Past President CCSNA, Past Board Member, CCSNA, Past Board Member CCEF
David Randall Campbell was born the seventh of nine children to Charles Newton and Rhoda (née Randall) Campbell in Rupert, Idaho on August 26, 1928 and passed away on March 15, 2018. After graduating from Rupert High School, David served an LDS (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) mission to the British Isles (1948–1950). David always had a beautiful baritone singing voice and toured the United Kingdom with the British Mission Millennial Chorus. He married his lifelong love, Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” May on Jan. 3, 1951, in the Salt Lake Temple, Salt Lake City, UT. Together they raised a large, lively family of seven children: Colin (Cherie Snow), Heather (Regan Swain), Anne (Dave Hansen), Catherine, Bonnie (Barrie Brown), Allison (Stephen Stuart) and Rebecca (Todd Grossman). Added later: 26 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren (as of March 2018).
David was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a great priesthood leader, willingly serving for many years wherever and whenever he was called.
As a boy, young Dave had particular interests in all things mechanical. He attended both Utah State University and the University of Utah, studying engineering and business, eventually leaving college early to start an exciting new business, Campbell Mfg. Inc., with other family members. He soon became a very competent, self-taught designer of bulk material handling machinery such as the Cambelt conveyor and a large variety of other assorted (and sometimes unusual) pieces of industrial equipment. David R. had the unique ability to conceptualize new mechanical designs in his head (usually at night), draw them into clearer focus on the drafting board the next day, and then bring them to life in the shop. He is shown as the principal inventor on many U.S. and foreign patents. David R. told a remarkable story of his successful invention of the potato harvester/sorter and how it lead to some very hard business lessons that set the foundations for future business successes that ultimately lead to the US Space Shuttle.
David R. loved his family and was proud of his Scottish heritage. He was active in the Utah Scottish Association and the Clan Campbell Society (North America), serving at different times as president of both.
"David R.", as he was known in the CCSNA, served two terms as President of the Clan Campbell Society (NA) from 1996-2002. He provided steady leadership at a challenging and transitional time for the CCSNA. Following his two terms as CCSNA President, David continued working to preserve our shared Clan Campbell heritage though the Clan Campbell Education Foundation. He was an active and generous member of the Board of Directors spearheading the two CD Clan Campbell Connections to Scotland's Music project. David took several trips to Scotland to lead the music collection and product production of the entire project.
David R. was preceded in death by his beloved Betsy, his parents, his siblings, and a granddaughter: Josephine Valentine. Funeral services were held on Thurs, Mar. 22 at 11:00 a.m. Interment and funeral arrangements by Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary, Millcreek, UT.