Eugene "Gene" Jay Campbell

In loving memory of Eugene “Gene” Campbell

Gene, age 76, died peacefully, surrounded by his four children on March 27, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Denver, Colorado. Gene was a devoted father, grandfather, son, and brother to a large family. He especially loved being “G-pa” to his seven grandchildren. 

Gene was born on December 28, 1947, in La Junta, Colorado to Ernest and Katherine Campbell. He lived on a working farm in Rocky Ford with his parents and siblings. During his childhood, he witnessed racial discrimination against many he cared about. The unequal treatment of one of his friends fueled his passion for equity, fairness, and compassion to all, no matter their skin color. He was known by most for his impeccable work ethic and his manner of always treating people well. He passed these key qualities on to his four kids who, in turn, have already begun to pass them on to their own kids. In this way, and in many others, his legacy lives on strong.

Earning a Master of Education from Colorado State University led him to his 30+ year career in Education. He retired in 2002 as the Assistant Commissioner in charge of licensing for the Colorado Department of Education. Gene was known for launching the Colorado Alternative Teacher Program as Executive Director and Assistant Commissioner. From 1995-1996, he served as President of NASDTEC, a non-partisan membership organization that supports licensure of effective professional educators. As a fierce protector of children, he fought for background checks to be required of all teachers across the 50 United States and pushed the initiative in Canada.

Gene was an animal lover, and we’re sure his 2 favorite dogs, Chester and Winston, were anxiously awaiting him in the next stage.

Gene is survived by his family of 5 siblings (Jerre, Carol, John, Cathy, Glen), 4 children (Aimee & husband Darren, Ryan & wife Amanda, Logan & wife Shannon, and Trent & wife Genevieve), and 7 grandchildren (Tevin, Brynlee, Holden, Charley, Julien, Tilly, and Nico). 

A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, June 22, 2024. More details will be provided closer to the date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Gene’s memory at the Denver Dumb Friends League: https://www.ddfl.org/donation-center/ 

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