Mark Mitchell Campbell

Mark loved words. His mother says he knew more than 100 words by age one. That love of words continued throughout his life. He loved to talk, debate, and argue, and he could debate on just about any subject. There were even some subjects where he could argue BOTH sides equally well.

Mark loved learning. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Old Testament Theology, a Master's of Divinity, and a second Bachelor's in Anthropology. He dreamed of pursuing a second Master's in Anthropology, but he wasn't able to see that dream through. His inability to continue with formal education never stopped him from learning. Mark taught at various times as an elementary school substitute, a Community College instructor, a Hebrew teacher at a Rabbinical school, and constantly, as an informal mentor to many. In addition to teaching, Mark's career included work in many fields. He ran a Christian coffee house, worked at a book store, and worked for the IRS. He spent several years working as a youth minister and assistant pastor. He spent most of his working years in the field of Anthropology, working throughout Central and Southern California, and briefly in Nevada. Mark was extremely knowledgeable about the prehistory of the Antelope Valley and Western Mojave Desert, the tribal peoples who lived here, their oral traditions and rock art, and their cultural and linguistic relationships with other nearby tribes. In his retirement, he was working on a book about the prehistory of the Antelope Valley, as well as investigating and recording a previously undocumented site complex near his home. Mark's humanitarian work took many forms over the years. In the 1980s, he worked with various Irish Northern Aid groups, helping to support the peaceful pursuit of a free and united Ireland. In the 1990s, he worked closely with Native American groups, fighting to preserve sacred and significant sites and making sure that tribal leaders had a seat at the tables where decisions were made, occasionally acting as a mediator between city and county planners and tribal representatives. Later in life, he became less active in humanitarian causes, but he was still very quick to speak out against injustice.

Mark loved music. He was a regular in the local karaoke and cover band scenes and became friends with many local musicians, including some that others might have considered rock stars. To him, they were not rock stars, but people with talent that he considered friends. He also played guitar some. While not much of a musician himself, he shared his love of music with his sons, taking them to countless concerts covering a broad spectrum of genres, from Classic Rock to Celtic Traditional music to Punk Rock, and exposing them to a broad spectrum of music, both new and old. Both sons went on to perform music regularly, and Mark supported them by attending every concert he was able to.

As a father, Mark frequently said things like "No matter what your position, make sure it's defendable," and "The hardest part of raising your kids to think for themselves is that they don't always agree with you." He wanted his sons to be critical thinkers and individuals above all else, and he instilled the values of individuality, love, and compassion through his actions.

Mark's life verse was Micah 6:8, which says:

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God."

Not only did Mark love this verse, but he lived it. His life was one spent in pursuit of justice, a life spent showing mercy, and a life lived humbly. He never bragged about his many accomplishments and experiences. He never judged, never condemned, never shoved his beliefs down anyone's throat, but treated everyone with love and respect. He was quick to speak out against perceived injustice, and he was quick to give to those in need. Even when he experienced financial struggles himself, he always found a way to give to those in need. If all he had to give was his time, he would sit and have a conversation, showing people the love and respect that so many others denied them.

Mark had friends from every walk of life, every political persuasion, every religious or philosophical background. It doesn't matter who you are, what you believe, or how you live- Mark could find a way to connect with you, and would treat you with love and respect, even if he didn't agree with you.

Mark is survived by his parents, his three brothers, his two sons and their wives, and his three grandchildren.

He was loved and respected by many. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched as a teacher, a mentor, and a friend.