Neil A. Campbell

I have known Neil my whole life and my heart goes out to Rochelle and Allison in these times. My family and the Campbell's are very close and his passing has affected us all deeply. I take solace in the fact that he led a truly remarkable life that was blessed with a loving family. For me, his vision and humility is an inspiration. It pleases me to know that his books have preserved his vision for so many. Neil, on behalf of the Inouye's, we will miss you.

As a busy high school Biology teacher I often forget to read the paper. When a colleague told me that she had read about Neil's passing I said it couldn't be. Now I know it is true. We have lost a truly wonderful soul. As a young college student at SBVC thirty+ years ago I was priviledged to know Neil Campbell as a kind and dedicated young professor. He and Pius Horner were inpirations to me. Now that I have been a Biology teacher for nearly thirty years I can say that I had a great start from the best! I have a quote from Neil posted in my classroom. He will continue to inspire me! Dear Rochelle and Alison, thank you for sharing him with all of us!!! He will be with us always!

I am in shock. One of my students read about Dr. Campbell's death in the New York Times and just told me. I have been using Campbell Biology as my main teaching resource for nearly 10 years. Dr. Campbell will be greatly missed and I will always be thankful for his wonderful textbook and teaching ability. Thank you Dr. Campbell from my students as well as from myself.

To the Family of Neil Campbell,

I had the pleasure of meeting Neil several times as the New York City sales rep for Prentice Hall. Two years ago, Neil agreed to be my guest speaker at my city-wide Science Assistant Principal meeting. I host this meeting annually, and when Neil's name appeared on the invitation as the guest speaker, the meeting garnered the largest attendance ever. Neil was gracious to autograph copies of his AP Biology text for all the attendees. When he gave his speech, no one wanted him to finish.

Neil was an exceptional educator, but he was much more. He connected with people and made everyone he met want to know more about science. He was very modest about his accomplishments, and I don't think he realized how he was admired and respected by so many people.

I, also, know how important his family was to him. Please accept my condolences as you go through this very difficult time.

Joni Selman

I do not know what to say... in a nostalgic tone my professor just told us in class.I am a first year Biology student at Carleton University in Canada .So I just started my journey through Biology. I remember I once heard that one of the beauties of the mind is in the making of conections.It makes pretty much sense for me. That is what I have found in Campbell's book.As he said, "our tendency to feel conected to" . Every single page I have read has showed me the beautiful conection of all forms of life and its surroundings. Both, my professor and Mr. Campbell inspire me to learn. This is the reason that keeps me here although it is not an easy task.

Thanks for inspiring me and motivating me Mr. Campbell.



Ana.

We have all lost a great friend and colleague with Neil's death. It is hard to express how much he brought to biology education,and more importantly, how we valued his kindness and friendship. His passing leaves a hole in our hearts and lives.

In the evaluation of texts for our non-science majors course, our publishing rep gave me the opportunity to meet and have lunch with Neil. We spent a good part of the afternoon at that lunch. Of course, we discussed textbooks, but the conversation went far beyond. It was as though we'd known each other for ever. His energy for science, students, education, his family, and life itself were vividly revealed. Time passed too quickly. We adopted the Concepts and Connections text and have been very pleased. I emailed Neil from time to time with questions and comments and he always took the time to respond (and respond as a friend and colleague, not a busy, anonymous author). He has touched many of us from student to colleague, and we are better for that. May his vitality continue in those of us who educate young people. May his family be comforted with his contributions to so many and by the look I saw in his eyes when he spoke of them. May Neil be at peace.

my english is very bad...



I don't know what to say...



I have studied his book for 2 years



I am sorry for hearing his dead...



Stephen,TW

We are truly saddened by the loss of this caring and gentle man. What a shock to realize how fragile our lives really are. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rochelle and Ali in this difficult time.

Neil was the best listener I have ever met. He had a rare gift of being completely present that always made me feel that the conversation we were having was very important to him. The great respect with which he was regarded by his AP colleagues is in part a reflection of the respect and kindness he showed us all.

It has been my utmost privilege to work with Neil for the last two years on his books. It seems bittersweet to me that only now, on the occasion of his death, am I hearing all of the hilarious and touching stories about his life from professors, students, reps, and many other people. Neil was certainly one of a kind, and I know that even though his presence in my life was sadly brief, I won't ever forget him.

I have known Neil since the first edition of his Biology textbook, when I heard the first of many "stories" he loved to tell at our publisher's National Sales Meeting. I've learned about Havolinas, ferns, moths, and tree frogs. But what I really learned most was what a kind & interesting teacher he was. My condolences to the family & to his many, many friends & colleagues.

I am one of the lucky ones as I have the privilege of representing Neil Campbell's biology texts. Neil's books are unique. As a rep you never feel as though you are just selling a book...instead you are sharing Neil's love for biology, his desire to reach and teach students, his vision, clarity and creativity, and so much more... but never are we just selling a textbook. Neil Campbell was an amazing biologist and teacher but above that he was a wonderful friend to our company. He will be greatly missed.

To my regret, I didn't know Neil that well. After using his textbooks, I finally met him when he came to Iolani School in Honolulu as a visiting professor. I was struck at the time by his intellect and skill as an educator, but even more, I noticed the kindness of his personality. He was simply a fun person to be around just to talk to. There are questions that I would have liked to ask him but didn't, thinking he would be back in Hawaii and there was plenty of time. I regret not talking to him when I had the chance. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends... He will be missed even by people like me who knew him for such a short time.

Thanks for the smarts! Your textbooks are phenomenal! You will be truly missed. -Dena

To Rochelle and Allison, with love N.A.C.
I met Dr. Campbell this summer while doing research at UCR. I was so overwhelmed to meet the author of my Biology book, I asked for an autograph and pictures. And being the kind and gentelman you know him to be, he obliged. He wrote "For Etta, I really enjoyed meeting you during your research summer at UCR! Neil Campbell 7/26/04" Attached is a picture of him being tickled by my excitement on that day.
You have my sympathy!
Marietta Boisdore

I didn't know Neill specifically as a teacher or author but through his wife Rochelle a colleague. I have met Neill about a dozen times at his home and at other gatherings and each time I saw him was like the first time, He was such a genuine,kind and gentle person. He Always had a smile and laughed at my jokes as if they were really funny. What an amazing man whose gift will last for all future generations. I referred several students to UCR to take his class because it's not often to be able to speak directly to such a noted author. Rochelle and Allison, Barbara and I both send our deepest love and support.

Heck and Barbara

The world of Biology has lost a great scholar, an inspiring educator, and an encouraging mentor in Neil Campbell. I had the great honor to work with and for Neil on a number of his wonderful projects over the past years. My students and students in classes all over the world have been introduced to the excitement of biology by a master story teller. The learning will continue on into the future thanks to Neil Campbell's inspiration.

I was truly saddened to learn of the passing of Neil Campbell. I told my students from last year's class about his untimely death, and they were stunned and saddened as well. As one of the them said, "He made biology so real to me through his book." Well said. My students and I have always felt a sense of accomplishment each year when we used Neil's book, almost like he was with us in our journey. I am sure it is going to feel a bit bittersweet this year. My condolences to his family.

After using Mr. Campbell's textbooks in both high school and now in college, I am confident that he has made a lasting impression upon countless students, passing on his immeasurable knowledge of the subject that he loved so much.



May God bless Neil and his family and friends forever.

I was priviliged to know and work with Neil during my life in college publishing. He was a truly kind and patient man who cared deeply about educatiing students. He inspired me in my work as well as my personal life. I will miss Neil and think of him often. My thoughts go out to Rochelle and Allison. Thanks Neil, for everything you taught me.

The work of Dr. Neill Campbell and his Biology texts have brought to life the world of biology for both me and my students. While I never had the pleasure of meeting him, I know he will sadly missed by all. My symapathy goes out to the family and friends of this remarkable man.

May God watch over you always for eternity.

Neil has had an immeasurable influence and will be missed greatly by the biology commnunity. I offer my condolence to his survivors.

I first met Neil the person when he was a rookie reader for AP Biology. We will all miss his wit and kindness.

My condolences to Dr.Campbell's family. His impact in the high school biology world has been monumental and the texts we use in our district, Biology and Exploring Life are a lasting legacy to students all over the United States for years to come...

Neil Campbell set the standard in biology textbooks. I first met him when he was a visiting professor at Pomona College (I work at other colleges in the Claremont group), and he struck me as a dedicated educator, devoted to students' understanding of biology the excitement of this emerging field. These characteristics were, and are, evident in his textbooks and his indefatigable contributions to biological education. His legacy lives on.

I never met Dr. Campbell, but his textbooks have been an integral part of my life, and the lives of my students over the years. His legacy, like that of any great teacher, will live on for generations to come.

I met Dr. Campbell at NABT/Ft. Worth when I was sitting in the hotel lobby with a friend, Tricia Glidewell. I recognized him and pointed him out, only to be horrified when he started walking in our direction, thinking that my stare of awe had somehow crossed the line of rudeness. As he came up to us, he said, "Hi, Tricia!" to my companion. (He knew who she was and called her Tricia!) She replied, "Hello, Neil" (She called him Neil!), and introduced us. I remember thinking, "I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy..." but he treated me, a nobody in particular, with respect and listened to me with attention. It is not only Biology or education that have lost a shining light, but we as a human race are poorer for the absence of his kind and gentle soul. My heart goes out to Rochelle and Allison.

Biology education has lost a wonderful leader. In a life that has been cut far too short, Neil Campbell helped thousands of students and teachers make better sense of the biological world. We are diminished by his death.

I will miss Neil's warm smile and collegial relationship we've shared for more than twenty years. I was honored to serve on a scholarship committee Neil set up. My deepest sympathy to Rochelle and Allison, his family and friends that he cultivated in many walks of life.

I have had the pleasure to speak with Neil on several occassions. This is a tragic loss to all Biology teachers and students. He was a sincere man with a zest for living life to its fullest. He will be deeply missed

Sincerest condolences to the Campbell family and the academic community at large. It was an honor to work with Neil as an AP reader and to use his books with my students. He will be missed.

Peter and I have thought of Rochelle and Allison every day since Friday. We have twin "A" daughters (Amy and Anna) the same age as Allison, and, for years (certainly since high school), have shared daughter stories with Neil. So you, Rochelle and Allison, seem so real to us, even though we have never met you.



Neil had a gift of making every person feel special. It is rare to find such a very large intellect combined with such a small ego. We all have lost soooo much.

Today I spent time in class talking about Dr. Neil Campbell to my students. He is the author of our textbook and I wanted students to know what a fine, dedicated, and energetic man Neil was. I truly felt the loss of a dear friend when I spoke about him to my students. Neil you will be missed dearly and thank you for all the words of encouragement you have given me through the years.

Biology instruction has lost a great and thoughtful leader. Our condolences to Dr. Campbell's family.

I feel I was privileged to work with Neil as an AP reader and as the chair for the VABT convention years ago for which he graciously attended and provided insights into biology curriculum development. He also did me a great favor when I had a young foreign student in AP Biology - the boy was from China and was trying to translate and learn from the standard AP Bio text of Neils'. I had seen and talked to Neil about the Concepts & Connections book when it had come out. I thought that it would be a better book for Jim, but he did not have money to purchase it, so Neil arranged with the publisher to send him a free copy. He scored a 3 on the exam - which of course was in English and he was not allowed to use his translation book during the test. Jim was excited to do so well and I was very proud of all his effort. I really feel that he benefitted greatly by being able to use that text. Neil was a true educator and one of the nicest, most humble famous man that I have ever met. May you know that God receives us, God does not take us away. God will certainly now learn a lot of biology!

What a wonderful, gentle man this world has prematurely lost. Rochelle and Ali, we are holding you close to our hearts. With love, Bill, Crystal, Heather and Holly

Neil Campbell will be missed by future generations of biology students and teachers alike. He was willing to listen and continually presented new ways of explaining difficult concepts. His gentle manner welcomed us all who were in awe of a great teacher.

My thoughts are with Dr. Campbell's wife and family. I shared the news with my students who were as saddened as I was to hear of his untimely passing. His accomplishments were great and he will not be forgotten.

My AP Biology students and I were saddened to hear of Neil Campbell's passing. I feel as though I have lost a friend, although I did not have the privilege of meeting him. We send his family our condolences.

This is a great loss to biology education. I had met Neil Campbell at the AP Readings and at NABT conventions. I was impressed with his warmth and dedication to education. My sympathy to his family.

My heart goes out to the Campbell family. The Biology community mourns the loss of a great teacher, communicator, author, and friend. Neil always had the time to talk to me, in spite of his hectic schedule. I wish he had been with us longer.

This is a total wow to me... and I am deeply sorry. I extend my condolences to the Campbell family. I have used Dr. Campbell's texts in both my AP Biology class and Introductory Biology classes for several years. He will be greatly missed in the science education community.

Although I never met Dr. Campbell. I feel that I have gotten to know him through his books. My sympathy goes out to his family. The world of Biology has lost a great friend and a wonderful ally.

Your knowledge of biology and enthusiasm for teaching inspired me as well as all of my students. Your contributions to the teaching and understanding of biology will live on forever. My sincerest condolences to Rochelle and Allison.

This truly a great loss for biology. He was a wonderful mentor for so may young people. Please accept our deepest sympathy.

A great loss to biology education and to humanity. Rest in peace; you will be missed by many. You were a mentor to many biology students as well as educators such as myself.

As a biology educator, I have been inspired by Neil's work. We gave presentations together at a teaching symposium for the Botanical Society of America a few years ago. Neil's computer failed at the beginning of his talk, but it didn't really matter. He strode on instantly with a wonderfully passionate, articulate and compelling presentation. Neil was a teacher's teacher. We will miss Neil.

My AP students and I extend our sympathy to the Campbell family.

I was crushed to learn about Neil Campbell's untimely death. He was a dear friend and mentor to me. For years my students listened to my stories about him, corresponded with him whenever they had biological questions, and enjoyed his textbooks enormously. He will be missed by all of us. My heartfelt condolences to his wife and daughter, both of whom were the center of his universe.

With great sadness, Barbara Beitch

Neil was an amazing biologist and a warm and kind human being. I was always impressed by the depth of his intellect and the sincerity of his humanity. He shall be sorely missed.

A great loss to the biology community. My condolences to the family.

Neil has been an inspiration throughout my teaching career, but more importantly, he was a wonderful, unassuming friend — kind and generous in spirit. Neil was a meticulous scholar, a talented author, and an inspiring speaker, but first and foremost, he was a truly gifted and devoted teacher. His greatest legacy will not be the textbook that bears his name, but the generation of teachers/disciples, whom he led in exploring a new way of teaching biology. The scientific community has lost a great teacher; those who knew him personally have lost a wonderful, caring friend. I will miss you deeply, Neil.

He was a wonderful teacher and writer. I met him a few times and each time he treated me as a fellow teacher and educator. and not a lowly high school teacher. Even though I never sat in any of the classes that he taught, I feel as though Neil Campbell was my teacher and that when I teach my students he becomes their teacher as well. His presence will be greatly missed.

I knew Neil through his textbooks and working with him at the AP Biology readings. His knowledge and commitment to being a life-long learner will be greatly missed.

I met Neil at the AP Biology grading sessions. He was always kind and an interesting guy to talk to. I have used various editions of his book over the years, so his legacy contains many generations of students educated in basic biology. We shall all miss him.

I've always had the greatest respect for Dr. Campbell's work as an author. He was a gifted writer and a committed teacher.

I've just recently started teaching AP Biology. I appreciate how much time and effort it took to continually keep the textbook updated, and readable. Dr. Campbell is truly an inspiring person. My class and I send our condolences.

An inspiration to all biology teachers.

For the people here at Ward's Natural Science, I extend our condolences to the family and close friends of Neil. I knew Neil in his role as author and educator. He will have a lasting and positive influence on generations of students and future scientists. We mourn his loss.



Respectively,