Bruce E. Campbell, 88, died January 12, 2019 at Meridian St. Luke's hospital with family at his side. Bruce was born November 4, 1930 in Preston, Franklin, Idaho to Elgin S. Campbell and Arvilla Hale Thatcher Campbell. As a child his family moved to Boise, Idaho where he attended Whitney Elementary, Boise Jr. High and Boise High School. While attending Boise High School he began dating Carole Larsen and became high school sweethearts. They married July 7, 1951 while he was home on leave following Army boot camp. They spent the first two months of marriage in North Carolina, Fort Bragg, before Bruce was deployed to serve in Germany for 18 months during the Korean Conflict. From that marriage eight children were born, seven boys and one girl. While Bruce was a young boy his family operated a saw mill during the summers near Stanley Idaho. The love of the Sawtooth Mountains was and remains a favorite vacation destination for the family. Many cherished memories and stories are shared of times spent there fishing, hunting, hiking, camping and visiting the old saw mill site. Dad was a hard working father, often working more than one job to provide for his family but still made time to enjoy the outdoors, fishing, hunting, farming and enjoying the awe and wonders of God's creations, often looking out over a serene view stating "How can anyone deny that there is a God and this is his creation?" Bruce shared this love giving many years of service to the Boy Scouts of America with camping trips, hikes and High Adventures, teaching and being an example of the Boy Scout motto and oath. He was awarded the BSA National Silver Beaver award for his dedication and service. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many of the organizations and serving well by going the extra mile. Bruce was preceded in death by his dear wife, Carole; three sons: David, Steven and Richard; two sisters and three brothers; and his parents. He is survived by his children: Steven's widow Margaret, Timothy (Heidi), Linda (Don) Mertes, Richard's widow Jill, Daniel (Ann), David's widow Rebecca, Joel (Jennifer) and Eric (Victoria); 28 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, with an announcement of 2 more. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 19, 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 2555 S. Stoddard Rd in Meridian. A viewing will be held at the Church from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 18 and again at the Church from 10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the services. Interment will be at the Cloverdale Memorial Park Cemetery following. Arrangements by Zeyer Funeral Chapel. 208-467-7300. Condolences may be expressed at zeyerfuneralchapel.com. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mission fund or Humanitarian Fund.
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