Aaron "Doc" Lyman Campbell

Aaron Lyman Campbell — beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend — passed away after a long and full life marked by courage, generosity, faith, and devotion to family. Born on August 15, 1941, in Bellingham, Washington, Aaron entered the world while his father was serving in the Army during World War II. He was the only child of Claude Wesley Campbell and Betty Mae Banks, and though his family was small, the love within it was deep.

As a young boy, Aaron earned the nickname that would follow him for the rest of his life: “Doc.” While watching cartoons and snacking on carrots, his uncle jokingly greeted him with Bugs Bunny’s famous line, “What’s up, Doc?” The name stuck, and it became a fitting symbol of his playful spirit and the affection others felt for him.

Aaron spent his early years in Washington before his family moved to California in the mid-1950s. He attended several schools as they moved around the state, eventually landing at Garden Grove High School — a place that changed his life forever. There he met the love of his life, Elamae Viola Fasching. The two married on November 25, 1960, beginning a partnership that would last 65 years. Together they raised three children — Douglas Paul Campbell (married to Brenda Campbell), Cynthia Marie Luna (married to Thomas Luna), and Deborah Lynne Campbell — and built a family legacy that grew to include 14 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense pride.

Aaron worked hard throughout his life, taking on many roles to support his family. He spent years in sales of various types including the radio communications industry with Smith Telecom, Motorola, Intermountain Communications, and Gem Communications. But the work that shaped him most deeply was his service as a police officer with the Eugene Police Department from 1966 to 1974. Those years left a profound mark on him — from facing violent protests during the Vietnam era to saving lives in moments of crisis. He was brave, steady, and willing to step into danger if it meant protecting someone else.

His courage and sense of duty extended far beyond his career. Once, he caught a man attempting to steal the family car and physically held him until officers arrived. Another time, he saved a man from drowning in an Oregon river. Acts like these weren’t unusual for him — they were simply who he was.

Aaron was also a man of deep faith. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities throughout his life. His service blessed countless people, and he approached every calling with the same dedication, humility, and willingness to help that defined him in every other part of his life.

His generosity was quiet but constant. For years he kept coats in the trunk of his car, ready to hand one to anyone he saw who needed warmth. He was the kind of neighbor who showed up, the kind of friend people trusted, and the kind of man who believed in doing what was right even when no one was watching.

He had a zest for life and a long list of passions: guns and handguns, fishing, cars (he owned at least 120 over his lifetime), camping, dune buggies, and the excitement of moving to a new home. He was also remarkably strong — from his late 40s into his 80s, he lifted weights two to three times a week. On his 78th birthday, he proudly bench-pressed 225 pounds.

Above all, Aaron loved his family. He and Elamae were inseparable, partners in every sense. He was a devoted father and grandfather who created memories that will last for generations. One cherished tradition was taking each grandchild on a special trip when they turned eight — a simple gesture that made each child feel seen, valued, and loved.

Aaron will be remembered for his kindness, his courage, his humor, his faith, and his unwavering dedication to the people around him. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and service — qualities that live on in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He was, in every way, a good man. And he will be deeply missed.

Services to be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 11792 Linden Rd, Caldwell, Idaho.  There will be a family visitation at 9:30 in the Relief Society Room if you would like to greet the family before the service.