Much loved. David Randall Campbell was born the seventh of nine children to Charles Newton and Rhoda (Randall) Campbell in Rupert, ID. After graduating from Rupert High School, David served an LDS mission to the British Isles (1948–1950). Dad always had a beautiful baritone singing voice and toured the UK with the British Mission Millennial Chorus. He married his lifelong love, Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” May on Jan. 3, 1951, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they raised a large, lively family of seven children: Colin (Cherie Snow), Heather (Regan Swain), Anne (Dave Hansen), Catherine, Bonnie (Barrie Brown), Allison (Stephen Stuart) and Rebecca (Todd Grossman). Added later: 26 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren (at last count).
David was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a great priesthood leader, willingly serving for many years wherever and whenever he was called.
As a boy, young Dave had particular interests in all things mechanical. He attended both Utah State University and the U of U, studying engineering and business, eventually leaving college early to start an exciting new business, Campbell Mfg. Inc, with other family members. He soon became a very competent, self-taught designer of bulk material handling machinery such as the Cambelt conveyor and a large variety of other assorted (and sometimes unusual) pieces of industrial equipment. Dad had the unique ability to conceptualize new mechanical designs in his head (usually at night), draw them into clearer focus on the drafting board the next day, and then bring them to life in the shop. He is shown as the principal inventor on many U.S. and foreign patents.
Grandpa loved his family and was proud of his Scottish heritage. He was active in the Utah Scottish Assoc. and the Clan Campbell Society (N. America), serving at different times as president of both. Due to his influence, many family members still attend or participate in the local Scottish Highland Games. We even listen to bagpipe music intentionally. Some of us dance the Highland Fling, toss the caber, pitchfork heavy sacks of straw way up high, and heave large rocks for distance. He will be greatly missed. Ne obliviscaris.
David is preceded in death by his beloved Betsy, his parents, his siblings, and a granddaughter: Josephine Valentine. Funeral services will be held on Thurs, Mar. 22 at 11:00 a.m. at Wasatch 5th Ward Chapel east of Wasatch Blvd. (8100 S. Top of the World Drive). There will be a gathering for friends and family at 9:30 a.m. at this same location. Interment and funeral arrangements by Wasatch Lawn Mortuary (3401 South Highland Drive, SLC, www.wasatchlawn.com). The family expresses sincere appreciation to all of our friends, Dad’s ward members, doctors, nurses, hospital staff, rehabilitation caregivers, home care and hospice folks (special thanks to Sonia) that have assisted us these many months, making the end of Dad’s life here on earth so much better.
