Edward Alan Campbell

Al was born October 31, 1930 to Harriet and Alan Campbell in Los Angeles. He began to take care of himself at a young age and he always watched out for his younger brother, Warren, who predeceased him. By his own admission Al was a bit of a bad boy as a young man, but grew into a respected and loving man.

In 1948 Al joined the Navy where he served aboard destroyers and the escort carrier, USS Badoeng Strait, during 1948-1949 and 1952-1953. He was proud of his service in Korea and Europe, enjoyed his veteran status and relished recalling his experiences with younger listeners. During his free time aboard he honed his ping pong skills which allegedly resulted in extra spending money, and he continued playing into his eighties.

Al’s life blossomed in 1952 when he met, fell in love with and married the beautiful Marlene Helms, and began a fulfilling and lucrative 27-year career with the California Probation Department.

The house on Sycamore Avenue in the City of Orange became home to many neighbor children and friends. A backyard pool kept the kids happy and Sycamore Street saw many Fourth of July block parties. Around the pool, Al was known for his famous jackknife dives and he loved laying bricks and building planters.

Al bowled and played cards weekly. Along with Marlene, he also coached Little League.

Over time, Orange County lost its luster and Al relocated a city family to the small, country town of Rough and Ready, in Northern California. The new home was a farm with cows, chickens and a horse, Cookie. Al commuted to Marysville, now as the Chief Probation Officer for Yuba County. Four years later he accepted the position as Chief of Probation for Humboldt County in Eureka.

Toward the end of his career, Al earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration at San Francisco State University. At the age of 50, he retired and he and Marlene moved to homes around Northern California before settling down in Redding and enjoying their children, grandchildren and retirement. He bought his dream car, a ’57 Ford Fairlane convertible and drove in parades. Al lost Marlene to illness in 1997.

Al is survived by his children and spouses, Teresa Campbell and Paul Renoud, Linda and Jeff Welter, Alan Campbell and Shelly Callahan, Marie and Karl Stein; eight grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and longtime sweetheart, Evelyn Canoy. We will miss his opinions, whether political or controversial and his keen sense of recollection of events. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Lawncrest Chapel and Memorial Park in Redding.

A celebration of life will be planned for a future date.