SAMUEL "SAM" SHUFFLEBARGER CAMPBELL
November 16, 1930 ~ July 5, 2014
Sam Campbell, 83, of Vancouver, Washington was born November 16, 1930 in Elnora, Indiana to Jesse Campbell and Mary Rebecca Shufflebarger Campbell. Family is what brought Sam much joy. He passed away July 5, 2014 with his wife and children by his side, when he left here and ascended to heaven. In August, 2013 Sam said,
"I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
I believe I am saved with the Lord Jesus
and will dwell in His house."
Sam served in the US Air Force as a Staff Sergeant, and won the National Defense Medal and Good Conduct Medal. After serving he received his Bachelor's of Science in Agronomy from Arizona State College, (now ASU).
Sam liked to work. He was the founder and CEO of Campbell Pet Company, and the inventor of many animal handling products. His last day in the office was July 1st. We always knew he would work until his last days.
Working in a family business can have its ups and downs. Fortunately, most every day was UP! Sam made sure of that with his positive attitude, focus and attention to people and their needs, and keeping our priorities in order - God - Family - Friends - Work - Play. Yes, Play was last... but not least. Sam loved to fish, ride horses, work in the yard and have a glass of wine with his friends and family.
"IT'S MY BEST DAY EVER!"
That saying came to be a part of his vocabulary in 1958. He was a traveling veterinary pharmaceutical salesman, working for E.R. Squibb and Sons, headed to see two veterinarians. Sam would often get discouraged if he didn't get an order. These two called him Ol' Sad Sam and usually didn't place an order. After one of these appointments in which he didn't get an order, Sam was listening to some tapes in his car about having a positive attitude- Zig Ziglar was the author. Zig stated that attitude is a choice. Something clicked for him. Sam took the advice. The next time he called on those two, they asked how Ol' Sad Sam was doing... and he replied, "It's my best day ever. And the only thing that will make it better is an order from you." He got the order, and was never called Sad Sam again. It's a good lesson and legacy.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Charles Arthur Campbell and David Pope Campbell.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Martha Mae; daughter, Laurie Leslie (husband, Stan); sons, John and Chris (wife Tammi); brother, Robert Jesse Campbell of Elnora, IN; grandchildren, Samuel William Leslie, Lilly Grace Leslie, Noah Parker Campbell, Jaxon Riley Campbell; and many loving nieces and nephews.
We, his family, are so sad that we won't be able to call him, stop into his office, fish with him, say grace with him and see him in the flesh again. However, we are filled with peace that we will see him again, and that he is here in our hearts.
Funeral will be held Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Evergreen Bible Church, 9600 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, with a Graveside service at Evergreen Memorial Gardens immediately following. Viewing will be Monday, July 14, 12 - 9 p.m., at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made in his name, to Christian Veterinary Mission, www.cvmusa.org, (206) 546-7574.
To share memories of Sam, please visit the facebook group, https://www.facebook.com/groups/687292327985348/
Please sign his guestbook at www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I will miss seeing and talking with Sam.
R. E. Billings DVM.
July 16, 2014
So sorry to hear that such a wonderful man has passed. Sam will be sorely missed. I have always looked forward to seeing Sam at conferences and seeing his smiling face. Sam knew how to make one feel loved and appreciated. My prayers are with the Campbell Family.
Mary Metzner
July 16, 2014
Sam, you were always a gentleman. And we loved it when you brought us ice cream. You made us all smile. RIP. You are and always will be a great person.
Doris Wright
July 16, 2014
Sam gave me my first job when I moved out to WA from ND. He always had a smile on his face and such wonderful stories. My thoughts are with his family and numerous friends.
Jodi Deutsch
July 16, 2014
WE HERE AT "HAIRCUTS" WERE SORRY TO SEE THE PASSING OF SAM. WHAT A NICE GUY ! AND OH, THE STORIES HE TOLD ! ONE NEVER KNEW EXACTLY WHERE THE TRUTH STARTED AND STOPPED...BUT THEY WERE ALL ENTERTAINING. A FINE FELLOW AND WE WILL ALL MISS HIM.
GERALD DAVIS
July 15, 2014
Thank you for your many years of friendship. Our prayers go out to both Campbell and Leslie familes. Keep in your hearts that one day you will see him again!
The Tingley Family~
Tony, Kristy, Logan and Jadyn
Kristy Tingley
July 15, 2014
Well miss his sweet face around CPC.
Patsy Stamp
July 13, 2014
Sam holds a special place in my heart. He sponsored me in my Walk to Emmaus in 1992. His smile, positive attitude and constant encouragement will fill my memories of him. I will miss you Sam, but will see you again.
Greg Ego
July 13, 2014
Karen Donnersbach
July 13, 2014
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