Malcolm Ritchie Campbell

On June 11, 2026, Malcolm (Mike) Ritchie Campbell, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, was called to his heavenly home by his Lord, to live in eternal joy. He was born in Westfield, Massachusetts, on December 13, 1939. He was the son of the late Malcolm Emmett Campbell and Adah Beatrice Webster Campbell.

Upon graduating from Bladensburg High School in Bladensburg, Maryland, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1960. He proudly served his country for 20 years as a Boiler Tender. This was a rigorous job, requiring working in extreme heat and confined spaces, often at the bottom of ships, to provide steam for naval propulsion.

On February 11, 1961, Mike entered into holy matrimony with the love of his life, Joyce Patricia Colea. Joyce and her family lived across the street from Mike and his family. When Mike first saw Joyce, he was smitten. Mike and Joyce were stationed on several different Naval bases and finally made their home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. They raised three children, Jim, Rick and Joanne. Mike loved and adored his family to include his precious dog Roxy and his grandpup, lil Mila.

Mike enjoyed staying busy with his many hobbies throughout his life. He enjoyed horse racing, playing cards, especially poker, and was an avid coin collector and ace pool shooter.

Mike was strong and was a fighter. He fought two different types of cancer, one being stage four lung cancer which was believed to have developed from the harsh conditions of working as a Boiler Tender in the U.S. Navy. After several years of remission, he received a diagnosis of small cell carcinoma which was very aggressive. He bravely accepted his fate. All he wanted in his last days was to spend precious time with his family and friends. He was surrounded by love in those final days.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Bruce, Sandra and Barbara.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Joyce, of 65 years, his sons Jim (Debby), Rick (Harmony), and Joanne (Fred); grandchildren Lauren Che’ (Justin), J.P (Natalia) Jessica, Ryan and Gabe; great-grandpups, Akira and Crystal.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Mike’s family and friends to honor his well-lived life that was rich with stories, love, laughter and cherished memories