Michael Nicholas Campbell

1969 - 2017

Ledyard - Michael Nicholas Campbell Sr., 47, of Gales Ferry, loving husband and father, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017.

Mike was born on April 6, 1969, in Chicago, Ill., the son of Nicholas Lekkas of Lombard, Ill. and the late Patricia Hovey. He grew up in Detroit, eventually moving to Gladwin, Mich. in 1987 where he later met his wife, Julie. They were married on Sept. 10, 1994. They lived in Lansing, Mich. for several years where Mike worked at Quality Farm and Fleet, Tractor's Supply and Demmer Corporation. Later, they moved to Ohio and then in 2004 they relocated to Connecticut. Throughout this time, Mike and his wife had six beautiful children.

It was while they were in Ohio that Mike assumed the most important job of his life - choosing to stay home and raise his children. Because of that decision, his kids were blessed to spend an abundance of time with him. He took advantage of that time making great memories, including tractor rides, playing badminton, year round bonfires (without s'mores), making ice rinks in the backyard, and an appreciation of music choices that were not limited to one genre. He also bestowed sage advice to his children, including what the monkey said when he got his tail cut off, that lost items are actually behind your ear, you really only need one haircut a year and that sometimes it's best to take the long way home.

Mike could be found repairing small engines with his son in his "dad plaid", fishing, riding vintage mopeds and playing a good game of hide and seek with his doggy dog, Maelie Girl. He loved a good snow storm because it gave him an opportunity to get on a tractor and plow driveways. Mike was an avid sports fan, whether playing, watching or coaching. He loved rooting for his Detroit teams, including the CT Tigers. He especially enjoyed encouraging his kids at their sporting events and was truly their biggest fan.

In addition to his loving wife and best friend of 22 years and his father; he leaves his children, Nikki Campbell of Watertown, Ally, Mikey Jr., Sam, Abby and Robert Campbell, all of Gales Ferry; brothers, Richard Van Buren of Gaylord, Mich. and Robert Van Buren (Jennifer) of Canton, Ohio; sisters, Beth Wenburg (Ryan) of Hartford, Mich. and Christine Van Buren of Gladwin, Mich; sister, Lilia Lekkas of Grayson, Ga.; brother, Emmanuel Lekkas (Georgina) of Westmont, Ill.; and his uncle, Robert Campbell of Wayne, Mich. He is also survived by many nephews, Jacob, Caden, Christian, Elijah, Isaiah, Vincent; nieces, Anna, Kamea, Blair, Vanessa, Christiana; and many in-laws and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Hovey; and his grandmother, Helen Campbell.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017, at St. David's Episcopal Church, 284 Stoddards Wharf Road, Gales Ferry, followed by a reception at the church. Burial will be private and there are no calling hours.

Mike was a fierce proponent of his children's education. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Campbell Children's Education Fund, Citizens Bank, Gales Ferry, CT 06335.

The family invites you to visit www.mysticfuneralhome.com to leave a note of condolence.