Alvin Herman Kampstra

December 4, 1931 - May 13, 2015

Alvin (Al) Herman Kampstra was born on December 4, 1931, he passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on May 13, 2015. He was 83.

He was born in Crookston Minnesota to Herman and Jeannette Kampstra. The family moved to Scio, Oregon when AL was young and eventually settled in Salem, Oregon. Al went to grade school at Englewood Elementary, Leslie Junior High School, and Salem High School where he graduated in 1950.

He married Beverly Vincent (Swanson) in 1951 and later divorced. Al and Beverly raised eight children, Guy Kampstra, Gary Kampstra, Debra Paterson, Deanna Savoy, Darrell Kampstra, David Kampstra, Trisha McCallister and Lori McCallister,. In August 1987, Al met and married Gloria Bird. She added to the family four children, Wes Bird, Suzie Ferrell, Warren Bird and Sandi Martin.

Al had many jobs over the years but was well known as an experienced electrician. A lot of Al's career was working at Wah Chang and running his own electrical business.

Al was an avid small airplane pilot, softball player and an amateur Ham radio operator. Al enjoyed outings in his boat, dancing, water skiing, bowling and being a volunteer fireman.

He was the leader of his family. He really enjoyed when all of his extended family got together during the holidays where love, caring and sharing was abundant.

Over the years Al has been a wonderful teacher to all of his family. The lessons his family have learned has made them loving and respectful individuals in each of their communities. He has taught his family to always have a smile, love unconditionally and that your family is the most important thing in the world.

Al left us a rich man. This wealth does not refer to monetary riches or possessions. This richness refers to the respect, adoration and love that his family has for him. Al was our family's teacher and he taught his family well. His family now knows that with Al leaving his earthly body, the family has now become the teachers. His family will now pass on his teachings to their children and to their children. This is the lasting legacy that this great man leaves behind.

Al was preceded in death by his father and mother, Herman and Jennette Kampstra and daughter in law, Stacy Bird.

Al is survived by his wife, Gloria Kampstra, Guy Kampstra and wife Aileen, Gary Kampstra. Debra Paterson and companion Guy Madison, Deanna Savoy and husband Brian, Darrell Kampstra, David Kampstra, Wes Bird, Suzi Ferrell, Warren Bird and wife Carla, Sandi Martin and companion Dale Gay, 14 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

He was a great man. He enjoyed life and wanted to share his never ending love and joy with this family.

K7TYP is signing off for the last time. He will be greatly missed. Touche'

Services will be held in AL's honor on May 21st, 2015 at 11am at Howell-Edwards-Doerksen Funeral Home, Salem Oregon. The reception will be held immediately following the service. Graveside service will be at Restlawn Memorial Gardens at 2pm. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers please send donations to the Mid Willamette Amateur Radio Club in care of Dorothy Davis, 1130 SW Washington St Albany OR 97321 or a charity of your choice.