Bruce Allan Campfield

Bruce Allan Campfield, 56, was born on April 2, 1969, in Anderson, Indiana. The youngest of three brothers, he spent his childhood playing outside in the hot, Midwestern sun, always looking to his brothers for guidance; he wanted to be just like them. He had a love for classic rock, cooking, hunting and storytelling. He spoke fondly of going to concerts throughout his childhood and adolescence, finding joy in the rush of the crowd and the band's kinetic energy.

He knew how to identify just about any bird and seemed to know something about everything. He loved Ernest Hemingway novels, was Van Halen's biggest fan, and never missed a Formula 1 race. He had a passion for cooking and even went to culinary school. He was a faithful watcher of Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown, thinking up new recipes to cook for his family every week. His best meals were country-fried steak, biscuits and gravy and delicious smash burgers. He always said he would try anything once, as food was more than just fuel for him; it was how he expressed his love for his family.

His daughter fondly remembers all the adventures she and her dad would go on when she was a kid. He taught her how to ride a bike, remaining unwaveringly patient even when she was too scared to pedal on her own. She remembers piggy-back rides when she was small enough to sit on his shoulders, pumpkin patch visits and countless birthday parties. He taught her how to fish, helping her catch her first bass when she was only four years old. They often watched America's Funniest Home Videos together, spending many evenings laughing and having fun. He always encouraged her to pursue her interests and passions, even the ones he didn't understand. Because of him, his daughter has a great love for coin-collecting, history and of course, cooking.

Unfortunately, Bruce found it difficult to get out of his own head and had a great fear of burdening people. This meant he rarely openly shared his struggles with his family, and seldom, if ever, asked for help. He was a tortured soul trapped within his own mind, unable to see how many people loved him and how many people wanted him to get better. His family finds relief in the fact that he does not have to suffer anymore.

He is survived by his daughter, Grace; ex-wife, Sheri; mother, Marcia Sue; brothers, Rick and Doug; nieces, Aubrey, Amanda and Amy and nephew, Steven; as well as his lifelong friends, Andrew and Mike.

He is preceded in death by his father, Jerry Campfield and his beloved grandparents, George and Maxine Safford and Mary and Roy Campfield.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, please ask for help. While life may feel hopeless, while your brain may convince you that you are undeserving of help, there are people who love you so, so much. It is always better to keep trying, if not for yourself, then for the people who will be left heartbroken if you are gone.

I love you, dad. I hope you're finally at peace. -Your daughter, Grady

Cremation will take place and a graveside service will be announced in the coming days.

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