Ronald James Campbell (Ron) August 23, 1939 to February 2, 2020
Ron was born on August 23, 1939 in Washington, DC. He grew up in Waterford, VA on a dairy farm. The youngest of 4 children, he is survived by his wife Vicky Campbell, children, Mavis, Colin and Derek (Katie), six grandchildren, Campbell (23), Rees (21), Lena (18), Derek (16), Finn (2) and Jack (1). He is also survived by his two brothers, T. Colin and Jack Campbell and sister Betty Jane Fletcher.
Ron was the first graduate of Louden County Day School, in Louden County, VA, after which he qualified for a full scholarship at Philips Academy Andover and Harvard. He then continued his education and received his Ph.D. from Northwestern University, in Physical Chemistry. Following this first round of education, he worked as a R&D scientist in lighting for 25 years for G.E, ITT and at Philips in Eindhoven, the Netherlands and then back in the U.S. in NJ.
As Ron loved saying, he had two wonderful 25 year careers. His second career began after he graduated from Rutgers Law School, with his J.D. at the age of 52. After receiving his law degree, he worked as a patent attorney first for Kenyon and Kenyon, in NYC and later closer to home for Universal Display Corporation. He found both of these careers very intellectually satisfying, each in their own way. He completed his working career with a yearlong post in Dublin, Ireland, a very happy year for Ron, where he loved traveling to Derry, exploring where his father was born, and finding extended family members.
His interests were many and varied. He loved reading, exploring various religious spiritual traditions, loved new ideas, loved his family and especially his grandchildren, loved walking and listening to books and music. He really enjoyed spending winters in FL, and he loved the Spring and the blooming crab apple tree outside his library. He also absolutely loved listening to his wife Vicky sing, which is how he fell in love with her 55 years ago, listening to her sing, playing on her guitar. His sweet gentle soul will be greatly missed.
Celebration of life service will be held on March 7, 2020 at 2:00 pm
UUCP 50 Cherry Hill Rd. Princeton, NJ 08540
In lieu of flowers, contributions to improve the Memorial Garden at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, contact information below, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
UUCP Memorial Planting Fund
50 Cherry Hill Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540
For condolences go to: website at: blackwellmh.com