Donald Campbell

Donald Bangs Campbell

April 3, 1923 - November 27, 2016

Donald Bangs Campbell died at his Berkeley home on November 27, 2016 with his beloved wife of 67 years, Lucy Harrison Campbell, by his side. Don was 93 years.

Born on April 3, 1923 in Oakland to Donald Lorenzo Campbell and Jane Bangs Campbell, Don lived his whole life in Berkeley. He attended Berkeley public schools and UC Berkeley, where he entered into the Class of 1944 and was a member of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity and ROTC. While a student at Cal, Don was called to active duty. He served in the army as an infantry officer in World War II in Germany, including the Battle of the Bulge, receiving battle stars and the Purple Heart. Returning to civilian life after military service, he resumed his studies and graduated from Cal in 1947. Don remained in active reserve until the Berlin Airlift, attaining the rank of Major.

Upon graduating from college, Don joined his father in the insurance business of Mason-McDuffie Company. After his father's death, he became head of the Insurance Department and was also made partner in the firm. Don was a member of the Society of Insurance Brokers and for many years, served on the advisory committee to the California State Insurance Commissioner. When Mason-McDuffie sold in 1982, Don served in an advisory capacity to assist with the company's transition and then retired in 1987.

Don married Lucy Harrison of San Francisco in 1949 and raised a large family. His family occupied a central place in his life, thoughts, and heart.

Don especially enjoyed traveling and the outdoors. Don and Lucy traveled widely around the world and enjoyed many adventures and exploring new places and cultures. He was an avid skier and tennis player. Don engaged in civic life through the Rotary Club and serving on various boards. He was also a member of the Bohemian Club and Berkeley Tennis Club.

Don loved people – meeting, interacting, and being with people of all walks of life. He will be remembered as a man of great integrity, kindness, graciousness, and moreover, a wonderful sense of humor and quick wit. He was the consummate gentleman.

He is survived by his wife, Lucy Campbell, and his six children, 11 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren: Harriet Saunders (Chris) and their children Meg Escamillo and her son (Micah), Natalie Devany (John) and their children (Sophia, Jack, and James), and Bob Saunders (Andrea) and their children (Will and Vivian); Perky Giulie (Jim) and their children Sara, and Laura Browning (Matt), Duncan Campbell (Marguerite) and their children Colin (Tori), and Trevor; Nancy Nielsen (Carl) and their daughter Samantha; Jane Campbell (Pat Buckman) and their children Amy Prothero (Colin) and their children (Alexis, Arya, and Corbin), Joe, and Greg; and Martha Campbell (John Beach).

A memorial mass will be held at Saint Mary Magdalen Church, 2005 Berryman St, Berkeley, CA 94709, at 10:00 am on Monday, December 19, 2016 with interment to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Colma.