Robert Milton Campbell, 88, of Claremont, NH, took his last breath Thursday evening, February 9th, 2017, with his loving wife of 65 years and children by his side following a relatively brief illness.
Bob was born on January 5th, 1929 in Springfield, VT, to Chester D. and Nellie Richardson Campbell along with his siblings Dean Campbell of Milford, CT, Earl Campbell of Charlestown, NH, Richard Campbell of DeLand, FL, and Catherine Stoll of Orange City, FL.
He grew up attending schools in Milford, CT, and after graduating high school in Charlestown, NH, in 1947 he served his Country as a Communications Specialist with the Air Force until 1950. On September 29, 1951 he married Marilyn Fairbanks. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this past year with a tour of Mount Washington on the Cog Railway. It was a beautiful warm fall day that he spoke of often and fondly shared memories of the trip even on the day he passed away. He was a man of countless talents working for many years in construction. While working for LaValley Building Supply he helped to build over 60 homes in the Claremont area, but his greatest accomplishment was building his own home in 1960 from the ground up with his wife Marilyn where she still resides. Not only could he pound a nail, he could fix most anything; be it plumbing, electrical, mechanical or motorized. He later took pride in keeping Claremont’s schools clean as a custodian for many years.
He was a diehard Red Sox and Patriot’s fan and even in his declining health he managed to watch the entire Superbowl game from his hospital bed never losing faith that his team would come out victorious! He also enjoyed a competitive game of cards or dominoes with friends and family but was convinced every game was rigged and his opponents were cheating if they were dealt a better hand than his. But the pastime he most looked forward to was fishing. He could sit for hours as long as he had a pole in his hand at his favorite spot in Dunedin, FL ,on Honeymoon Island where he and Marilyn shared their winter home with all those that visited. He was a sweet, caring man with a kind heart and a great sense of humor and as one family member stated, “They just don’t make ‘em like him anymore.”
Robert leaves behind his wife, Marilyn, and their three children and their spouses: Jane & Tom Fowler of Keene, NH, Jeffrey Campbell of Claremont, NH and Dana & Linda Campbell also of Claremont.
He was predeceased by a son, David, in 1977.
His grandchildren and their spouses include Sara Burbee of Meriden, Megan & Joseph DiRusso of Swanzey, Jason & Rachael Fowler of Chesterfield, Andrew Fowler & his fiancee Linda Jett of Newport, Andrew & Alison Campbell of Claremont, Kyle Campbell of Wilton, ME, and Miranda Campbell of Claremont. The fourth generation of great grandchildren called him “Bumpa Robert” and is incredibly lucky to have known such a great man. They include Alyson & Johnathan Burbee, Addison DiRusso, Connor & Hayden Fowler, Aiden & Arien Campbell, Isabella Campbell and Nicholas Bailey & Brynn Jones.
Most recently, “Gramps” loved sitting in his recliner with his girl Maisy by his side watching the birds from the window and making sure the squirrels didn’t get to the birdfeeders he had just filled.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday (Feb. 15) at the Roy Funeral Home with the Rev. Scott Kearns, officiating.
Committal will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Roy Funeral Home, 93 Sullivan Street, Claremont, NH on Tuesday evening from 6 – 8 PM.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in honor of Robert & Maisy to the Sullivan County Humane Society, 14 Tremont Street, Claremont, NH 03743.
You are invited to share a story of Robert with the family or leave a message of condolence in the family guest book at www.royfuneralhome.com.
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