Donald Dean Campbell

Donald Dean Campbell
December 22, 1944 – September 20, 2016

Don was an entrepreneur, a renaissance man, a man who dared to dream.  Don Campbell was born December 22, 1944 in Columbia, SC to Dean and Edith (Antrim) Campbell.  When he was 7 weeks old, he returned to Nampa, Idaho with his mother while his father went overseas in World War II.  Don grew up in Nampa where he graduated from Nampa High School in 1963.  He attended University of Idaho and Northwest Nazarene University where he gained enough credits to graduate many times over but wanting to sample many subjects, he never settled on a major.  

In the mid-1960’s, Don followed a childhood dream when he became associated with KFXD radio, working there as news director, DJ extraordinaire, ad salesman and eventually general manager.  Don is credited with bringing rock ‘n’ roll to radio in the Treasure Valley and starting many on their media careers.  In 2015, Don was honored by the History of Idaho Broadcasting Foundation for his role in local radio history.

Don followed a dream again when he moved to Idaho City in the 1970s.  There he owned and managed multiple businesses including the Idaho City Hotel, the Boise Basin Merc and the local cable TV company.  Living in Idaho City for over 30 years, Don became known for his knowledge of local history while giving countless hours to the Historic Preservation Commission and the Chamber of Commerce.  He was consistently helping others, especially those in need.  

Don will be missed by his daughter, Colleen Villegas and her husband, Matt, and Don’s grandsons, Shea and Lennon; his wife, Pat; his stepdaughter, Liberty Klautsch and her husband, Richard; his stepson Jeremiah Yancy and his family; his sister, Lynda Campbell Clark and her family; his mother, Edith Campbell; his parish nurse, Dorothy; and his best friend Daria, as well as his aunts, uncle, cousins and many, many others.  He was preceded in death by his father, Dean Campbell, and his grandparents, Earl & Hazel Antrim and Roscoe & Pearl Campbell.  

A celebration of Don’s life will be held on Saturday October 22nd at Beside Bardenay, 612 W. Grove St. in downtown Boise from 1 to 3pm.  All are welcome and encouraged to share a memory of Don.  Memorial donations may be made in Don’s name to the Idaho City Historic Preservation Commission, the Saint Alphonsus Nampa Health Foundation or your favorite charity.  

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