William G Campbell

He is survived by his loving wife, Brenda, eldest son Robert and his wife Chiarme along with their daughter and Bill's granddaughter, Leah Marie, youngest son Iain, his wife Laurie and daughter Allison. He was the last survivor of 6 siblings.

Born December 19, 1924, in the East End of London, Bill grew up in Depression-era England. Though times were tough, he was always jovial and had happy memories of his childhood, playing football in the street and collecting shrapnel with his mates during the Blitz. In 1942 at the age of 18, Bill volunteered for the British Army and joined the Rifle Brigade, following in his father's footsteps who had served in World War 1. Bill was part of the D-Day landings, and his battalion worked their way through France and Belgium before Bill came down with scarlet fever. During his hospital stay, the war in Europe ended and post-war he served tours of duty in Greece and Palestine before going home to England in 1947.

A year later he met Brenda Helen Mackley and they were married on August 30, 1952.

Bill and Brenda purchased a home and built a comfortable life together in England. Bill was working as a tool and die maker when he heard about the good life in America, thus igniting his California dream. Shortly after Brenda gave birth to their firstborn, Robert, they sold everything and emigrated to southern California in 1960.

Their second son, Iain, was born a few years later and they bought a home in Whittier, California, their home for over 30 years, where they raised their two boys.

Bill built a career as a manufacturing engineer and stayed active playing in local soccer leagues and pursuing his life-long love for tennis. He always had projects going on in the house and the yard, working on cars and anything else that needed fixing, not unlike the main character in the film Gran Torino.

Bill retired at the age of 72 and in 1996 they moved to the retirement community at Sun Lakes Country Club. Bill continued his passion for playing tennis until he was 92 years old.

Married for over 70 years, Bill will be remembered as a World War II veteran, was much loved for his cheery disposition and his "wicked" sense of humour.

No memorial service or funeral is planned. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, those who are able instead make a donation to the Salvation Army.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.weaver-mortuary.com for the Campbell family.