William Gobel Campbell

With him at the time of his death were his loving wife, Debbie, and his devoted sister-in-law, Cindy.

William, or Bill, as his friends called him, was born in Columbus, Ohio, on November 24, 1938, to William G. Campbell, Esq. and Zula Campbell.

He graduated from Long Beach State University and received a Master’s Degree in Finance from USC and, then, in Business Administration from Pepperdine University. In 1976, he met the love of his life, Debbie Crain, and they were married in Ventura, California, December 31, 1980.

Bill became President of Santa Paula Savings and Loan, a position he held for twelve years. Later in his career, he turned his interests to philanthropic organizations. For fifteen years he was Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer for Channel Islands YMCA, and, most recently, he served as the Chief Executive Officer for Ventura County Community Action for four years. Ever the hard worker and conscientious supervisor, Bill continued to work from home until the day before his passing. Though large in stature, Bill had an unassuming demeanor and engendered a sense of affection from his employees, co-workers, friends, and all who knew him.

Bill was also a guiding presence to his sister-in-law, Cindy and niece, Noel, after the untimely passing in 1994 of his brother-in-law, Gregory Sugimura M.D., at the age of 49 due to stomach cancer.

Bill was a much loved son-in-law to the late Ruth Crain (deceased 2009, age 94), whom he helped care for in her later years.

Throughout his life, Bill was able to travel much of the world, thanks in part to his parents’ adventurous spirit. He and Debbie also shared this passion for traveling, and their adventures took them to Egypt, Greece, Turkey, Japan, China, and Europe, though they enjoyed returning to their favorite destination: Hawaii.

Bill also enjoyed Debbie’s love of dogs, and together they bred several top winning champion English Cocker Spaniels. He accompanied Debbie on many dog show judging assignments across the United States.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents William and Zula Campbell; sister Nina Swagerty; brother-in-law Dr. Gregory Sugimura; and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ruth and Charles Crain.

He is survived by his ever loving wife of 32 years, Debbie; sister-in-law, Cindy Sugimura; niece, Dr. Noel Sugimura; brother-in-law, Thomas Swagerty; nephew, Patrick (Shirley) Swagerty; niece, Karen (Jeff) Swagerty; grandnephew, Jordan Swagerty; grandniece, Shelby Swagerty; niece, Kristina (Joss) Kimball; and grandnieces Bran’dee, Haydyn, Naomie, and Eszther.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the following individuals who greatly assisted in helping to care for Bill: from Assisted Home Health Hospice, Shari (RN), Jason (CNA), Edwin (CNA), Jose (HHA), and Gonzalo (CNA); and friend, Miguel Luna.

A memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held Thursday, July 12, 2012, 2:00 P.M. at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, with The Reverend Dan Hull officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory.