BORN

1924

DIED

2012

Charles Campbell Obituary

Charles F. Campbell
On October 23rd, Charles F. Campbell passed away from pancreatic cancer at the Episcopal Church's Goodwin House in Falls Church, Virginia. He was 88. His wife and children were with him.
Born in Gainesville, Georgia, Mr. Campbell spent most of his early life in Virginia. He graduated from high school in Alexandria and, after service as a paratrooper and gliderman with the 17th Airborne Division in the Battle of the Bulge, returned to civilian life where he graduated from George Washington University with a degree in history.
In 1949, Mr. Campbell embarked on a career of almost fifty years involvement in corrections, as a federal prison officer, innovative warden, administrator, teacher, writer, Special Master for the Federal Court System, state prison director, Court Monitor for the Cleary court ruling, and consultant to state prison systems.
Throughout his career, Mr. Campbell was a leader in efforts to reduce recidivism, including training and educational programs. He was particularly concerned about the growth of the private prison industry and prison guard unions, both of which too often have financial reasons to encourage over-use of imprisonment. He considered the tremendous overcrowding of America's prisons an unrecognized national tragedy which he discussed in his memoir of a life in prison work Doing Easy Time.
After retiring as head of the Alaska Department of Corrections under Governor Hammond, Mr. Campbell remained in Juneau, which he had grown to love. He hiked the Chilkoot trail and climbed Mt. Juneau at age 60 and took up downhill skiing at 65. He and his wife Ellen Campbell were active in the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church of Juneau until they moved back to Northern Virginia in 2009.
Mr. Campbell was an ardent reader of history and mid-19th century British fiction. He was the author of three books, The Intolerable Hulks, British Shipboard Confinement 1776-1857.
He was preceded in death by his sister Elizabeth Anne Campaign. He is survived by Ellen Campbell, his wife of 65 years, his sister and her husband, Mary and Gordon Cosby, his son and daughter-in-law McKie and Barbara Campbell, his daughter and son-in-law Chandler and Tom Carlson, his daughter and son-in-law Cami and Rob Seward, his son and daughter-in-law Charlie Campbell and Claudia Meyer, and six grandchildren, including Lindsay Campbell and Charlie Moline of Juneau, and three great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life was held at the Goodwin House on Saturday, September 27th, 2012. A service in Juneau will be held Monday, November 26th at 7:00 pm at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church at 4th and Gold Sts. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Haven House, P.O. Box 20875, Juneau, AK, 99802 or havenhousejuneau.blogspot.com or Christ House, 1717 Columbia Road NW Washington, DC 20009 or www.christhouse.org

Published by Juneau Empire from Nov. 20 to Dec. 20, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Campbell

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30 Entries

Valenda Newell

June 19, 2017

This was truly an amazing person with so much talent the loss is clearly ours. Prayers fill our hearts and burst forth from our mouths to God asking him to let us remember clearly the love we have for this wonderful person gone from our lives never forgetting the joy we shared experiencing a great and authentic talent. Hebrews 6:10.

January 9, 2015

To the Charles Campbell family - Mr. Campbell was truly a Virginia Gentleman. I had the pleasure of working for him in Juneau in 1980. In the Criminal Justice System - He showed himself to be a man of integrity, compassion and hope. He was a role model of leadership. I will always have the fondest thoughts and memories of him.

Vinnie O'Connor

October 4, 2014

Charles was one of the most remarkable men I have had the fortune to meet in my long life. I didn't realize he was gone until a moment ago. It was hard to stay in touch because he had trouble hearing. I knew many DOC employees who served under him who said he was the best there ever was. We joined each other in the fights against the death penalty and for-profit prisons in Alaska.

They don't make them like him anymore.

Frank Smith

October 3, 2014

Dear Ellen and Family. I just now learned of the sad news of Charles' passing. I did not spend much time with Charles in DC but I knew him well through the Church of the Saviour and his prison book and work. He was a caring, noble and wonderful human being and I carry his inspiration with me. And yours, too, dear Ellen. Warm hugs and much love. [email protected]

Paul Weiss

November 11, 2013

Just found out. A tremendous loss to all who knew him and to the human community. A great man and a precious friend. Love and prayers.

John Larson

June 7, 2013

4/8/13
Ellen
It was a privilege for me to share an all too small portion of my life with you. It is with deep feeling that I mourn the loss of Charles Campbell.
Harold Teltser
George Washington University 1948

236 N. Country Club Drive

April 8, 2013

Dearest Ellen and family. I have read all the previous messages and agree with all of them. As you know Ellen, Charles Frederick was my dearest friend in high school. And with the Lord's guiding hand we (Tink and I) were able to be you and Charles, as your guests, in Juno. It is with great sorrow that find the news of CFC's death. God Bless you and your family.

Dudley Herndon

March 9, 2013

On February 20, 2013 I wrote a memorial in memory of Charles Campbell, but I neglected to sign my tribute.

Esther Heffernan, O.P.

February 20, 2013

It was in sorrow that I discovered my very good friend Charles Campbell had died. The news came via a friend who heard of Charles' memorial service in Juneau and contacted me this February when she returned to Madison WI. I immediately thought of Ellen, who was so deeply part of his life. My friendship with Charles and Ellen began at Fort Worth FCI as a researcher when he was warden and deepened in later research for the Alaska Department of Corrections. His presence in so many of our lives and his continued dedication to reform in the correctional system was a great gift.

February 20, 2013

Ellen, I've always appreciated the kindness and graciousness of you and your husband. You're in my prayers in the loss of someone so dear to you. I miss you.
Love, Patricia Doland

January 4, 2013

Savor all the wonderful memories. Thinking of you all. Noah, Miah, Hannah and Sophie Lager's mom.... xoxoxoxo...SueAnn

December 10, 2012

I WAS ONE OF THE ORIGINAL CO'S IN KETCHIKAN WITH ARNIE KAMB, AND J DAVIS. 1960. WITH RIP PFIEFFER AS HEAD OF OUR CORRECTIONS. I STAYED FROM 57 TO 2006 IN THE LAND I LOVED. AND I REMEMBER MR. CAMPBELL WELL
WILLIAM I EVANS.

WILLIAM EVANS

December 4, 2012

I remember Charles, as in Charles and Ellen, for the welcome and support they gave when I attended Holy Trinity during my Alaska years. May the Lord bless and keep him.

Bill Chisham

December 3, 2012

To a good man, a friend, and an inspiration by living life with integrity. We feel blessed have known Charles. Our condolences to Ellen and the family.

Ed & Berni Hein

December 2, 2012

A Great Man in all the ways those words mean anything.

Larry Weeks

November 28, 2012

What a full and inspiring life Mr. Campbell led. Taking up down hill skiing at age 65?! Wow, I feel like such a slacker. My condolences to the family; you must have some amazing memories to help you through this difficult time.

Michele Metz

November 28, 2012

My love and prayers to Ellen and the family. Charles inspired me by his commitment to and conviction that the criminal justice could and should be humane and that we all are children of God. He was a wonderful man, leaving a legacy of love and caring.

Marg. Parsons

November 27, 2012

Charles Campbell was one of the finest men I have ever had the honor of knowing. Although we mortal souls have lost a wonderful man, I have no doubt that Charles is in heaven being a positive force in the universe.

Mary Hart

November 26, 2012

Charles was a true gentleman from the "old school." I treasure all the times we worked together as well as the times we shared a meal and kept each other up to date on each other's lives. My heartfelt condolences and love to Ellen, the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Charles was so special as you well know.

Michael Stark

November 26, 2012

Charles was a strong leader and continued his efforts to help others long into his retirement in Juneau. Ellen was at his side all of the way. I will keep them and their families in my thoughts and prayers.

Ric Iannolino

November 26, 2012

Cami, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Very thankful for the Thanksgiving I shared with you, your parents & close friends. God be with you!

Tracy Maher

November 25, 2012

We are so sorry to hear of Charles' passing. Our condolences to the Campbell family.
Charlotte and John Robertson

November 25, 2012

We had the great privilege of being house guests in Charles and Ellen's home in Juneau. We are saddened at the news of Charles' death. We hold Ellen and her family in our hearts.
Our love to you, Ellen

Lana Palmer

November 25, 2012

Charles inspired - inspires - me with his easy smile, unceasing caring, and steadfast faith. He was truly a blessing and made the world a better place. My heart and prayers are with Ellen and all of his family.

Freya Anderson

November 23, 2012

You will be missed. Keep us in your prayers as you visit with Jesus, the saints and angels in heaven. Rest in Peace.

Fr Thomas Weise

November 23, 2012

Our condolences to the Campbell family. His presence and thoughtful commentary on issues in Juneau will be missed.

Mary Capobianco

November 23, 2012

My heartfelt condolences to McKie and Barb. Karen Cantillon

Karen Cantillon

November 21, 2012

My condolences to Ellen, Cami & Rob and the entire family. The loss of a great man.

Susan McDonough

November 20, 2012

My deepest condolences to Ellen and Family. Charlies was a great friend. Thank you for your many years of friendship and guidance. Hope you all find peace this Holiday season.

Ehrman Eldridge

Ehrman Eldridge

November 20, 2012

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