Thomas Gerald Campbell

Beautiful blue-eyed Tom arrived on February 25, 1948, the firstborn of Rosemary and Gerry Campbell. His East Lansing childhood was filled with adventure, sport, and the love of his family which grew to include four siblings.

After graduating from Gabriels High School (currently Lansing Catholic HS), Tom went on to Michigan State University where he became the first player from the Greater Lansing Amateur Hockey Association to play for the Spartan Hockey. Following graduation, Tom worked for the Lansing Ice Arena and the MSU Physical Plant before returning to MSU athletics in 1985 where he served as the manager of Munn Ice Arena until his passing. He was proud to be a part of so many years of hockey history, and central to important expansion projects and events, especially the Cold War hockey game. He was even prouder of the great connections formed over the years with MSU staff and the students (Munnsters) that he worked with and mentored.

It was also in 1985 that Tom met his wife Kelly. They married in 1986 and cherished 36 years of marriage, enjoying MSU sporting events, traveling, but mostly just being together. Their family joyously expanded when their daughter, Grace, was born. No father could ever love a daughter more.

Tom was an active, healthy and eternally youthful guy who enjoyed many sports, but was especially passionate about hockey. He never hesitated to rise extra early on Tuesdays and Fridays for the face off between the dark squad and white squad. The competition and camaraderie was made even sweeter because he was regularly able to share the ice with his brothers.

Tom is survived by his wife, Kelly, daughter, Grace, sister, Mary (Charlie) Henderson and brothers, Bob (LuAnn) Campbell, Joe (Susan) Campbell and T Campbell. He was adored by his in-laws, the Mikesch family, and his many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. He is also dearly missed by his dog, Teddy.

If you ever had the chance to spend time with Tom, it didn’t take long to build a rapport with him. He was genuinely kind, thoughtful, and a great listener. He cared so much about people, and those who connected with him truly felt it.

One more thing to know about Tom - He loved the sun, he loved beaches, and he loved to surf. He had planned to be at his favorite surf break in California in August, an expedition he made annually for the past 25 years. That pilgrimage has ended as he has caught his last great wave and is surfing it for eternity. His endless summer has begun.

A memorial service for Tom will be held on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at the Gilbert Pavilion at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. The family will receive friends at 10am until the time of the service at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Williamston Schools Foundation in Tom's memory.

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