David Campbell

Survived by wife Patricia; daughter Kelly; grandson Wyatt; sister Mary (Marty) Gores; brothers Dick (Martha) and Mark (Ann) Campbell; sister-in-law Florence Campbell; brother-in-law James (Julie) Erickson.  Preceded in death by son Derek, parents George and Mary Macken Campbell, brother Robert Campbell; parents-in-law Sam and Louise Rueb and sister-in-law LaDonna Fallon.

Dave was born Feb. 19 1949 in Rochester, MN, where he was raised, graduating from Lourdes High School and subsequently earning a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from St. Mary's College in Winona. Dave achieved the Eagle Scout rank as his father had also done in 1933.

He was joined in marriage to Patricia and to that union, had daughter Kelly Louise and son Derek David.  Dave and Patricia shared several interests, especially their love for golf and travel with their children; trips included an annual golf vacation at Maddens resort, skiing in Colorado, and several trips to Mexico.

Dave’s grandson, Wyatt, was his joy.  The two spent time together playing games, watching movies, and swimming.  As a young man, Dave played Santa for nursing homes, his younger cousins, his family, friends, and in-laws, and eventually his own children.  He recently picked it back up for his grandson.

Dave would make the trip to northern Minnesota with his father, siblings, and son to Lake Winnibigoshish to participate in the George F. Campbell Memorial Day Annual Men's Fishing Trip. This tradition was started by his father more than 50 years ago and Dave won the largest walleye trophy once (a big honor!).  Catching walleyes, telling stories, and spending time with his family while relaxing in The Narrows, are some of his fondest memories.

Dave had a successful career in both corporate and entrepreneurial ventures.  He spent many years at IBM in Rochester in finance and accounting, where he earned achievement award trips.  Dave then moved to the Twin Cities where he focused on accounting systems with McQuay and Republic Airlines.  Having found a successful niche in software development, he ventured on his own as a consultant serving the airline and manufacturing industries, where he traveled extensively internationally (Italy, Germany, France, and China).  Tired of travel and being away from his family, he founded the successful executive recruiting and systems consulting firm Fairfax Group in Plymouth with his brother Mark.  The entrepreneurial juices still flowing, the two of them started Maximum Solutions, which is now a fast growing software company in Edina. Dave recently rejoined the corporate world developing accounting systems for Optum.  Throughout his career, Dave fostered lasting friendships that he cherished.

Dave had a close-knit group of friends who shared his interests.  He was passionate about music and was a drummer in two high-school garage bands, The 25th Hour and The What Four, with his friends. He not only had an affection for music, but loved to dance.  He had a fondness for history and traveled regularly with his childhood friends to historical landmarks.  He was an avid golfer participating in tournaments and leagues with neighbors, friends, and colleagues.  In 1982, Dave and other neighbors formed a poker group which is still ongoing and he enjoyed so much.

Dave’s captivating story-telling, sense of humor, kindness, generosity, and ability to see joy in the simple things will be missed by all who loved him.

Interment Grandview Memorial Gardens Rochester, MN on Monday, March 28 at 3:00 PM.

Memorials preferred to the Wayzata Youth Hockey Assn., Derek Campbell Scholarship Fund.

Visitation one hour prior to service.

Sunday, March 27, 2016 04:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel 15800 37th Avenue North Plymouth, MN 55446

Monday, March 28, 2016 10:00 AM

The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus 155 County Road 24 Medina, MN 55391

Visitation one hour prior to service.