Donald McKinley Campbell

Nov 6,1946-Mar 25, 2017

“He lived, he laughed, he loved, he left..and the world will never be the same.”

Donald McKinley Campbell died peacefully at home, unexpectedly and too soon. He will be enormously missed by a large community of family and friends who treasured him, with good reason. Don was one of the world’s most kind and gentle people: a loving husband, great dad, uncle, brother, brother-inlaw, and friend. He was ever ready with a listening ear, thoughtful advice, and the wisdom of a full life, all shared with self-effacing wit and humor, for which he will be so fondly remembered. Those of us who counted him as a friend have had our lives forever enriched.

Don was the youngest of seven siblings, a rowdy Scottish clan who grew up in Boston and summered in Provincetown. Growing up, he was a competitive tennis player and the guitarist in the neighborhood garage band…sparking a lifelong appreciation of music, both classical and contemporary. He graduated from Stonehill College, and received his Master’s from the University of Massachusetts in Boston. His professional life in the printing business incorporated his gifts of creativity, and intellect, as well as his engaging personality. Don was owner of Honeywell & Todd (taken from the TV show, My Little Margie!) in San Francisco. His love of the printed word, combined with a vibrant curiosity, meant that he was always well read and informed on a fascinating range of topics, from philosophy and music, to travel and restaurant revues.

As William Wordsworth suggested: “That best portion of a good man’s life…His little, nameless, quiet acts of kindness and love.” Don shared his love abundantly: by being a constant source of support to his sons, Matt and Evan; by creating delicious fare for quiet evenings with friends or for special family celebrations, and by being an incredibly steadfast friend. He was a man of patience and understanding; the cadence of his life was reassuring. The legacy he created is lasting: someone will always miss him.

Don is survived by his sons, Matthew and Evan; his siblings, Jean Martin, Brenda Hug, and Bruce Campbell; his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Ron Swanson; and his longtime companion, Jean Asaro. He was predeceased by his wife, Catherine, and his siblings, Maxine Wood, Thomas and David Campbell.

Contributions in Don’s honor may be made to George Mark Children’s House, 2121 George Mark Lane San Leandro, Ca. 94578 or Clausen House, 88 Vernon Street Oakland Ca. 94610

A celebration of Don’s life will be held on Saturday, April 22 at 2:00 pm. The service and reception to follow will be at Piedmont Community Church in Piedmont, CA.