Obituary of John-Bruce Campbell

JOHN BRUCE CAMPBELL - SHELBURNE - John Bruce Campbell passed away peacefully on Oct. 9, 2014, predeceased by his wife of 70 years, Dorothy Jane. Bruce and DJ were the parents of three daughters, Christine and husband, Douglas Campbell, of Burlington, and their two children, Elizabeth and Mollie; Elsbeth "Beth" and husband, Joe Purvis, of Ponca City, Okla, and her children, Alexander and Thomas; and Amy Campbell and wife, Jan Runkle, of Princeton, N.J. Bruce was born in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, on Jan. 6, 1920, the youngest of three children of Luella and James Campbell. His childhood was filled with carefree adventures riding his bicycle, watching steam trains, and exploring places like the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. Bruce graduated from Allegheny College, where he fell in love with Dorothy Jane Konstanzer, a stylish coed whom he married in 1943 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Soon after they were married, Bruce was drafted into the US Army and served on the staff at a prisoner of war camp in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. After the war, Bruce and DJ made their home in Lakewood, Ohio, where he began his 40-year career with the Sherwin Williams Company, eventually as the General Manager of the Eastern Automotive Zone. His interests were many. He loved trains, history, books, maps, folk music, gardening, travel, Scotland, tweed jackets, and making wooden things in his workshop. Bruce could often be found in the basement working on projects designed by his wife and executed with great care on his jigsaw. Every Christmas morning included special wooden puzzles, trays, ornaments, toys, and doll "towns" that he had lovingly made for his family. His love of books and history led him to become a docent at the Cleveland Public Library and the Western Reserve Historical Society where he presented lectures on special exhibits. His love of British history led him to research and write two pocket-sized booklets, "British Rulers and their Queens," and "Scotland: A Field Guide to Its History," the former of which became a best seller at the Westminster Abbey Bookshop in London. His tomatoes were the envy of the neighborhood because of his secret ingredient, cow manure from his cousin's dairy farm. Bruce encouraged his daughters to enjoy all kinds of music, especially bagpipes and the Weavers, which roused one's emotions. After his retirement, he and DJ found a newfound joy in traveling with ElderHostel where they were able to see new parts of the world and learn from local experts. Bruce was noted for his kindness, empathy, and respect for others. He was a mentor to young and old, and was often sought out for his thoughtful and wise counsel. He led by example, quietly supporting and listening. He was devoted to his wife and daughters and was an especially wonderful role model. In 1999, Bruce and DJ moved to Wake Robin, a continuing care retirement community near their daughter Christine in Vermont, and enjoyed visits from Beth and Amy and their families. Bruce and DJ actively participated in Burlington life through the College Street Congregational Church, Fletcher Free Library, Shelburne Museum, First Night, and breakfast at the Oasis Diner while he waited for DJ to finish her swim exercises. At Wake Robin, Bruce and DJ developed many dear friendships. But at the heart of their experience at Wake Robin was the devotion and kind care offered by the staff, especially near the end of their lives. The Campbell family would like to thank all those who helped make Bruce's life rewarding and enjoyable. The staff's excellent compassionate care was very much appreciated. A memorial for Bruce and DJ will be held in the spring.