Rev. Robert L. Campbell

The Rev. Robert L. Campbell of South Weymouth died on September 14th at the South Shore Hospital just days before his much anticipated 100th birthday. He was born on September 23, 1924. Robert leaves his wife Barbara and his children, Nancy Moody (Jim Moody, deceased) of East Granby, CT; Dr. Judy Campbell (Jay Delaune) of Needham, MA; David Campbell of Needham; Dr. Steven Campbell (Jill Campbell) of San Antonio, TX. 

His five grandchildren are Bennett Delaune (Ashtin Delaune) of Needham; Bonnie Delaune (Sam Davis) of Jamaica Plain, MA; Dr. Julia Campbell of Miami, FL; Caroline Campbell of San Antonio, TX  and Anna Moody of CT. He also leaves a much loved little great-grandson, Milo Davis. Robert’s deceased siblings were his sisters Joy Voss (CA) and Eloise Henry (PA), and his brothers, Alan Campbell (CA) and Gordon Campbell (CA). A sister, Susie Allen, resides in CA.

Bob was born in Burbank, CA to Raymond and Ruth Campbell and grew up in Sweetgrass, MT, where his father was a customs officer on the Canadian border. When the family moved back to CA, he completed high school as class valedictorian. He graduated from the University of the Pacific with a BA degree. He then moved east and pastored a group of churches in VT for a year before enrolling in Boston University School of Theology. He served a church in R.I. while completing his Master of Divinity at B.U. in 1954, after which he served churches in Abington and Rockland, MA. 

While at BU, Bob had met his future wife, Barbara Lockhart, an undergraduate at BU (CAS). They married in 1955 and lived on the South Shore of Boston for all 69 years of their marriage. Their children were born and raised in South Weymouth. Bob was a very involved parent who attended school concerts, scouting activities, sports events and dance recitals.

 Bob was the minister of Porter Methodist Church in Weymouth for 9 years. For 28 years, Bob worked in the probation department of the Quincy District Court, commuting daily by bicycle for the 15-mile round-trip, rain or shine. He was also the minister of Beechwood Congregational Church in Cohasset for 20 years. His yearly Christmas pageants were a treasured holiday tradition. Bob was an occasional square dance caller at churches for adult and youth social events. 

Bob was a runner, an avid reader, had a great interest in science and astronomy, and enjoyed playing chess. Family camping trips at Covered Bridge Campground in the White Mountains were a yearly summer highlight. Bob played his harmonica at evening campfires and led star-gazing. He also led family hikes to overnight shelters. Bob hiked all sixty-seven 4000 foot mountains in New England. He climbed Mt. Washington many times, alone and with family, including on his 80th birthday. Other hikes included Mt. Whitney in California, and the Matterhorn and Mt. Pollux in Switzerland with his sons. Bob and Barbara enjoyed more traveling after retirement.

The family will be gathering for a private memorial service.