Ralph E. Campbell, Jr.

SOUTH PARIS -- Ralph E. Campbell, Jr., 89, of Canton, died on Feb. 9, 2011 at the Maine Veterans Home in South Paris, where he had received wonderful and loving care for the year he was there. The words “thank you” cannot begin to express our appreciation.

He was born on June 2, 1921, in Canton, a son of Ralph E. and Maud (Cummings) Campbell Sr. He attended and graduated from Canton schools.

In 1943, Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a Machinist’s Mate 2C with the Construction Battalion (CB’s) during WWII until 1946.

Upon his return, he married the love of his life, Eunice Atwood on Mar. 17, 1948 in Farmington. They built their home in Canton where they raised and cared for their loving family.

Ralph owned and operated a garage with his brother, Frank, in Canton before going to work for himself in the gravel business. During that time he also served as the Canton Road Commissioner, a post he held for 29 years.

Although he rarely took timeout for himself, he enjoyed brook fishing, tinkering, woodworking and gardening. His shell beans were always an impatiently waited for treasure for his family at harvest time.

During the 14 years he wintered in Florida with Eunice, he enjoyed playing cards and shuffleboard with friends. These friendships endured for all the upcoming years. The nightly neighborhood watch walks were a highlight of their contribution to the Florida community. In addition to their active involvement in the Canton community, he was a beloved member of the Livermore Falls and Canton Historical Societies.

He was a devoted, selfless and generous man whose integrity was evident to whoever knew him. His love and devotion to family and friends were central to his character.

Ralph is survived by his children, Brenda Adams of Canton, Kathy Campbell of Norway, Rosellen Taylor of Portland, Errol Campbell of Newport and Roger Campbell and his wife, Joy of Livermore; grandchildren, Prudy Adams of Canton, Russell Adams and his wife, Kelly of Canton, Randy Campbell of Canton, Emily Taylor and her companion, Anthony Hutchins of Westbrook, Steven Campbell and his wife, Joyce of Auburn, and Callie Beaupre and her companion, Chad Hamlin of Topsham; great-grandchildren, Mason King, Carolyn Campbell, Hayden Adams, Logan and Hunter Campbell; siblings, Sheldon Campbell of Canton, Annie Chamberlain of Worcester, MA and Neil Campbell of Canton; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Eunice on May 1, 2007; a son, Arlen in 1954; a son-in-law, Charles in 2004; and siblings, Frank, Carlton and Eleanor Campbell, Marguerite Packard and Pauline Jasper.

Memorial services with military honors will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday at the Wiles Remembrance Center, 42 Weld St., Dixfield, with Rev. Eva Thompson, officiating. Family and friends are invited call on the family from 1-3 p.m. on the day of the service. Interment will be in the spring at the Canton Pine Grove Cemetery in Canton with the day and time to be announced also, at which time the family will host a gathering following the graveside service. Gifts may be given in Ralph’s memory to the American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086.

Ralph E. Campbell, Jr. Photo:

Ralph E. Campbell, Jr.

Ralph E. Campbell, Jr. Photo:

Ralph E. Campbell, Jr.