ROCKLAND — Linwood M. Campbell Jr., 59, died peacefully Oct. 7, 2012, in Jacksonville, Fla., with his family gathered around him.

Born in Rockland Sept. 30, 1953, he was the son of Linwood M. Sr. and Geraldine Tolman Campbell. Educated in local schools, he was a 1972 graduate of Rockland District High School. He also attended Maine Classical Institute in Pittsfield. 

From an early age Linwood was a phenomenal athlete, excelling in all sports. Linwood always respected his coach, Bobby Brown. They kept in touch over the years, and during a recent phone call, Coach Brown affectionately used Linwood’s high school nickname "Donkey," in recognition of Linwood’s stubbornness. 

He was first employed as director of maintenance at Region 8 Vocational/Technical School in Rockland.  For the past 20 years, he worked with Lonza in Rockland and most recently served as a production supervisor/educator with that company. Linwood loved and cared for his co-workers at Lonza, and considered them family.

In July 2003, he married his best friend and soul mate, Charlotte J. Mazzeo, at the Samoset Resort in Rockport. The couple have made their home in Rockland since that time and renewed their vows in a ceremony at St. Bernards Catholic Church in January 2004.

Always concerned about his family and loved ones, he followed all his daughter Rachel’s basketball and softball games, always coaching her from the sidelines. They shared a special father-daughter bond and recently Linwood told Rachel that he loved her more than anyone could imagine. More recently, Linwood took a great interest in his nieces' and nephews' sporting events, especially Kasey's and Kelsey’s, attending many games even when he was unable to get out of his car.

He enjoyed carpentry, was a master handyman and was always working on a personal project or helping others. At the time his wife opened a new clinic, Linwood was instrumental in the development of the business and renovations to the building. He was usually busy either mowing his lawn, helping someone else, or riding in his beloved Jeep, which was his pride and joy. Another favorite pastime was shopping, and he would travel any distance to find just the right gift. A trickster and jokester at heart, he often played jokes on family and friends. He also loved karaoke and dancing.

An avid golfer, he was a member of the Rockland Golf Club, where he once shot a hole-in-one on the 10th hole. He also enjoyed playing in many golf tournaments. 

Selfless and thoughtful, when Linwood recently left for anticipated transplant surgery in Florida, he realized Dorman’s Dairy Dream would not be opened when he and Charlotte returned. Linwood dispatched his brother to purchase enough of his wife’s favorite flavors, to fill her freezer. As the ravages of fatty liver disease advanced, Linwood was overwhelmed by the support and love of the community at large. He often spoke of his gratitude for that outpouring of love, which gave him the ability to keep fighting not only for himself, but his loved ones as well.

He was a longtime member of the Rockland Elks Lodge No. 1008.

He enjoyed lifelong friendships and camaraderies with David Cowan and David Libby.

Besides his parents, Linwood was predeceased by a step-son, Shawn Winchenbach in 1992; and one brother, Steve G. Campbell, just 27 days ago. He is survived by his beloved wife, Charlotte; his daughter, Rachel Campbell; his step-children, Cristina Fowlie and her husband, Jared Cowan, and Clay Fowlie III and his wife, Rachel Miller-Fowlie, all of Rockland; two brothers, Michael Campbell and his wife, Aimee, of South Thomaston and Richard Campbell of Rockland; two sisters, Jacqueline Campbell of Rockport and Susan Saadat and her husband, Ali, of Massachusetts; his step-mother, Linda Campbell of Rockport; his mother-in-law, Emma Mazzeo of Rockland; several aunts and uncles, including Percy Campbell of Warren, with whom Linwood had a special bond during recent months; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held Monday, Oct. 15 from 2 to 4 in the afternoon and 6 to 8 in the eveningat Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, Oct. 16 be at 11 a.m.at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 150 Broadway in Rockland. The Rev. Richard Malo will officiate.  A reception will follow at the Rockland Golf Club, 606 Old County Road in Rockland.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Bernard’s Soup Kitchen, 7 Union St., Camden, ME 04843; the Humane Society of Knox County, P. O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841; or become an organ donor in Linwood’s memory.

To share a memory or condolence with Linwood’s family, visit his online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.