Ralph M. Campbell

Ralph M. Campbell peacefully and happily passed away on February 14, 2023, of natural causes incident to age. He was born on January 31, 1929, to Ralph Merlin and Manila (Bybee) Campbell in Tropic, Utah. He was such a small baby, weighing less than six pounds, that the family had him sleep in a small dresser drawer for a few months.

He grew up in beautiful Tropic, Utah, which he loved, outside of Bryce Canyon National Park, where he and his family lived until he was in his early teens. While there, he spent a great deal of time with his father and uncles working at Bryce Canyon, Cedar Breaks, Zions National Park, and the Grand Canyon. He always said he was so proud that he was able to help take the first refrigerator needed down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon with his father and uncle.

When work became an issue for his father, the family eventually moved up to Tooele, Utah where his father found a job. Ralph, known as Bud to much of his family, graduated from Grantsville High School in 1947. He played football and helped the basketball coach with the basketball team. He loved his high school years and often talked about the pranks he enjoyed getting involved in. He worked at the Tooele Army Depot when he turned 15 to help with the family until he graduated from high school. Following high school, he joined the Navy during the Korean War and served for four years.

Following his discharge from the Navy, he returned to Grantsville and began attending the University of Utah. He met Lucille Brown, and they were married on June 25, 1953, in the Salt Lake Temple. They had two children, Diane, and Travis. He worked at the Tooele Army Depot for 37 years and retired in 1979. While working for the Army, he was privileged to move him and his family to Okinawa, Japan, for two years where he loved working and living.

Ralph was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was a scoutmaster for many years. He was also in the branch presidency in Okinawa, the high council, and bishop in his home ward in Grantsville. Following retirement, he enjoyed being a car salesman and worked with his two brothers for many years in the car business.

Ralph was involved with Little League baseball for many years, instrumental in building the program in Grantsville. He coached, managed, and was President of the Little League. Many young men loved and appreciated him. He was a loyal fan of the University of Utah and the Utah Jazz. He loved his Utes!

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille (Brown) Campbell on January 4, 1979. He met Sandra Bradford in 1987, and they married and lived in Sandy, Utah, Layton, Utah, Washington, Utah, and eventually settled for their remaining years in Hurricane, Utah. Ralph was happiest when he could work in his yard, planting beautiful plants and flowers, and creating all kinds of rock landscapes.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Merlin, and Manila (Bybee) Campbell, his first wife, Lucille (Brown) Campbell, his second wife, Nancy Campbell; and his third wife, Sandra Bradford Campbell; his sisters—Faye Campbell Taylor; and Mavis Campbell Madsen; and one brother, Kay Campbell.

He is survived by his brothers, Mavin (Karen) Campbell and Albert (Doris) Campbell. He is also survived by his daughter, Diane (Steven) Christensen and Travis (Janice) Campbell, along with seven grandsons, David, James, Jon, Cole, Adam, Chad, and Chase, and 24 great-grandchildren.

Ralph requested no services, but a Celebration of Life will be held on March 11, 2023, on the bridge overlooking the Virgin River in Hurricane. Please wear red shirts/Utah shirts to recognize his love for his team. For more information, please email his daughter Diane at dcampchristensen@gmail.com. May he rest in peace.