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Robert Campbell Obituary
Rob was born in Bethesda, MD. As the son of a Marine officer, he grew up in several locations, living in Maryland, California, Idaho, Michigan, and Virginia. He graduated from George Mason High School (Falls Church, VA), then received a dual major from the University of Michigan in Mathematics and Physics. As a student, Rob went through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC). Upon graduation he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.
In the Marine Corps, Rob was stationed in Okinawa, Camp Lejeune, NC, and Parris Island, SC. He achieved the rank of Major before leaving active duty to pursue a graduate degree in Mathematics from the University of California in Berkeley. Before leaving the Marines, Rob met his future wife, Grace Barquin, of Houston, TX.
Rob began his career at the NSA in 1990. He loved working with his friends and colleagues of over 30 years, and entertained them with his abundant collection of Hawaiian-print shirts and Looney Tunes ties on casual Fridays.
Rob always kept up with advances in mathematics, and was a frequent attendee and presenter at national and international mathematics meetings. He loved traveling to new places, and walking and exploring new cities.
He was a passionate educator, and shared his knowledge and love of mathematics as a lecturer at UMBC, and as a role model and mentor to students pursuing degrees in mathematics.
Outside of work, Rob enjoyed getting together with friends and family. He had an impressive repertoire of dad jokes, puns, and math jokes. He maintained relationships from school, the military, and academia, and he was always available for meetings, conversations, or correspondences - and he never forgot a name or face.
He was a loving and supportive father and husband. He and Grace, and their two children (John and Emilie) loved vacationing in Michigan at the family lake house. He was often seen charging into the water, racing his Labrador retrievers for tennis balls. It's at this house that Rob renewed his love of sailing - a love that started as a high school student, sailing on the Potomac.
Rob is survived by his wife Grace, his children, John (Lisa) and Emilie (Frank), his mother Catharine, and by his brother Richard (Kathi).
No funeral is planned per Mr. Campbell's wishes. A memorial will be held when it is safe to do so. In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (nmcrs.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Campbell
Sponsored by Stauffer Funeral Homes, P.A. - Frederick.
Catherine Cannizzo
July 28, 2020
Professor Campbell jump-started my career as a mathematician. As a high school student taking classes at UMBC, he took me under his wing and mentored me on a math project which eventually resulted in a publication in the UMBC Review. He was a wonderful mentor; we consistently met and he would ask about what I worked on and provide guidance on what to focus on. I learned how to use Mathematica, which has served me well since then. I'm now a postdoc in math, and am eternally grateful for that time and kindness that Professor Campbell showed me. I send all my warmth and comfort to his family. Reading his bio, he sounds like a wonderful partner and dad, in addition to all of his scholarly achievements. I wouldn't be where I am today without Professor Campbell, so I want to thank him and say that he will be missed.
Warm regards,
Catherine Cannizzo
Heather Ross Pryor
July 22, 2020
Rob was my big 'brother' when I was an exchange student to MI in 1974 from Australia. Rob traveled to Australia to be a groomsman at my wedding in 1982. During my many return visits to his family in MI over the years he (and his brother Richard) have remained strongly in my heart. I am heart-broken at this news. My wishes to 'mum', Rich and all the family during this difficult time. I may live many thousand of miles away, but I my feelings are just as strong as those who had the pleasure of his company over the last little while. Heather Ross Pryor and Bernard Pryor. Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Rouben Rostamian
July 21, 2020
Rob's colleagues at UMBC have prepared a brief note of appreciation for his more than two decades association with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics there, and his impact on the lives of students and colleagues.
See https://mathstat.umbc.edu/news/?id=94355
Tom Freeman
July 20, 2020
Although I only knew him from a short period of time, I was deeply impressed by his strength of character and quiet humility for such an accomplished man. We relied heavily on his deep knowledge of his field as well as his engaging manner with others. He will be missed by his colleagues and friends. Our prayers go out to his wife, children and extended family.
Margaret Kennedy
July 19, 2020
Rob was always so pleasant and easy to work for. I will miss him and his sense of humor when he would come into the office. The Math and Stat Department at UMBC has lost a good friend and instructor.
marshall turner
July 19, 2020
To his children. I was sad to hear of your father's passing, but reading this obituary made me smile with admiration for the beautiful life that he lived. I enjoyed working with your dad in my current role as Administrative Assistant in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics at UMBC. My condolences are with both of you, your mother, and your family.
Amanda Kim
July 18, 2020
I had the pleasure to meet Rob a few times. He was a lovely man, so vivacious and full of joy. Im sorry for the familys loss. Warm and loving thoughts.
Alen Alexanderian
July 18, 2020
I was very sorry to hear this news. Rob was an excellent teacher, mentor, and friend. When I was at UMBC, Rob was extremely helpful to me when I was learning about Lie algebras and Lie groups. Not only was he a top notch mathematician, Rob was a most pleasant person to talk to. He will be missed by the many students, colleagues, and friends who's life he has touched and improved through his knowledge and kindness.
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