David Lee Campbell, 66 years old, passed away on Thursday, the 20th of August, at his home in Provo, Utah, surrounded by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Dawn, and father, Donald James Campbell. He was born in Joliet, Illinois, and moved with his family to Anaheim, California, at age two. David suffered a traumatic brain injury when he was three years old, becoming mentally handicapped and mostly nonverbal. He grew up attending special schools to learn basic skills. Through the years, he attended several day programs where he participated in activities, therapies, and learning experiences. For a time, he worked at the Claim Jumper as an assistant dining room attendant. Since 2006, he has lived at the Danville group home in Provo, where he has received excellent care and made many friends.

David loved movies, including “Ghostbusters,” superhero films, animated movies, and shows such as “The Sound of Music” and “Mary Poppins.” He loved going on outings with his roommates and caregivers. He especially liked movies, the zoo, and the shark exhibit at the aquarium. He had many toys from movies and places he visited displayed in his room. Birthdays and holidays were his favorite times. Anyone could get him to say ‘Ho Ho Ho’ at Christmas, make scary sounds at Halloween, or sing happy birthday. He liked going to various stores around the holidays to look at decorations. He had a sizable collection of helicopters, planes, trucks, cars, and buses. Being that he was mostly nonverbal, when he saw a helicopter, he would point it out and say “copter,” or say “car” when he saw a car he liked. He loved building puzzles, some with thousands of pieces. He had many completed puzzles, toys, and memories displayed in his room. David found many things funny: sounds, facial expressions, people, action movies, and he often happily laughed at himself. His favorite foods were cheeseburgers, yogurt, ice cream, and, of course, donuts.

David was such a good guy; we all love him very much. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his brothers Patrick, Steven, and Donald Campbell, and his sisters Kathleen Southwick and Terri Chandler.

In David's honor, a celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, August 25th. There will be a viewing from 12 pm to 12:45 p.m, followed by a service at 1 pm. Interment will be at the Orem Cemetery.