SCOTT CAMPBELL
July 8, 1958 ~ September 17, 2017
"His generosity and giving heart
will be missed by so many, as will his
great sense of humor and playful spirit."
James Scott Campbell passed away on September 17, 2017, at age 59 due to organ failure as a result of treatment for cancer.
"Scott" was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Beverly Campbell. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Alicia Campbell; children, Todd Williams, Tricia Stevens, and Tania Olsen; grandsons, James Michael Campbell Stevens, Konnor Dorn, and Luke Stirling; and siblings, Mike Campbell, Pat Campbell, Mary Hamilton, Anne Jutila, and Sheila Ruffalo.
Scott Campbell was born and raised in Bozeman, Montana, spending his childhood years on a farm. The family raised sheep and cattle, and his siblings describe Scott as "a true farm boy." Scott took that authenticity and drive to work hard, do well, and play hard when he left Montana and came to the Pacific Northwest. Arriving in Vancouver, Washington in 1985, Scott worked in industrial and construction management before moving into solid waste and recycling. For many years, he served as Governmental and Community Affairs Director for Waste Connections, and was a past 5-term president of the Washington State Recycling Association. Scott used his leadership in the field and in the community to help drive the industry forward, keeping customer and community service at the forefront.
In addition to building a strong reputation in the industry and in the local business community, Scott worked hard to support local nonprofits and community agencies both personally and professionally. Through his professional position, he helped Waste Connections maintain its leading reputation as a business that supports the local community by giving generously to many local nonprofits and community initiatives. One of the projects that was closest to his heart was Waste Connections' "Christmas Promise" program, in which employees and community members would come together to build bikes for kids and deliver them to agencies serving youth in need. The joy in his heart and spirit at being able to give bikes to kids on Christmas was visible from hundreds of feet away. Even when delivering the bikes, Scott would create a parade, driving a truck full of bikes slowly through town and waving at passers-by.
Scott served on numerous nonprofit boards, bringing his expertise and enthusiasm for the community to all of them. His key areas of support were youth, education, the elderly, veterans, and the environment. Some of the organizations he worked with directly were: the YMCA, SW WA Contractors Association, Parks Foundation, Veterans Therapeutic Court, The Historic Trust, NW Association of Blind Athletes, and Camas-Washougal Rotary.
In his later years, Scott was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer that he fought valiantly. He was a cancer warrior, and made it known that if cancer was going to take him, he was going to give it the hardest fight it had ever seen. And he did.
In early 2017, Scott decided to run for Vancouver City Council. Though he had never held any prior political office, or planned to go in that direction, he saw the need for experienced, community-minded leadership, and decided that serving in elected office would be the next step for his leadership. At that time, his cancer treatments were working well and he felt that he would be able to serve with no interruptions. His wife Alicia remembers asking him about the possibility that the treatments might stop being effective, or worse. "That's no reason not to run.," Scott reasoned. "We are all here for a limited amount of time, and we aren't the ones who get to decide how long that is."
Scott's hobbies were cars, trucks, and celebrating a good life with family and friends. His hearty laugh and warm spirit were contagious, and he worked diligently to be sure that everyone around him was having the best time possible.
A public memorial will be held on Sunday, October 29 at 2 p.m. at the Hilton Hotel in Vancouver, Washington. All members of the public are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Scott's name may be made to: American Cancer Society and the J. Scott Campbell Foundation at the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
we miss you Scott today and allways love your son,Todd.
Todd Williams
Son
September 25, 2020
Alicia, I know we only met once; my heart goes out to you. I will always remember Scott's goofy smile. My thoughts and prayers are wuth you and your family .
Helen Zinner(Scott's classmate)
October 16, 2017
I grew up with Scott and enjoyed many a "main street cruise" on Friday and Saturday nights. Whether it was convincing me it was OK to put my little brother in the trunk for the drive in or going out of his way to cross the river for a "catch up" beer.
All of us in the Bozeman/Rosary community will miss him... I will miss him.
John Keenan
October 10, 2017
My brother my friend . Thank you for always being there for me. You were my protector and the greatest adviser that a sister could ever ask for. May God hold you in His arms and grant the peace of His love. Always on my mind forever in my heart. I love you and miss you. Pat
Pat Campbell
October 8, 2017
My thoughts and prayers of comfort at this time to all the Campbell families.
Rhonda Richardson
October 8, 2017
Missing you always.You were the greatest brother,with a warriors heart & God's gentle touch. With love Mike.
mike campbell
October 8, 2017
todd williams
October 7, 2017
May the love and support of family and friends give you strength to cope with your loss of James S. Cambell. And may the comforting promise found at 2 Thessalonians 3:16 be of comfort. That "the Lord of peace himself give you peace constantly in every way. May the Lord be with you."
Vera J.
October 6, 2017
When our daughter Dionne was hospitalized and later died, we came to know Scott Campbell's compassion. Our daughter was married to Todd Williams, Scott's son. Though we crossed paths a few times, it wasn't until the loving support he showed Todd, Dionne and us that we understood the strength of his heart.
Bill and Jeannie Lodge
October 2, 2017
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Dan ODonnell
October 1, 2017
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