Obituary: Dr. Robert Campbell, 91, of Scottville

Doc Campbell

Robert C. “Doc” Campbell, DDS, 91, longtime resident of Scottville, passed away on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.  Doc was born on November 20, 1932 in Jackson, the son of Harlan and Katherine (McDowell) Campbell and graduated from Leslie High School with the class of 1950.

With his father being a dentist, Doc followed in his footsteps by first earning his bachelor’s degree in biology from Alma College in 1955, then earning his doctorate of dentistry from the University of Michigan in 1958.  Doc was very athletic and participated in multiple sports in high school, but excelled in football where he played one year for Michigan as an offensive lineman.  Following his graduation from U of M, Doc served as a dentist with the United States Navy stationed at Great Lakes Naval Base.  Always wanting to be near water, Doc moved to Scottville in 1960 and took over the dental practice of Dr. Holmes upstairs in the old Stae Savings Bank of Scottville building on the southwest corner of State and Main streets.  Later, he moved to Thomas Street and shared a building with Dr. H.G. Bacon.  After Dr. Bacon retired, Dr. Campbell moved his practice back to the old bank building where he continued to serve the Scottville community for over 47 years, retiring in 2007.

In his career, Dr. Campbell was very active civically, professionally, and in his personal life.  He served on the Delta Dental Advisory Board and served multiple positions with state and local dentistry organizations. He was a Life Member of the Scottville Optimist Club serving as president of the club from 1970-71, and was a fixture in the popcorn wagon during the summer months at concerts in the Scottville Clown Band Shell.  He was a member of the Western Michigan Old Engine Club, the Ludington Yacht Club, Ludington Boat Club, and was an active supporter of many charitable organizations around the county, including 4-H where Doc proudly participated in the animal auction at the West Michigan Fair for over 25 years.  In 1980, Dr. Campbell served on a mission trip through the International Methodist Church in Haiti, where he performed dental care to Haitians off a front porch in villages throughout the country.

Doc had a passion for being on the water and carried a sailing license for over 50 years.  He participated in the Chicago to Mackinaw and the Chicago to Port Huron races for many years; built boats with Bob Bloomer and helped start the Bloomer Cup races; and participated in many Penguin races.  Doc built wooden canoes, kayaks and paddle boards, and enjoyed sailing on his 32 foot Pandora sailboat.  He sailed, kayaked, and canoed all over the world including the Virgin Islands, Alaska, the Yukon Territory, Northwest Territory, and throughout Canada which helped him utilize his other hobby of photography!

Doc also helped Jim Howe from time to time raising Scottish Cows and Chickens.  To say “grass never grew under his feet” would be an understatement.

Along with his parents, Dr. Harlan and Katherine Campbell, Doc was also preceded in death by his brother Bruce Campbell.

Doc will be greatly missed by his daughter, Sheryl and Brian Lundquist of Ludington; his son, Robert “Bruce” and Jordan Campbell of Denver, Col.; his grandchildren Tyler Danielle Lundquist, Trent (Liza) Lundquist, Theo Campbell, and Andre Campbell; his great-grandchildren Logan Lauran, and Beckett Walker Lundquist; his brothers John (Patty) Campbell of Mason, and Andrew Campbell of Montour Falls, NY; along with many great friends made throughout his lifetime.

A gathering to celebrate Doc’s life will be held later this spring at the Ludington Boat Club, with date and time to be announced.  Those who wish to remember Doc with a memorial donation are asked to please consider the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, www.gtrlc.org.

Please visit Doc’s memory page at www.wymanfuneralservice.com to share a memory or tribute of Dr. Campbell with his family.