Steven Ray Campbell, born June 15, 1964 in Redondo Beach California, left this
earth to be with his Savior on September 14, 2017. Born to Gene and Judy
Campbell, Steve had one brother, Todd. The family moved to Santa Ana,
California in 1966. Steve attended Garden Grove Unified Schools thru the ninth
grade where he was mentored by many talented and caring teachers and staff.
During his childhood Steve participated in a variety of programs with the Braille
Institute and for several summer's he attended Camp Bloomfield with the Junior
Blind of America.
In 1977 Steve moved with his family to Laguna Hills, California and attended San
Clemente High School. Upon graduation in 1983 Steve enrolled at Saddleback
Community College where he was awarded multiple academic scholarships. At
Saddleback his interest in science, particularly the medical field was piqued.
After earning his Associate of Arts degree in 1986, he pursued those interests
earning certification as a Medical Transcriptionist in 1989. Steve worked as a
transcriptionist for twenty-five years.
In 1995 Steve moved to Casas del Rio in Orange, California where he was happy
to live independently in his own apartment. At Casas he enjoyed participating in
activities with his fellow residents. He was particularly fond of the holiday
gatherings and pot luck meals. Steve was a friendly and caring person and
developed many friendships with residents and staff.
Steve loved his family and regularly shared phone calls with his brother in
Wisconsin, his aunt and uncle in Hawaii, and aunt and uncle in Anaheim Hills.
Steve and his Aunt Teri were regulars at the local Claim Jumper. While attending
local churches Steve developed a lasting friendship with his best friend, Mike
Henry. Although Mike lived in Arrowhead California, he and Steve would get
together regularly to share their Christian faith and visit. They explored
numerous local restaurants looking for the perfect lunch.
He was an avid sports fan cheering for all of our local teams and his brother's
teams in Wisconsin. He supported the Angels and Dodgers during baseball
season and wished every year for a "freeway series". During football season he
rooted for the Rams, Chargers, Packers, USC, UCLA, and Wisconsin. And, of
course, during basketball season he was a Laker, Clipper, UCLA, and USC fan.
He was never conflicted by the rivalries among these teams, he just loved sports.
Steve was blessed with an excellent memory. He served as the family historian,
recalling and reminding people of birthdays, anniversaries, and other special
events. He also was able recall the history of music from the 1930s thru the
1960s. He could tell you when and by whom songs were recorded and where
they landed on the charts. His greatest interest was in the Big Band Era but he
could provide historical context for just about any musical selection regardless of
era.
Steve is survived by his parents, Gene and Judy, his brother Todd and his wife
Wendy; his aunts and uncles Teri Pearson, Craig and Christine Mauck, and Dick
and Lois Campbell and Lois' mother Betty Wood, and Larry Pearson; nieces and
nephews Aaron, Zoe, Taylor, and Sydney; cousins Caitlin and Steven, Daniel and
Christy, Kristin and Christopher, Brett and Tiffany, Gregg, Garrett and Melissa,
Gavin, Steve, Mike and Liz, and Gregory and Gwen.
He was predeceased by his aunt Marilyn Fischer Campbell, grandparents Wilson
and Beatrice Campbell and Harvey and Bernice Mauck.
Graveside services will be held Friday September 22, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at El
Toro Memorial Park, 25751 Trabuco Road, Lake Forest, California followed by a
reception. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Junior Blind of America
5300 Angeles Vista Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90043-9923 or the Braille Institute,
Orange County 527 N. Dale Avenue Anaheim CA 92801.
Arrangements by and further information available from McCormick & Son
Mortuaries 25000 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills (949) 768-0933
www.mccormickandson.com.