William R. Campbell

William R. Campbell, born on November 6, 1929, in the hardscrabble mining town of Scranton, PA, was the oldest of eight children and the son of Robert and "Pinky" Campbell. The family relocated to Rome, NY, when Bill was young.

When he was 16, his father informed him that his only chance for a college degree would be the G.I. Bill. Robert told the army recruiting officer that a fire destroyed Bill's birth certificate and he was 18. Off he went to Japan to guard an outhouse (the war was already over). Several months later he returned to finish up at Rome Free Academy and, shortly after, he married his high school sweetheart, the always motivated Janice Williams. He earned his undergraduate degree in Chemistry at Clarkson College and then on to a Masters Degree, in Nuclear Physics, at RPI. Now 26, with three kids under five, he decided not to continue on to his Doctorate. He got a job, instead, with Pratt-Whitney and then on to Solvay Chemical in Syracuse, NY. While working his way up the corporate ladder, Bill had a chance encounter with his brother, Jack. Jack introduced him to Shoe Glow, a new product he had purchased. That was the beginning of the storybook ride Bill and Jan rode for the next 59 years. Amway. The dynamic duo shattered all the previous growth records of this burgeoning multi-level business opportunity. His oratory skills made him among the best motivational speakers in the country. He shared the stage with names you all would recognize. With lifetime sales in the billions worldwide, Bill and Jan lived the dream, and they took us all on the ride with them.

Respected by his family and those in his organization, Bill was above all, a kind and honest man. He spoke the truth, but usually preferred to listen. Especially to his beloved Jan. They semi-retired after 10 very busy years building their future and moved to Hilton Head Island for golf and world traveling (scouting out places to return with many of us).

His surviving sons are William P. (Rosalee, Rebecca and Walker), Dan and Leslie (Charles and Gus) and David and Jean (Cory and Cody); also, brother, Larry; sisters, Marlene and Betty; and sister-in-law, Pat.

A brief Celebration of Life will be held in Rome in the near future.