Bernard Delano Campbell

Bernard Delano Campbell, age 84, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on Saturday evening, June 25, 2016 surrounded by his loving family.  Bernie built his life on the solid foundation of faith and family and he devoted his life to caring for those he loved. 

Bernie was born on February 13, 1932 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of Arthur Milham Campbell and Frances Evelyn Delano Campbell.  Bernie was a University of Michigan Engineer who modernized the woodworking machinery industry in Grand Rapids, then known as the furniture capital of the United States. Following retirement, Bernie continued to be involved in his business. 

Two of his favorite sayings were “never say can’t.” and “be good and be wise”. Faith (in God, in his family, and in his own abilities), perseverance, and hard work rewarded Bernie with a loving wife and family, a successful career, and spiritual peace. 

Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Bernard graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and attended Kalamazoo College before being drafted into the US Army during the Korean War. He served as Corporal at Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. He received the National Defense Service medal.  He then received a Mathematics degree from Western Michigan University and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Michigan. Instead of attending his graduation, Bernie married the love of his life and lifelong partner, Shirley Ann (neé Swanson), on June 15, 1957 and celebrated 59 years together.   Over that time, Bernie had 28 pet names for Shirley, including Blue Eyes and Sally Sunshine. 

Unbeknownst to them at the time, Bernie and Shirley spent their childhood summers within a few miles of each other. Bernie's fondest childhood memories were of those summers at his grandparent’s farm, now known as the Delano Homestead which is a part of the Kalamazoo Nature Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan. 

Bernie was passionately proud of his family. He and Shirley together raised six children, all of whom survive him, Kathryn Campbell, Karen Macartney (Ian), Brian Campbell (Carol), Deborah Adix (Brian), Diane Heidema (Chad), and Susan Cottrell (Charles). Bernie and Shirley have also been blessed with ten grandchildren: Kiernan Macartney, Arianna Macartney, Zoe Macartney, Danielle Adix, Kaelyn Adix, Emily Heidema, Ryan Heidema, Audrey Campbell, Jaclyn Smith (Robert), Troy Riksen, and one great-grandchild Jaxon Smith. Bernie is also survived by brother-in-law Kenneth Swanson and cousins LeAnn Bonte Carson, William Gleason, and Kathleen Brundage Lloyd, and many loving nieces and nephews. 

Bernie encouraged family traditions including Sunday picnics at Lake Michigan, winter trips to northern Michigan, and family holiday celebrations such as vacationing in Pentwater.  Following graduation from the University of Michigan, Bernie was employed at the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company in Kalamazoo, MI. His engineering work took him to Hoover Ball and Bearing Company in Ann Arbor, MI as a Process Engineer.and was then transferred to Middletown, OH in 1960 to be a Product Engineer.  Early career moves took the young, growing family from Michigan, to Ohio,Tennessee and back again.  Bernard left Hoover Ball and Bearing (Johnson City, TN), returning the family to their Michigan roots, settling in East Grand Rapids in 1972. Since 1972, Bernie owned and operated the Alexander Dodds Company, a manufacturer of woodworking machinery. Alexander Dodds Company supplied woodworking machinery to the international furniture industry and was recognized for the Dodds Dovetailer.  He served as President and Principal until his retirement in 1992.  

Bernie was a long time member of Trinity United Methodist Church serving in various capacities and was especially interested in the church’s mission work. Bernie was active in the Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers of America (WMMA), Exchange Club, Jaycees, Junior Achievement, and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).  Bernie had many other interests and hobbies.  His boating interests included navigating his boat from Florida, up the Intercoastal waterway, through the Erie Canal and the Great Lakes back to Michigan. His love of flying prompted him to create the design for his own single engine aircraft.  Bernie also loved skiing and biking. 

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Viola Sherwood Genau Campbell, sister Charlene Campbell Dumont, and brother-in-law Joseph Dumont. 

Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 29th at 11:00 am at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1100 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI.  There will be visitation on Tuesday June 28th at Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 2-4 & 6-8 pm.  There will also be a one hour visitation prior to the service on Wednesday at the church.  Bernie’s final resting place will be in the Delano family plot in West Cooper Cemetery, Cooper Township, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Graveside services will follow the reception at Trinity United Methodist Church.  Donations in the name of Bernard Delano Campbell may be made to the Engineering Scholarship Fund Class of 1957 at the University of Michigan and to Missions at Trinity United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  

 Service Information