Hugh George Campbell
March 14, 1931- February 26, 2023 Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Hugh G. Campbell passed away peacefully at the age of 91 after a short battle with leukemia resulting in a fractured vertebrae. He was at home with his wife Pat and their children.
He was born on March 14, 1931 to parents Julia Millet Campbell and Hugh G. Campbell Sr. in San Jose, CA. Hugh spent most of his childhood in Stockton, CA and attended Stockton College. After graduation, Hugh joined the Navy and was stationed in Hawaii. He had two tours of duty to Japan and Korea on the USS Reclaimer and maintained friendships with two of his shipmates for the rest of their lives. When his military duty ended, he returned to Stockton and began working at Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company in San Francisco. He met his wife Patricia Ahearn Campbell after a friend suggested they commute to Stockton together since they both worked in the Bay Area. After about a year of carpooling to visit their respective parents in Stockton, Hugh proposed. They raised their children Bruce, Kathy, and Brian in Sacramento. His children were his greatest joy. He frequently told stories of their adventures skiing and camping.
He retired from Continental Insurance Company after working in insurance for 35 years. He found retirement less than fulfilling, so he satisfied his need to socialize by volunteering until Pat was ready to retire from teaching. His first job, at the age of 14, was as a golf caddy at Stockton Golf and Country Club. He had been on his high school golf team and continued to chase that ball the remainder of his life. Pat and Hugh retired to Carmel-by-the-Sea where he was a member of the Carmel Foundation, Knights of Columbus, and Sons in Retirement. He was also a member of the Monterey Genealogy Club, where he enjoyed being among other 4th generation Californians. Hugh and Pat spent their retirement traveling the world. Hugh loved to make elaborate books filled with photos and mementos from their trips.
Hugh was able to celebrate his 66th wedding anniversary with his wife Pat and their children at a lovely dinner prepared by his granddaughter, Kyra, just three days prior to his death. His dry sense of humor continued to entertain his family even as his body was failing. Hugh is survived by his wife Pat; son Bruce Campbell (Debbie) of Prescott Valley, AZ and their son Christopher; daughter Kathy Morrissey (James) of Stockton and their children: Reid, Kyra, Ryan, and Quinn; and son Brian Campbell of Tracy, CA and his children: Claire, Elise, and Mason. He also has three great-grandchildren: Zoey Spears, and Sterling and Olivia Morrissey.
A funeral mass will be held Tuesday May 9, 2023 at 10 a.m. at Carmel Mission with a reception in Crespi Hall. Hugh was a devout Catholic and attended Mass as an usher at Carmel Mission every Sunday.
Memorials in his honor may be sent to VNA Hospice, SPCA of Monterey County, Carmel Foundation, or the charity of your choice. The Campbell Family want to thank VNA Hospice for their loving care and keeping Hugh comfortable until the end of his life.