La Grande, Oregon
Robert Lee Campbell, 56, died unexpectedly of natural causes April 18 at his home in La Grande. A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Daniels Chapel of the Valley.
Known as Bob, he was born Dec. 17, 1950, to Charles L. and Tressa June (Needham) Campbell in La Grande. He graduated from La Grande High School and lived his entire life in La Grande.
In 1969, at age 18, Bob was severely injured in an alcohol-related car accident following an underage drinking party on Morgan Lake Road. The accident left him partially paralyzed with acute memory loss and aphasia.
After many years of therapy and continuous support from his parents, siblings, family and friends, Bob was able to live on his own and became a part of the community.
Although he was never able to work, he was known to many people and will be remembered riding his bike and later his motorized wheelchair around La Grande.
He loved to have coffee at Denny’s, shop at Albertsons and eat at McDonalds, all close to his apartment. His friendly smile and outgoing personality gained him many friends.
Bob was a member of Victory Christian Church in La Grande and had a deep faith and a belief that in the after life he would be made whole.
Survivors include his brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Sandy Campbell, and his sister and her fiancé, Glenis Harrison and Joseph Hamm, all of La Grande; four nephews, two grandnieces, four grandnephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family would like to acknowledge their gratitude for the many people and organizations that helped Bob throughout his life, including Dwight Dill, Marladeen Risteen, the many people at New Day Enterprises who loved and cared for him, his case manager, Dustin Willey, and the members of Bob’s church.
Memorials may be made to the Union County Safe Communities Coalition, to help curtail underage drinking and driving, in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 Seventh Street, La Grande 97850.
The Observer – Obituaries for the week ending April 21, 2007 Published: April 21, 2007