Stephen Roy Campbell

Stephen Roy Campbell passed away on Wednesday, September 25th, at the age of 82. He leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Kathy; his sons, Brad, Ryan, Corey and KC; Brad’s wife Jinie, Ryan’s wife Ali; and 5 grandkids, Luca, Evie, Bodhi, Cody and Benji. Steve is also survived by good friends from all walks of his life.

Steve was born in 1942 in Visalia, CA, where his father, a World War 2 pilot, was stationed for military duty.

He grew up in Riverside, CA, an only child and the apple of his mother Lou Ella’s eye. Steve played Varsity tennis at Riverside Poly High and would later be inducted into the Riverside Poly Athletic Hall of Fame.

Steve continued playing tennis at UCSB, where he also did ROTC and was active in student government. It was at UCSB that he would meet his future wife and love of his life, Kathy. (Later, he would serve on the UCSB Board of Trustees for over 20 years.)

After UCSB, Steve and Kathy spent several years in Germany as Steve fulfilled his Army service as an officer.

They then moved to Manhattan Beach in 1967 when Steve got a job in sales at IBM. He developed into an amazing salesman with a sharp intellect, creative mind and remarkable care for his customers.

In 1968, Steve left IBM to become a stockbroker, because he loved the stock market. He developed into a star financial advisor who would tend to all aspects of his clients’ financial lives. He had an illustrious career while working for firms such as Paine Webber, UBS and Wells Fargo Advisors. Around the office, he was known for his booming voice, friendly demeanor and sartorial splendor (always a suit with a pocket square).

Outside of work, Steve was a larger-than-life personality who coached all four of his boys in Little League and Pony League baseball. He was an active member at Manhattan Beach Community Church, where he gave an annual sermon, acted in church theater productions (who can forget his mesmerizing turn as Big Jule in “Guys and Dolls?”), raised funds by hosting special orchestra concerts, and went on countless Choir trips to Europe.

Steve played tennis regularly at Manhattan Beach Country Club with a great group of buddies. It was on those courts in 2019 that he suffered the aortic dissection that would derail his health. Over the ensuing five years, he would endure many follow up operations with the bravery of the soldier he was.

Beyond his professional talents and athletic accomplishments, Steve’s true brilliance shone in the love and devotion he poured into his family. His love for his wife, children and grandchildren knew no bounds, and his presence in their lives will be a source of joy and inspiration for years to come.

Steve will be buried at Riverside National Cemetery on Monday, October 7, with only family and close friends in attendance.

A Celebration of Steve’s Life is scheduled for Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Manhattan Beach Community Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Steve’s Memorial Fund:

tinyurl.com/SteveCampbellMemorialFund