1965 Michael Neill Campbell (68)

[taylo...@comcast.net]

1965 Michael Neill Campbell (68)

Monterey Herald, CA Aug 23, 2015 (scanned)

 January 14, 1947 ~ July 10, 2015 Marina, CA Michael Neill Campbell, 68, peacefully passed from this life to Paradise in the early morning hours of July 10, 2015 with his wife at his side. Born January 14, 1947 in Garden City, Kansas he was welcomed into the world by a loving family, his mother Martha "Helen" Steele, his father Clayton Emery "Red" Campbell and his sister Ann. In Mike's own words, "No child could have asked for more loving parents or a better childhood." At age 11 he moved with his family to California where he fell in love with the beautiful Pacific coast. After living for a short time in a beach cottage half a block from Pleasure Point in Santa Cruz, the Campbell's moved to Pacific Grove where Mike attended grammar through high school, graduating in 1965. He thought growing up in P.G. in those days was great, " with the beach, swimming pool, theater, bowling alley and pool hall within walking distance, there was always something to do." An athlete and avid sports fan he excelled in baseball and track. He loved football and basketball. He played on the Monterey Bay Dart League and also enjoyed league bowling, shooting pool and a good game of horseshoes. Mike loved following thoroughbred horse racing and often aided his good buddies in selecting winners! Surrounded by world class golf courses Michael also loved to golf (even getting a "hole in one"). He appreciated the wonders of nature and liked to camp and be outdoors. He loved the ocean and spent time observing the tides, currents and sealife. Like the rest of his family, Mike loved to fish! Whether in the ocean or lakeside, Mike was in his element fishing! He worked as a machinist and operated a mill and lathe for many years on the Peninsula. For over 28 years he worked in Sand City at LTI, then Greico LTI where he moved to the quality assurance department as an inspector. Mike continued in the QA department with Illinois Tool Works until the company moved out of state. In 2011 after 16 years with Williamson Manufacturing, he retired. His mind was sharp relating to numbers and facts; he also had a remarkable memory. Names, faces and events came easy to him. His recollection of sports statistics was amazing. A great story teller, he enjoyed reminiscing of days gone by. Michael Campbell loved to laugh! He is remembered for his quick wit, keen sense of humor and impeccable comedic timing. He liked to tease and joke around but he also had the ability to laugh at himself, which he did often. Mike's unique sayings, phrases and many affectations continue to be imitated and keep his fun loving spirit alive. Including, "Another beautiful day in Monterey Bay!" Michael's distinct base voice was captivating. A natural crooner, he lent his soothing voice to a broad range of musical styles. From Al Jolson, Nat King Cole, Elvis, country and Broadway tunes to singing in church, he sang his way into the hearts of those who heard him. Mike had a wonderful personality and a gift for making others feel at ease, including most dogs and especially children. His great strength of character, quiet resolve and innate wisdom drew people to him. True to his convictions, he was a loyal friend who cherished home and family. In later years Mike was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, finding great joy in serving within the church and community. He shared his time and talents with several community faith based projects such as I-HELP (serving single homeless men) and the Monterey County Interfaith Alliance (providing Easter and Thanksgiving meals to families in need). He also supported fund raising for Breast Cancer Awareness and was a consistent blood donor to the American Red Cross. He is survived by his loving wife, Julie Hingtgen Campbell and daughter, Lisa Ann Campbell, sons, Michael (Falhon) and Matthew (Shannon) Ferguson, 7 grandchildren: Charles (Sara) and Christina Hufford, Betina (Marcus) Blueford, Aryana (Anthony Verdugo) and Rodney del Rosario, Cullen and Kimone Ferguson, 4 great grandchildren: CharleyAnn and Charles Hufford, Ny'yana Blueford, Carter Verdugo. Michael is also survived by his devoted sister Ann Campbell (Michael Holland) and numerous other relatives. The Campbell family would like to especially thank Dr. Thomas Bradley, Dr. Bradley Tamler, the staff at The Cancer Center & Radiation, the nursing staff on Garden East, Terrace West and the volunteers at CHOMP. A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 29, 2015 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1024 Noche Buena Seaside, CA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the , www.cancer.org/, Monterey County Family History Center at 1024 Noche Buena, Seaside, CA or to the Nodillo Youth Center 'City of Pacific Grove', 300 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove, CA. Published in The Monterey Herald on Aug. 23, 201