Philip Jonathan CAMPBELL

1956 - 2022

Philip Jonathan Campbell, age 66, passed away on November 29, 2022, in Spokane, Washington, five short months following the discovery of a malignant brain tumor.

Phil was born on September 10, 1956, in Spokane, to James and Helen (Kemis) Campbell. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Denise Campbell; sons Ian (Kristine) Campbell and Andrew Campbell; parents Jim and Helen Campbell; brother Stan (Cindy) Campbell; and sister Pam (Walt) Takisaki.

Phil graduated from Shadle Park High School in 1974. He attended SFCC, Capernwray Bible College in England, and EWU before transferring to the UW, where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering. It may have taken Phil a few years to settle on his education path, but one thing he was sure of: he wanted to be faithful in serving the Lord. He was also convinced about the person who would travel through life with him. In 1980 Phil married the love of his life, Denise Ashford. That same year he graduated from the UW, bought a house in Kent, and began working as a design engineer at Boeing. Despite the appearance that they were settling into a typical American life, Phil and Denise shared a passion which they expected would take them overseas. Personally knowing the importance of having the Word of God in English, they were drawn towards doing Bible translation for people who did not have the Bible in their own heart language. Phil and Denise left their jobs, sold their home, and moved to Texas to begin their training. This led to Phil receiving an MA in linguistics from the University of Texas at Arlington.

In 1984, they moved to Southeast Asia, where they have been involved in language development, translation, and Scripture impact activities. One of the major areas of their ministry over the decades has been with the Bambam people – where Phil and Denise lived, learned the Bambam language, formed and trained a translation team, translated the New Testament, and worked with the community to carry out various activities of Scripture engagement. Phil counted some of his Bambam translation team members as his closest friends.

Along the way, Phil and Denise added two sons, Ian and Andrew. Phil was a wise, godly, and loving dad who endeavored to guide his sons through the uniqueness and blessings of being third-culture kids. His wit and sense of humor brought a lot of fun to family and friends. Snorkeling and SCUBA diving are special family memories. An oft quoted family saying was "plan your dive, and dive your plan".

In recent years, Phil and Denise have taken more of a role in passing the baton on to the next generation - providing leadership, guidance, advice, and support to others who are involved in language, translation, and outreach work. Phil was prayerful in coaching, faithful in leading, and loving in serving. It was his hope that his years of experience would bear fruit in the lives and work of others.

Phil had a hard time imagining himself as someday retiring and living in America. In his passing, Phil has left many of us wondering how his place will be filled. He is greatly loved and greatly missed.

A memorial service for Phil will be held on Thursday, December 29 at 2:00 PM at Faith Bible Church in Spokane (440 W Cora Ave). The service can also be viewed at: https://youtube.com/fbchurchtv. Memorial donations may be sent to Faith Bible Church or online at FBCHURCH.org with the designation "Outreach to Orchid Islands."