On April 10th, 2023, Angus Duncan Campbell died like he lived, happy and having fun. He was snorkeling off the King Kamakahonu Beach on the Big Island when he felt short of breath and passed out in the arms of his wife and adventure companion, Sue Dickinson. He never regained consciousness and never knew he had experienced a fatal heart attack. Water, be it lakes, oceans, or Hood Canal, was alway his most happy place.

Angus was born on March 7, 1958, much to the delight of his parents, Robert M. Campbell and Alice Rumble Campbell, and his sisters, Evelyn “Evie” Shively and Helen Steinmann. Born in the cosmopolitan bayous of New Orleans, Angus carried a spark of his favorite city with his many contrasts: southern charm and manners versus earthy rowdiness, fine seafood dining versus any smoked meat, well-educated and yet simple pleasures like fishing were his favorites. He never showed off how very smart and knowledgeable he was but if asked, he usually knew the answer to obscure questions.

Angus was the type that had a story to tell about nearly every place on earth, and accordingly his early life was marked by frequent relocations and travels. In 1967 at the age of 9, Angus' overseas adventures began when his father's oil exploration career took the family to The Hague, Holland. Then it was on to London where Angus graduated from the American International School of London in 1975. Angus came back across the pond to attend Oregon State University and lived at the infamous A Street house, a real life Animal House. During his college days he took several long breaks for more civilized living - working in the jungles of Papua New Guinea where he led a team of locals laying lines used to search for oil. His father lived in Indonesia and Australia, and visits there gave Angus the opportunity to start his lifelong love of scuba diving and snorkeling - perfect for a guy who swam like a fish from the age of 4 years old. Angus eventually graduated with a degree in communication. He dreamed of becoming an author, and his letters and stories were entertaining and comical. His personal to-do lists often ended with a reasonable credo for all of us - “act normal.”

The first "real" job Angus applied for was with the FBI, and he made it through the two rounds presumably due to his overseas experiences and minor criminal offenses (stealing a keg of beer), both good attributes for an agent. But when they asked if he would be willing to make and betray a friend, he said no and wasn’t hired. After several odd jobs like planting trees, drawing blood, and delivering pizza, he finally found a good fit at a Naval shipyard in Bremerton, Washington. He trained to be a boiler fitter but after getting burned (literally), he wisely switched to work as an electrician. This led to his 30-year successful career with Bonneville Power Administration, from which he retired in 2020. He was best suited for his last job of Retirement and made excellent use of the next three years with travel, tennis, and time to play.

Outside of work, Angus brought mischievous delight to the people and animals he kept closest. Sox (the Wonder Dog) was Angus' most beloved pet. This golden Labrador was big, happy, rambunctious and full of life, just like his owner. It took awhile for Angus to fall for Kobe, Sue’s dog, a Wire Fox Terrier, that Angus said was Wired Wrong. But fall in love he did and after Kobe’s passing, Angus and Sue consoled themselves with gray kittens who soon ruled the household.

Angus’ greatest gift was his capability to love and enjoy family and friends. He cherished his long-time friendships with college friends like Doug Etter, Jay and Gregg Ubelhart, and many more. He valued true heart friends from work like Randy Melzer and Greg Tibbets. He was devoted and very close to his two sisters, Evie and Helen, and their families. He had a strong bond to his stepchildren Jason Werth and Charlotte Ripley and so loved them and their partners. He was Paw Paw to Juniper and Leland Ripley and took pride in having witnessed both of his grandchildren’s first steps.

Angus married his first wife Jodi Nordstrom on May 5, 2000 in Portland OR. Their son, Skyler Campbell, was born on April 1, 2001, and currently lives in Portland where he’s studying to become a home inspector. Watching Skyler grow into a man, especially over this last year, was a huge point of pride for Angus, and something he celebrated over Mai Tais the night before he passed.

In 2009, Angus was at a low after a divorce, the death of his dear father, and heart failure. The fates then led him to meet his match in Suzan (Sue) Dickinson. Sue’s high tolerance for his bawdy jokes, shared taste for travel and adventure, and obvious joy of her “beautiful man” seemed to bring Angus back to light. They built a lovely life together and married on 11/12/13 (so he could better remember their anniversary), residing primarily at Lake Wenatchee and recently wintering in Tucson, Arizona. Sue and Angus’ last months together were among the best of their lives, energized from long days of tennis, with his contagious smile regularly on his tanned face.

Angus leaves a legacy of a larger-than-life figure that was truly his own - equally at home in boats, buggies, bars, and BBQ rigs. His circle of loved ones and lifelong friends spanned as wide as his joy and humor. He was a delightful husband and a proud father, stepdad, and grandpa. He cried easily especially if someone else was crying, he was warm and giving, full of laughter and love. When friends and family needed a good listen and hug, he was always right there. To say he will be missed doesn’t capture a loss like this. He lives on in his family and friends, sunsets, a well-timed libation, borderline jokes, warm oceans, and the memory of his laugh.

Friends and family are invited to join us in celebrating his life on Sunday, June 4th at 2:00PM at the Lake Forest Park Civic Club. Please RSVP using the "Events" tab on this site or share your memories in the "Memories" tab.

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