McKala Campeau

McKala Ann Campeau, 23, passed away August 24, 2018, following a courageous battle with cancer. From the day McKala was born on April 13, 1995, in Tacoma WA, she embraced the world and all it had to offer. She was feisty, fun-loving, generous, and determined. McKala faced everything with a bright smile and positive attitude; her strength was immeasurable.

McKala graduated from Northgate Junior-Senior High School in Pittsburgh PA where she lived with her father, Chris Campeau. At Northgate, McKala was a flag twirler for the marching band and had many, many friends and close connections. McKala’s love and special connection to animals, especially with her horse Vader and any dog she encountered, led her to pursue a veterinary technician certificate from Carrington College in Arizona, where she lived with her aunt, Barb Wesen Wood. Soon thereafter, McKala moved to Yelm WA to be near family and began working at a local veterinary clinic.

McKala’s young life was full of many diverse and rich experiences. McKala felt a calling to the mountains and loved to spend time camping near rivers in forests that were off the beaten path. She was the face behind the camera for her very own McKanix Photography and shot numerous small town local musicians and heavy metal band shows in the Pittsburgh area. She was exceptionally talented in makeup artistry, drawing and painting Sugar Skulls and she dreamed of international travel. McKala was a follower of Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Dr. Who and she had a crazy interest in YouTube goat videos. The room filled with laughter whenever McKala was around; always making new friends and leaving an impact on everyone she met.

This beautiful, talented young woman will be missed more than we can express and her heart is forever imprinted on ours.

McKala is survived by the love her life Michael Johnson, grandpa Scott (Heidi) Carrier San Jose CA, grandma Cindy Peterson, sister Taylor Bellman (Bella and Dash), uncle Derick Graves (Desiree and Gavin), cousins Taylor Jones and Dana Etienne, “aunt Kristy and uncle Dan” Vailencour (Hunter and Cooper), and numerous other extended family and close friends whom she considered family. McKala was preceded in death by her mother, Tara Carrier, and brother, Prestin Etienne.

The family extends a special thank you to nurses Laura (Hospice) and Landi (UW Medical) for their exceptional care and to Olympic Iron Works for their unwavering support.

A celebration of McKala’s life is planned for Saturday, September 22, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., at the Yelm Moose Lodge, 1117 Yelm Ave., Yelm WA 98597. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the F C Cancer Foundation.