Denis William Campbell's Obituary
Dad`s Obituary Denis William Campbell was born July 8, 1940 in North Hollywood, California to James and Ethelda Campbell. He was the second born of three children. Growing up in North Oakland he attended Santa Fe Elementary School and Emery High School. He lived a very athletic lifestyle as he played football, basketball and baseball.He graduated in 1958 with many athletic achievements which later granted him a spot on the baseball team while he was stationed in Germany in the army. Being stationed in Europe sparked his interest in the outside world. His hunger for history and travel was quickly born. After two faithful years in the service, he was honorably discharged in 1965.Post army, he knew he wanted to continue his education as he always had a thirst for learning. In 1967 he graduated from Merritt College with his Associate of Arts Degree where he also played on a competitive football team. In 1969 he attained his Bachelors of Science Degree in Physical Education from the California State University Hayward, where he also attained his Master of Science Degree in 1975. Upon graduation, he returned to his alma mater at Emery High School where he dedicated almost 40 years to the Emery Unified School District. There he taught P.E., Drivers Training, History, and retired as the Dean of Students. However, his most memorable achievements at Emery was his contribution to the Athletic Department. Affectionately known as 'Coach Cam,' he coached Football, Basketball and Baseball along with changing lives of his students and colleagues. His commitment to his teams led the Emery High Football Team to win the B.C.L. Championship in 1972. (His baseball team also won.)Denis made it his life mission to not only learn but to share his knowledge and help educate youth. He was later awarded Administrator of the Year for his hard work and commitment.Denis had many interest, in 1974 he attainted his flight certificate from Flightways Air Academy. His travels took off in 1985 when he took a solo trip to Egypt and Kenya. In 1993, he along with a group of educators traveled to Poland and Israel to study the Holocaust. Denis was also an active family man and made it a point to travel with his family every year which included camping, trips to Disney Land, Hawaii, Caribbean Islands, Mexico, a list of almost 50 states, majority of Western Europe, Russia, Morocco, China and Brazil.He also had a love for dogs and was known for his big furry friends. He was an excellent dog trainer which led his dogs to receive many honors in dog competitions. He always felt his biggest accomplishment was his three daughters, Denise Campbell Smith(Tilmon), Adonica Boyd, and Ebony Campbell. He also leaves behind his mother Ethelda Campbell, brother James R. Campbell(Charlotte), sister Ethelda Kathy Booker, two adored grandchildren, Marissa and Jason, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
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