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Kimberly Joy Campbell

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Central Washington University

Kimberly Campbell Obituary

KIMBERLY JOY CAMPBELL
Feb. 19, 1961 ~ Nov. 4, 2009

Kim Campbell, 48, of Vancouver, WA, passed away on Nov. 4, 2009 from complications after a surgical procedure. She was born Feb. 19, 1961 in Portland, OR to Bob and Gladie Kaleta. She graduated from Columbia River High School and from Central Washington University where she received her Masters Degree in Education in 1984.
She had a love affair for Cannon Beach from an early age where the family still owns a vacation home. Her passion for the arts included playing and performing jazz clarinet, saxophone, and piano. Kim also enjoyed her weekly tennis with her husband and friends and it is through her love for her husband that she discovered a passion and zest for the great outdoors.
Kim had the honor of being the first female band director in the Vancouver School District as well as being an English teacher at Gaiser Middle School for over 25 years.
Over the years, Kim mentored hundreds of students and enjoyed countless friendships but her love for her family was her life.
Kim is survived by her husband and soul mate, Rick Campbell; sons, Brandon (Amanda), Brent and Brad Campbell; mother, Gladie Kaleta; brother, John (Arlene) Kaleta; nephews, Jason and Brent Kaleta; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father, Bob Kaleta.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the American Legion, 4607 NE St. James, Vancouver, WA, Sat., Nov. 14, 2009, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her name to VSD Foundation, PO Box 8937, Vancouver, WA 98668-8937 or Arlene Clark Friends of Kids Jr. Scholarship Fund: c/o Arlene Clark, The Vancouver Tennis Center, PO Box 1995, Vancouver, WA 98668-1995.
Please sign her guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbian on Nov. 11, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Kimberly Campbell

50 Entries

Scott Smith, NREMT-P, Flight Paramedic, Air Evac #60

November 25, 2013

I Just heard of Ms. Kaletas passing.. I know late, but still hard to hear. I had her for band at Gaiser from '90-92. She was the one who realized I couldn't read music but instead played by ear, and took the time to work one on one with me to teach me how to read music, which ultimately led to me playing music overseas in an honor band. Had it not been for her patience and willing to work with me, i would have never been able to experience the things I did.. I am sorry for the loss of her new family and so glad she found a soul mate and eternal companion to share her life with.. She always had such an upbeat personality. She was amazing in all aspects and truly a teacher who looked out for the best interests of her students!!

Dennis Gillingham

November 20, 2009

I am deeply saddened to hear of Kim's passing. I remember her as a student at Columbia River High and as a young teacher at Gaiser Middle School. Kim was always such a fun and friendly presence in my life; I will treasure her memory for as long as I live.

Sandra Rosner-Capron

November 19, 2009

Dear Kaleta and Campbell families,

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Kim's passing. What a sweet, upbeat and positive person she was. It's a terrible loss for everyone who knew her. We met at the tennis center in 1992 and I always looked forward to seeing Kim on the court and later on the golf course. I will miss her and want to send my sincerest condolences to her family.

michael giammatteo

November 19, 2009

Kim was my friend. We went high school together, played saxaphone together, listen to live jazz together, She was my son's teacher and I had the pleasure to work with Kim at Gaiser as well. I will miss her greatly. Kim and her family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Steven Schaljo

November 18, 2009

I didnt know Kim for that long but I knew her long enough to realize what a light she was. I met Kim at the The Jazz Express Big Band in Portland, and it was clear to me what a wonderful person and fine musician she was. The rehersal was missing something Monday night, but I cant help but know Kim
was looking down and adding to the swing that evening. I didnt know you well but miss you already, we will play on!
Steven S

Gary Kaleta

November 18, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. We could not attend the memorial but wanted send our condolences to the family. We had just met at my brothers funeral a short while ago. We enjoyed the brief time we had to visit. We will miss her.

Jennifer (Bleau) Holbrook

November 16, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. I had the pleasure of not only being taught and coached by Kim at Gaiser but I also had the joys of having her teach my son as well! I am thankful that I had the opportunity to get to know her as a student and as an adult. She will be missed by many.

Joy Pieper RN

November 16, 2009

Dear Rick, Gladie and John,

My heart goes out to all of you now during this very difficult time. No words can truly express the feelings I have for you. I was so saddened and shocked to hear that Kim had passed away. She was such an alive, healthy and cheerful person.

Kim was an angel that came into my life that I will never forget. We had many laughs together and she was an amazing women. She loved her family very much. I am sure you all have many wonderful memories to cherish now. I will always remember her saying "this is Joy my new best friend". We enjoyed sharing the same name, she was truly a JOY in everyone's life.

May God give you comfort now. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

November 15, 2009

Glady, I was very shocked to hear about the death of Kim. I'm so sorry.
I'm sorry I was not able to attend her memorial, as I was in Seattle.
My thoughts and prayer are with you.
Gail Fetterman
Team Continental

Chip Patti Waisanen

November 15, 2009

More then 15 years ago, Patti and I met Kim in Clatskanie where she was introduced to Kyle Johnson. Kim and Kyle were a part of the circle of teachers and coachs for many years. She was always smiling and brought much joy to each social function that occurred. We were also fortunate to know Bob and Gladie through this association. Our heartfelt prayers to her family during this time.
Chip and Patti Waisanen

Joanne Bjorkman

November 15, 2009

Rick, Brandon, Brent & Brad and Bruce, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of Kim so unexpectedly and totally unfair. What a tragedy! Although I only had the pleasure of meeting her once, it was obvious to me how much in love you two were and how happy you made each other. I know only too well what she meant to you and the boys. Her Memorial Service last night was a testament to the talented, caring, loving and wonderful woman she was. I consider myself fortunate to have met her. My thoughts and prayers are with you not only today but in the months and years to come.

November 14, 2009

Rick & family,
I was so saddened to learn of Kim's death. I worked at Gaiser from 2000 to 2006, and the last few years there my classroom was near Kim's. It was fun getting to know her. She had a quick wit and a ready smile, and was very helpful to me on more than one occasion. When she discovered I enjoyed lilacs, she brought some of every shade of purple to my classroom. Lilacs will always remind me of her.
She loved you very much.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gaylene Horch

November 14, 2009

John and family:

We want you to know that you are on our hearts.

Sam and Avis Ostrem

Delwyn Callies

November 14, 2009

To Kim's Family,
I was so very sorry to hear of Kim's passing. We played tennis together on a City League team and I always thought what a nice, fun and interesting person Kim was. She will be missed.

November 13, 2009

I had Mrs. Campbell (Ms. Kaleta) as my Volleyball coach about 17 years ago at Gaiser. She was always full of energy and a bit crazy! I am saddened to hear of her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Jill (Sprague) Harp

Nancy Pannel

November 13, 2009

Dear Gladie, Rick, and John,

I can't find the words to express my shock and sadness at the passing of Kim. I am so fortunate to have had her friendship for the past 35 years. To be able to share some of life's greatest moments with her made them all that much more special. The greatest thing was to see her so happy, content and fulfilled during the last few years.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.

Vanessa Hanke

November 13, 2009

Mrs. Campbell was my teacher last year at Gaiser. I am friends with some of her students now. I am glad that she had a happy life! She was very old and she wasn't very young! She always had a smile on her face! I just loved her laugh! It was so cute. She will never know how many people who love her! Or how much everyone loves her! She was always willing to help others. She was kind and caring! We will never what a great influence she was in our lives! We will miss her.

Lori Ritchey

November 13, 2009

To Glady, John and Arlene, Rick and the boys,
Kim was always there for me through out the years. She was my closest friend and supported me in many different ways. Kim was gracious,nonjudgemental,had a great sense of humor and always had time for others. Kim always cared about my daughter Katie and attended her baptism agreeing to be the godmother. I cannot count the great times I spent with kim whether it was a race, dinner, going to the beach, concerts, etc. She truly was my best friend and Katie and I will remember her in our hearts forever.

Nola Koch

November 13, 2009

Kim is missed at Gaiser! I had the opportunity to coach volleyball with Kim. Even at 6:45 in the morning she was full of energy. She had a caring way with the players. I enjoyed our morning conversations. She was so happy to have found Rick.
My prayers are with her Family.
Nola Koch

anna parry

November 12, 2009

I had Mrs. Campbell as a teacher last year and she always had a bright outlook on the situation...no matter how frusterating I know we could become. She was pacient and I could tell she truely cared about her students.She will be terribly missed by everyone who knew her.

Jeff Riback

November 12, 2009

Gladie,

I am so very sorry and sad. Kim was a truly remarkable young lady. Kim had a love for life that was exceeded only by the love that she had for her friends and family. She really was a light in a world that can be pretty dark sometimes. I hope for peace, comfort and healing in your life.

Jerry, Wendy and Staff Manning Academy

November 12, 2009

Our deepest sympathy to Glady and family. Our thoughts go out to her. Kimberly was a client of ours, she will be missed.

William Brosseau

November 12, 2009

Brenda and I are so sorry to miss a dear friend, so early in Kim's life. Kim was so creative and carrying towards others and was a true friend.

Sarah Akey

November 12, 2009

I had the pleasure of having Mrs. Campbell as a teacher at Gaiser. She was a lovely woman with a great spirit and she will be sorely missed.
My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. Including those at Gaiser..

CRHS Class of 79

November 12, 2009

From all of Kim's classmates at Columbia River High School Class of 1979, we're all sad to hear this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family!

November 11, 2009

Glady&Rick.We are so sorry to hear of Kims sudden and unexpected death.We will all miss her and the big smile she always had on that beautiul face.
Harriet & Gene Cope

Fran Winters

November 11, 2009

Gladie, Just want you to know that you are in my thoughts. I know you're heart is breaking because of your great loss. My hope is that can find comfort in knowing that others care.

Julie Cemelich

November 11, 2009

I was so sorry to hear of Kim's passing. I was her hairstylist and friend. We always had good conversations when she came in. It blessed me to know how happy she was to be married and have kids.
I will miss seeing her and my condolences to her family that loved her!

November 11, 2009

Kim was such a happy go lucky gal. We had many a good time on vacations and out for dinners. We will miss her so much.
Brenda & Willie Brosseau

Bill Hughes

November 11, 2009

We were shocked and saddened upon receiving the sickening news. Evidently the Lord needed her talents more than we did. Our loss is His gain.
So talented, so beautiful, so giving.........So soon.

Bill Hughes
Miriam Reyes

Lori Neumann

November 11, 2009

Words cannot express the sadness felt by so many, at the loss of Kim. Gladie, I have so many fond memories with Kim and of course you and Bob over the span of many years. Tuesday night dinners at La Comida, Friday night pizza at Pietro's,and of course Columbia River High School music and all that encompassed!

November 11, 2009

Kim will be missed by many friends. What a tragedy to leave at such a young age. I found her to be the happiest, most vibrant, laughing person I've ever met. She always made me happy just being around her. We'll all miss her.

Bud Harrison
clatskanie, OR

Kyle Johnson

November 11, 2009

Always in my heart there will be an empty space forever.

November 11, 2009

Gladie, Rick, and boys

Our sincere condolences for your loss. We will always remember Kim as a positive upbeat lady who was fun to be around. We enjoyed our times in Cannon Beach with her as well as the rest of the Kaleta family.

Our thoughts are with your.

Tom Anderson, MD
Jack Blumberg, MD

Jeff Stein

November 11, 2009

To the Campbell and Kaleta family,

I am so sorry to hear of Kim`s passing. I was in utter shock when I heard the news. She was so full of life and enjoyed my visits with her when I would do wortk on her car. She was so full of life and always had a smile on her face. She will be greatly missed. The world just wont be the same without her positive attitude and smlie gone.

Robbie Sugich

November 11, 2009

Nov.11, 2009
Words cannot express the sadness felt for the loss of a beloved; daughter,teacher,friend and especially soulmate. My fondest memories of Kim will be her face lighting up when she spoke of her husband, the love of her life, Rick Campbell. She was often quoted as saying, "I'm married to the most amazing man!" Kim was a testimony of true love,great love,blessed by God love. I'll miss our Thursday morning conversations but she leaves a lasting impression and a valuable lesson about love.

Student Of Gaiser

November 11, 2009

Mrs.Campbell, I never knew you but I have hear a lot of positive things about you. All you wanted was kindness. All the teachers at Gaiser, In memory of you, are having every student present kindness to one another. Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher!

Bev and Ray Carlson

November 11, 2009

Dear Rick, Ray and I are still in shock after learning of Kim's passing. She was a wonderful person and so happy to have you as her husband. She told me everytime we got together how lucky she was to have you. This has to be so incredibly difficult for you. I am thankful for the dinners we shared and I am so glad Kim and I had the chance to meet for lunch this summer before school started. We had a nice visit on a beautiful summer day. A wonderful person, positive, happy, caring, loving, a great friend. She will remain in our thoughts and prayers. Bev and Ray Carlson

Jennie Roberts

November 11, 2009

Aunt Gladie, John & Arlene, Rick and rest of the family,
Of course we were shocked to her about our cousin Kimberly. Even tho we didn't get to spend alot of time together growing up, our trips to Vancouver to visit your family were always fun times for us. I remember both Kimberly and Bobbie (John) playing for us when we'd come and we'd be SO impressed! I know she will be missed not only by her family but also her extended family of coworkers and the children she taught.
We will be there Sat. to celebrate Kimberly's life. You are in our prayers.

The Dobler kids:
Jennie & Harrison
Sandy & Dan
Ken & Shari

Dorothy Reynolds

November 11, 2009

Dear Gladie,
Please accept our sincere condolenses on the death of your beloved daughter. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and all your family.
Dorothy (Roger) and Jeff Reynolds.

Gayle Stock

November 11, 2009

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. I worked with Kim for almost ten years at Gaiser and not once did she ever pass by me without a smile and a "how are you". She always made me feel that she really cared. She was a terrific person and I'll miss seeing her in the halls of Gaiser.

Debbi Faust

November 11, 2009

I met Kim when Bob and I were married. She was always sweet to me and very comfortable to talk with. I worked in the kitchen at Gaiser for one year. It made my day a lot nicer when she came in to get a lunch. Years ago we used to run into Kim with her grandma. They would go to dinner at the same place we did. I always thought she was a special granddaughter to spend so much time with Grandma. I, too, think her middle name "JOY" was perfect for her. I am sorry for your loss.

Fred Miller

November 11, 2009

Although I never met Kim we are bonded in that I sat in for her on alto saxophone at the November 2nd Jazz Express big band rehearsal. I know the joy she experienced playing with a good sax section. I am sorry her horn is now silenced, and I regret I will be unable to attend the celebration of her life on November 14.

Shannon Long

November 11, 2009

Kim and I team-taught together for three years at Gaiser. It was this time together with Kim that we became friends. She was responsible for getting me hooked on running road races in Portland and we loved every minute of it; of course crossing the finish line was the best part. I will miss seeing Kim's smile at the end of the hallway and seeing her high-five all of her students as they walked into her classroom each day. My heart goes out to Kim's family; you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kirk & Cheryll Blecha

November 11, 2009

Kim is and will always be our very good friend. We spent a couple of Hood to Coast adventures together, running and talking our way to Seaside. We will think of her often with many fond memories.

Mike&Lori Beal

November 11, 2009

Kim was always a joy to be around. You always felt better after being with her. We are saddened at her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. She will be deeply missed.

Sue Collins

November 11, 2009

Gladie, We are so sorry for your loss and our heart is broke for you. All though this was so sudden and shocking, please have peace that she is now with Bob and keeping and eye on you from above! So glad she was here this summer swimming with you. She adored you!!

Lysbeth Leitner

November 11, 2009

I am so sorry to hear about Kim. I taught at Gaiser for 10 years with her. I have since substituted at Gaiser and was so glad to see her so happy with her new husband.

Debra (Miller) Meyer

November 11, 2009

I am so sorry to hear this unexpected news about Kim. My heart aches for you, Rick & Gladie, as well as the rest of the family. She was the most wonderful person and we shared many great adventures together. The band years. Bad Cinema nights. Hawaii. Wazzu. All the craziness of the teen years. I was so excited to have reconnected after so many years of life and was blessed to be able to spend some time with her this past year. Her middle name reflected her life...Joy.

Robert Faust

November 10, 2009

I am very sorry to here about Kim. I taught with her at Gaiser from the time she started until I retired in 1999. She was always very positive and volunteered to help coach several sports with me and it was always to benefit the students. She will be missed.

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