Dwight Campbell

There are times when life seems to get the best of us and just as Dwight Campbell was getting back on his feet again, death swept in like an unwelcome guest. Those who knew Dwight knew that he was finally complete when he met his beloved Darlene and that together, they could conquer anything. Dwight was never one to worry about the little things but was more about loving life and those who were near and dear to his heart. A gentle and easy-going man, Dwight was so likeable and was someone who naturally put others at ease. Although his family is still reeling from the death of Darlene and now Dwight, they are forever grateful for having been giving such a remarkable man to love.

The year 1953 was part of a decade that was unlike any other as it was during this decade that our nation was introduced to blue jeans, the Barbie doll, and rock ‘n roll music that forever changed the face of music. It was during this year that the Korean Conflict officially ended, audiences were captivated by movies such as From Here to Eternity and Roman Holiday and the cost of a first-class postage stamp increased by one cent – the first increase in 26 years! This was a time of great joy for the family of Lawrence and Rose (Jameson) Campbell as they welcomed the birth of their son, Dwight Arnold Dennis, on September 15, 1953. Joined in his family by his sister Delores and his brother Richard, Dwight was raised in Oshtemo, Michigan, located to the west of Kalamazoo. He attended Otsego High School.

After he left high school, he went to work for Kal-Aero, Inc. as an aircraft mechanic. Dwight eventually took a job at Tulip City Air Service in Holland where he worked until his death. Not only was he passionate about working on airplanes, but he also had his own pilot’s license and loved soaring above the clouds just as often as he could. He also had an artistic side and created many murals and paintings over the years.

They say love often comes when you least expect it and it was during the mid-eighties that Dwight met the woman with whom he would share an abiding love. Her name was Darlene Copeland and they met while Dwight was working at Kal-Aero. The two began dating and Dwight couldn’t help but be attracted to her vivacious spirit and charitable heart. After falling deeply in love, they were united in marriage on February 24, 1996. Not only did Dwight have a new wife to love, but her two grown children as well. He loved and accepted her children and their families as if they were his own.

From the moment they met, Dwight and Darlene were nearly inseparable and completed one another in so many ways. It was easy to see that his world revolved around her and that he would move heaven and earth for her. They loved to travel in their motor home, often without a destination in mind but wherever the road took them. Dwight and Darlene also shared a love for gardening.

In November of 2009, Dwight’s world came crashing down with the death of his dear wife after she succumbed to brain cancer. Life was never the same for Dwight and it was just recently that he began to feel a bit steadier on his feet and as though maybe he could begin to move forward once again.

Dwight Campbell was a dedicated worker, a devoted husband, and a man with only goodness in his heart. He was kind, loving, and compassionate in keeping with his gentle and easy-going spirit. Dwight was never one to be concerned with the pursuit of the “American dream,” but was content to spend time with the family he treasured. He leaves behind a colorful mosaic of memories that will be forever cherished by those he leaves behind.

Dwight Campbell of Oshtemo died on July 23, 2010. Dwight’s family includes his wife Darlene’s sons, Scot (Delina) Copeland and Errol Copeland; his grandchildren, Cody Seevers, Brady & Taigen Copeland; his sister, Delores Mabry; his brother, Richard Campbell; and several other relatives. Visit with his family and friends, view his life story film and share light refreshments on Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 at Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg; 409 S. Main St. (649-1697). A graveside service will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Vicksburg Cemetery where Dwight will be buried next to his wife Darlene who preceded him in death in November of 2009. Please visit Dwight’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo, sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial donation to Kalamazoo Animal Rescue or Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.