Walter W. Campbell

Walter “Hap” Wells Campbell of Walpole, N.H., died Monday, May 27th, 2013 at Westwood Nursing Home, In Keene NH from a period of declining health. Hap was born December 25, 1929 in Agawam, MA, the son of Andrew Kelsey Campbell and Edith (Scoville, Campbell,) Busch. He graduated high school in 1948, with a Bay State Farmers Award and Lee Institute of Real Estate diploma. He was drafted into the U.S. Army from 1953-55, earning the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal along with Expert Marksmanship devices during his service. He married Patsy (Roush) in Austin, MN on April 24, 1955, and recently celebrated their 58th anniversary.

Mr. Campbell was well-known and highly respected in the region for his exceptional work as a licensed electrician, plumber, heating specialist, and general contractor. He built seven homes alongside his sons and employees, also remodeling many of Walpole’s fine historic homes. He was a devoted friend of the Willard family of Washington, D.C. and caretaker at the historic General Stephen Rowe Bradley house in Walpole for nearly fifty years.

Hap was a member of the First Congregational Church in Walpole, and President of their Couples Club, he was an advisor to the Junior High youth group, and prepared many fundraiser meals. He devoted many years to the Walpole Boy Scout Troop 299, was co-chairman of the Hoge Base and Walpole Scout Committee – attending all their campouts, helping young scouts earn badges. He assisted his sons Doug achieve Eagle Scout and Greg Life Scout.

Hap was Walpole Republican Chairman for President Nixon, President Reagan, Congressman James Cleveland, Senator Norris Cotton and Governor Walter Peterson, attending both of President Nixon’s inaugurations in Washington D.C. with his wife. He served on the Walpole Planning Board, was president of the Walpole PTA, chaperoned class trips, and was a member on the committee that formed the Fall Mountain Regional School district.

Hap enjoyed many dedicated years as President of the Walpole and Marlborough Lions clubs, and was Zone Chairman and Deputy Governor of District 44H. He was a charter member of the Walpole Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and bowled for many years in a Men’s League and Couple’s Leagues.

He is survived by his loving wife, Patsy, and three sons: Doug, and wife Carol, of Centennial, CO; Greg, and partner Caryne Silen, and her daughter Madi of Sanford, FL; Jeff, and wife Bobbi, of Swanzey, NH. His pride and joy were his sons and his beloved Shih-Tzu, Muffi and all of his grandchildren: Lauren, Ian, Garrison, and Alissa; Alyse, Michael, and Kelsey; Ashley, Tyler, Staci, and Lexi, with whom he shared years of love and family fun. He also enjoyed the time spent with his loving caregiver, Linda Shepard. Other survivors include Aunt Louise and Uncle Frank Felty of Coon Rapids, MN; his sister in laws Sharon (Roush) Van Sant of Brooksville, FL, Robbin (Roush) and husband Mark Knudtson; and brother in law Ronald Amadon of Keene, NH.

Hap is predeceased by his father and mother, Brother Howard and wife Dorothy, sister Esther Amadon, his beloved father-in-law, Lloyd H. Roush, mother-in-law Twila Roush,sister in law Karla (Roush) and her husband Nial Jennison, and Rod Van Sant.

At Haps request, due to family distances, there will be no services. Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene, NH (www.foleyfuneralhome.com) in charge of arrangements. The family requests that contributions be made to First Congregational Church of Walpole, 15 Washington Square, Walpole, NH 03608 Walpole Ambulance c/o Walpole Fire and EMS, PO Box 162, Walpole, NH 03608 or Home Health/Community Services of Charleston c/o HHCS – Hospice, PO Box 1315, Keene, NH 03431. God Bless family and good friends.