John Campbell

John Kay Campbell

November 9, 1928 - May 14, 2025

Orcutt - John Kay Campbell, 96, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025. He spent his early years moving between California and the Ozarks of Missouri before his family finally settled in California. The hardships of the Great Depression left a lasting impression on him and instilled independence and resourcefulness.

He formed lasting friendships through his youth Boy Scout group, as well as a connection to the outdoors. He enjoyed camping in the Sierras and worked for a summer for the Forest Service.

John earned a degree in International Relations from UC Berkeley. His military service during the Korean War sparked a lifelong interest in South Korea. He pursued graduate studies in Political Science and law, then embarked on a career as an insurance adjuster. He lived in Palo Alto, California, for over 50 years where he remodeled his house himself and enthusiastically taught himself the piano. He remained intellectually curious over his life - John studied several languages and always dreamed about new inventions.

John had two children, Susan and Cynthia, with his first wife, Antoinette Campbell (Im Po Reigh), and shared loving years with his partner Hellen Burr and, finally, his wife Sun Parker. A devoted family man with a wry sense of humor, he will be deeply missed.