Brian P. Campbell

Brian was born in Berwyn, Illinois in 1940 as the grandson of Joseph (who was killed in a mining accident in Crabtree, Pennsylvania) and son of Andrew (whose mother wrapped a pie in a towel, gave him what coins she had, and told him to jump on the next freight train that came through lest the foreman come after him to even the score after Andrew’s daring challenge about how the mine was being run) – all of which is to say he came from a long line of men who knew both hard work and gumption.

Young Brian was voted most likely to succeed by the class with whom he should have graduated, had he not been suspended and held back. Thank goodness his high school shenanigans were not a predictor of his business success but rather of his lifelong dedication to not taking himself too seriously. A better predictor would have been his junior high subscription to the Wall Street Journal which began his life-long passion for being aware of – and thinking about – what makes the world go ‘round. Among the last words he spoke before his death in Traverse City, Michigan on August 21st, 2025 were the words he spoke to his son-in-law via Facetime -- “Now, get to work!” – a somehow completely fitting final admonition for a man known for his fierce work ethic and clarity of thought. Indeed, he lived by his father’s advice: “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”

Brian earned his undergraduate degree from DePaul University, paid for by his job on the commuter train which allowed him to reach LaSalle Street in one direction and return to his parents’ home in LaGrange without a paying for a ticket. Early in his investment banking career he learned to say his degree was from “DePaul Oh” as many when learning he went to DePaul would respond with “oh…”, expecting perhaps the more prestigious school by a similar name – or a more prestigious school altogether. He remained deeply fond of the school that educated him and received an honorary Doctorate in Finance from DePaul in 2010. Brian also earned an MBA and a Masters in Tax from Northwestern University, earned through evening classes following a full day in the office. Of course, we like to believe the best use of his analytical skills was his decision to marry Mary Lincoln, his beloved wife of 48 years who was his partner in work, life, and philanthropy. Brian is also survived by their daughter Elizabeth Lucina Campbell Carr; son-in-law James Stephen Carr; and the three grandchildren who were the light of his life.

Much of Brian’s career (and life) was anchored in Michigan, beginning with his hiring by Richard Manoogian and the Masco Corporation. Many acquisitions later, and with the full support of Manoogian, Brian located office space in Ann Arbor and formed Campbell Industries which later became TriMas and was listed first on the Nasdaq and later on the New York Stock Exchange. Surely not many CEOs of public companies wrote their own annual reports but every year, the family dining room became command central for this activity – an endeavor that required a copious number of legal pads and came with no shortage of stress. That personal tax season soon followed ensured no meals were consumed at said dining room table for the first half of the year.

Brian’s business accomplishments, however robust they may have been, paled in comparison to his generosity of spirit, to organizations and individuals alike. Brian’s strong conviction that those upon whom fortune had smiled had an obligation to help others guided his meaningful connections to the University of Michigan Medical Center (for Brian, “the house of miracles”), the Shelter Association of Ann Arbor, The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, University of Michigan, The Ann Arbor Symphony, DePaul University, Greenhills School, Northern Michigan University, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church of Ann Arbor, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church of Boca Grande, the Lwala Community Alliance, and more recently, St. Peter’s Episcopal Chapel of Leland. Ask around and you won’t struggle to find someone who personally benefited from Brian’s generosity, especially when they were in a moment of deep need.

Brian’s final act in the business world was that of CEO of Kaydon Corporation where he continued to attribute his own success to being “just smart enough to surround myself with people who are smarter than I am.” Post retirement, Brian remained active on numerous boards, read multiple newspapers on a daily basis, and never missed an opportunity to take a call from his daughter, bake with his grandchildren, sing the praises of his son-in-law, shine a light on the accolades of his wife, or enjoy a good martini.

Our final summer with Brian was one of the best – Glen Arbor’s famous 4th of July parade, late night fireworks, many meals shared at the restaurants he loved, and a last supper of sorts at Art’s Tavern. The family wishes to thank all who looked after Brian in his final years, including Sue and Amy, who kept him out of trouble as best they could; the kind souls at Good Harbor Grill where he dined nearly every day this summer; and his friends at Funistrada, La Becasse, Paesano’s, The West End Grill, and Café Zola, who always had a kind word to offer – and a large dish of ice cream, too.

How we shall miss him. How blessed we are to have known and loved him. How consistent are the messages from those who mourn his loss: he made time for me, I learned so much from him, he changed my life. Threaded through this kindness and love was his quick and sometimes irreverent sense of humor. Requiescat in pace. Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him. In Brian’s memory, gifts may be made to the Shelter Association of Ann Arbor (https://www.annarborshelter.org/)

A funeral will be held on Saturday, September 20th at 4pm at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan followed by a dinner reception at Barton Hills Country Club. The family invites all who love Brian to attend.