play just about any instrument he picked up. He started playing the violin in elementary school and never stopped. He was probably one of the few three sport lettermen in high school that carried a violin to practice. Through the years dad developed into a very accomplished musician with the violin. He became especially skilled at playing Scottish Fiddle and Country Western Fiddle music.
Dad received his first set of bagpipes in 1952 and by listening to records, he was able to teach himself how to play. At first, he taught himself incorrectly, and then had to relearn how to play properly. Dad was a founding Member of the Desert Thistle Pipes and Drums Pipe Band. He loved playing the bagpipes and the fiddle for friends and family and would often perform for various groups and events. By far, his favorite place to play was the family cabin in Lincoln, Montana at family reunions. I think those are the memories all of us will value the most.
Even after developing Alzheimer’s, music continued to play an important part in his life. He loved to sit and listen to Scottish folk tunes, Country Western music, and of course, the bagpipes. It was amazing, how as the disease progressed, he was still able to play the fiddle with the Old Time Fiddlers who often perform at Callaway Gardens. Many times just out of the blue, dad would begin humming an old pipe or fiddle tune as if time hadn’t passed at all. Even in his final days and hours music would help calm him, but being true to his Scottish heritage, when he heard an Irish tune he became increasingly agitated.
Athletics, teaching, coaching and music were all important in dad’s life, but most significant were the relationships he formed with people along the way.
For more information go to:
http://obit.muellersfuneralhomes.com/obitdisplay.html?id=930924
Don was one of the all-time great guys IMHO. When he came on board in the curriculum department he demonstrated the concern for teachers and students our department strove for every day. As stated above, Don worked hard to provide the groups he worked with the resources they needed to do their jobs.
On a more personal note, Don was a great friend as well as a dedicated colleague. He was always ready to lend a hand on projects and would often show up to help even if not asked. All he needed was to know that you might need assistance.
I really miss him.