Robert Walter Campbell

June 28, 1934 – October 4, 2025

Aged 91

Robert Walter Campbell, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, in Edmonds, Washington. He was 91.

Born in Seattle, Washington, on June 28, 1934, Robert lived a life grounded in service, scholarship, and deep love for family and community. He graduated from Lincoln High School and went on to earn his degree in Journalism from the University of Washington in 1956. While at UW, he was a proud member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity and served as co-editor of the university newspaper during his junior year. Later, Bob returned to UW to obtain his master’s degree in Communications. He also played Varsity Basketball for the Huskies—an achievement that reflected his lifelong passion for sports.

Robert’s professional life was as dynamic as it was impactful. He taught English and Journalism at the college level, worked in public relations, and served as an editorial writer for several newspapers. His love for language and storytelling shaped not only his career but also the lives of countless students and readers.

A retired Captain in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Bob’s sense of duty and service extended beyond the classroom and newsroom. He was an avid golfer—highlighted by a memorable hole-in-one—and a lifelong fan of UW Huskies and Seattle professional sports teams.

He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Parsons Campbell and former wife, Betty Jeanne Campbell-Lahr; daughters Diana Jeanne Nardi and Susan Gail Campbell; grandchildren Sean Nardi (Melissa Nardi) and Sarah Nardi-Thomson (Ryan Thomson); and great-grandchildren Ansel and Ryden Nardi, Chloé, and Elijah Nardi-Thomson. He also leaves behind his sister Shirley Kinnett (Gary); niece Julia Kinnett; nephew David Kinnett (Jennifer) and their sons Tanner and Tristan.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, DeEtte and Walter Campbell.

A memorial service will be held at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home, located at 11111 Aurora Ave N, Bitter Lake, WA. The service will be on Thursday, 11/6/25 at 11 am and will include the U.S. Navy honoring Robert Campbell.

In the words of his niece, “He was a warm, funny, loving human being, and he made life better for everyone who encountered him.”