Obituary of Dr. Donald A. Campbell

Dr. Donald A. Campbell (Ph.D.), age 87 of St. Paul, passed away on June 17, 2020. Don was a devoted husband, loving father, and adoring grandfather and great-grandfather. He was intelligent, charming, witty, and had a unique talent for connecting with people. Don and his wife of 62 years, Rita Robarge Campbell, traveled the world together, especially when they moved to Germany for Don’s job at 3M. He was a learned scholar, inquisitive and innovative, which made him a perfect fit for the 3M Company, where he worked for 31 years in multiple divisions, from central research to medical products to fiber optics. Don’s drive for excellence started at an early age achieving the Eagle Scout Award. Don joined the Duluth Air Force and quickly became the youngest Sergeant at that time at age 19. This helped fund his educational goals to pursue an engineering program at the University of Minnesota. Upon completion of his undergraduate program, he began pursuit of his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering.  During his studies, he was a Physics professor at the U of M and married with two babies at home. Don and his sister Caroline Dahl grew up in Duluth. Don enjoyed returning home to see Caroline and family for many reunions, holidays, and special celebrations. Don cherished his time with his dear sister Caroline. Rita’s sister, Roslynn Robarge Nicholas, met Don when she was 11-years old. Don and Roz had a special bond throughout the years. Don, an avid skier, acted as Ski Patrol at Tartan Park. He shared his love of the sport by teaching his children Leslie Campbell, Wade Campbell, and Paige Campbell Wozniak how to ski. Many amazing family vacations were had on the slopes in various parts of the world. In summer, golf and tennis were Don’s sports. Golf became his favorite as he shared many rounds on the links with his three grandsons: Austin Campbell, Connor Campbell, and Donald Campbell Wozniak. The yearly Campbell golf event entitled, “The Cruachan” (A Battle Cry of the Campbell Clan), would draw Don’s Sons-in-law, Jerry Reed, and Donald Wozniak, into his fold as they delighted in joining his Clan with clubs in hand. Both Granddaughter’s Emily Claude and Amy Turner were a joyful addition to Don’s life when Wade married his wife, Jodi. He adored his great-granddaughter, Elaina Turner. Don loved country music and enjoyed playing his favorite tunes on the guitar for family and friends. Don was a great storyteller with a remarkable ability to recall radio show content and characters from past shows. Then, he would break into song with a radio advertising jingles to the delight of his listeners. He loved his Scottish heritage and enjoyed researching his ancestry.  When Don would greet you, he would shake your hand with a crushing grip or embrace you with a strong bear hug. When it was time to depart and leave his company, he would energize you with these spirituous and formidable words: “proceed with infinite vigor.”

Due to Covid 19, a private ceremony was held at Lakewood Cemetery. Please share you memories on the tribute wall.