Donald J. Campbell died unexpectedly on July 19, 2012 at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, NC. He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to Julia Quinn Campbell and Oscar H. Campbell and grew up in Michigan. Don graduated from the University of Michigan with BS and MS degrees in mathematics and began a career in computer software in 1956, the early days of the industry. Over the years he worked for a variety of companies including General Electric, Honeywell, and several small start-ups.

Don loved setting challenges for himself and completing them successfully whether it was moving the family across the country for an exciting job opportunity; leading Sierra Club backpacking trips into the Grand Canyon; training and qualifying for (and completing ) the Boston Marathon; or riding a tandem bicycle across the U.S. with his wife, Janet.

He had a depth of artistic creativity that showed itself in his love of music, art, and especially photography, a hobby that he pursued from the age of 10. He also loved working with computers. In retirement he taught computer classes at the Seymour Senior Center in Chapel Hill. And after moving to Carol Woods Retirement Community he served on the audio-visual committee and also offered volunteer services to residents whose electronic devices were not “user friendly.”

In 2009 Don was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but continued to enjoy traveling near and far finding beautiful photographic opportunities.

Don is survived by his companion and wife of 57 years, Janet Ford Campbell; daughter Julia Gallik and husband Robert Gallik of Canton, Ohio; son James Campbell and wife Betsy Small of Milford, New Hampshire; grandchildren Eva, Angela and Andrew Gallik and Lucas, Lillian and William Campbell.

Family and friends will gather for a celebration of Don’s life at Carol Woods Retirement Community at 2 pm Saturday, August 11, 2012. Memorial gifts may be made to the Carol Woods Charitable Fund, 750 Weaver Dairy Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 or the National Parkinson Foundation, Gift Processing Center, PO Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018.