J. Douglas Campbell

IN LOVING MEMORY OF J. DOUGLAS CAMPBELL

John Douglas Campbell of La Grande passed away on Monday, January 16, 2023. Doug was born on February 28, 1938 in Eureka, California.  Doug lived in Portland, then in Klamath Falls, where he graduated from high school in 1957.  He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of the Pacific, a Master’s degree from Washington State University, and a Doctorate in organic chemistry from Oregon State University.

La Grande became his home in La Grande in 1962.  He spent 39 years teaching organic chemistry at Eastern Oregon University, where he was also a professor emeritus.  On June 15, 1986, Doug married Carol (Paris) Hofmann. Following Doug’s retirement from teaching, he and Carol bought and operated McGlasson’s Stationery store which they operated together in downtown La Grande for several years before fully embracing retirement.

Doug was the core of a circle that encompassed his family, extended family friends and community.  His kind heart made him a father figure to many and a dedicated community servant to the town in which he chose to live.  He was a gifted storyteller, limerick writer, and teller of dad-jokes.  Doug loved adventure. His travels covered the globe, including a sabbatical to Kenya. He loved the mountains, whether it was climbing or hiking them. Doug spent nearly every day hiking the hills above La Grande, and later walked the town with his floppy hat and walking sticks.  The United Methodist Church and the Wallowa Lake Methodist Church Camp were organizations to which Doug devoted himself.  He was also active in the La Grande Downtown Association, the community choir, and the Blue Mountain Barbershop singers. His memberships included the Lions Club, American Chemical Society, Alpha Kappa Psi and Sigma Xi.

Commemorating his spirit, his family provides a final limerick.

There once was a man from La Grande,

Who liked to give people a hand;

At campfires he sang,

Travelling gave him a bang,

With his family he was often a ham.

Doug is survived by wife Carol; daughter Becky, son-in-law Ben and granddaughter Tana; son Brent, daughter-in-law Janis, and grandson AJ; daughter Michelle and grandson Zach; daughter Heidi, son-in-law Eric, and grandsons Logan and Cody; great-grandson Ethan Coles; and extended family, especially his exchange students. Doug was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Virginia, and brothers Bruce and Duncan.

A memorial service will begin at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023 at the United Methodist Church in La Grande.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the United Methodist Church of La Grande or the Wallowa Lake Methodist Church Camp. Online condolences may be left at www.danielsknopp.com.

.

Memorial Service

Saturday, January 21, 2023
2:00 PM

United Methodist Church
1612 Fourth Street
La Grande, Oregon 97850