Robert Douglas Campbell

July 14, 1938 – March 10, 2021

Robert Douglas Campbell

Robert Douglas Campbell peacefully passed away on March 10, 2021 in Kirkland, WA after putting up a strong fight to glioblastoma.

Bob was the first child born to Irvan and Mildred Campbell in San Diego on July 14, 1938. His father died when he was only 4 years old, fighting in World War II at the Battle of Savo Island. He was raised by Mildred and a network of family in the area. He was always close with his younger sister Louise. Bob attended Brooklyn Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High and graduated from San Diego High School in 1956.  He moved north to attend Oregon State University and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1961. He was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. Go Beavs!

After college, Bob continued northward to the Seattle-area to work for Boeing. As an “immigrant” to the Northwest from San Diego, Bob quickly fell in love with the beauty of the region. His first extensive traveling was during his very rainy honeymoon with Barbara Hughes in the Olympic Peninsula. Together they had two children, Eric and Monica.  Terribly, Barbara died in a tragic accident in 1971.

Four years later Bob married Elaine Wierman, who also had two children from a prior marriage, and together they formed a big family and added one more of their own, Nicole. Bob and Elaine were married from 1975-85.

A few years later Bob met his wife for the remaining thirty-two years of his life, Margaret Thompson.  Together they had many adventures and one child, Gavin.

Bob enjoyed spending warm days with family and friends at Hood Canal. Throughout the year he explored the Pacific Northwest and beyond by hiking, cycling, and boating. He looked forward to his yearly trips back to San Diego to visit family.

Bob retired from Boeing in 2002, having enjoyed a fulfilling career working for a company he felt proud of, enjoyed the people he worked with (and MGOS buddies), and appreciated the interesting overseas travel. He kept active in retirement with the Boeing Employees Bicycle Club where he continued to explore all parts of the Northwest while enjoying his favorites along the way, a beer and good food.

Bob is survived by his children, Eric Campbell (Denise), Monica Lewis (Joey), Nicole Flateboe, (Jason), Gavin Campbell, 8 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, his wife Margaret Thompson, and sister Louise Acton.

In lieu of flowers, and to honor his legacy of enjoying the outdoors, donations can be made to Washington Trails Association at wta.org

Please visit his photo memorial at: https://animoto.com/play/dBleyhBOQJSSWDRPUFwFqA