Talbot “Sammy” Campbell, Sr., 80, of North Newcastle, passed away on the evening of June 21 surrounded by his loving family. Born on Dec. 22, 1934 in North Newcastle, he was the son of Wilson and Hazel (Reay) Campbell.
Born and raised in Dyer’s Valley, he spent his youth in the woods, hunting, fishing and trapping; a love that would never leave him. At 15 he started painting bridges throughout the state, among them Bucksport, a feat he always remembered. Sammy joined the Marines after graduating Lincoln Academy in 1952, but his stint was short after being honorably discharged due to health reasons. Not able to serve his country, he found work at BIW as a welder and a pipefitter, the profession he retired from. He joined the union and was employed at power plants around New England, finally retiring from Millstone Nuclear Plant in Connecticut.
Sammy was a very patriotic and proud man who unfortunately was born 100 years later than he should have been. A mountain man at heart, he was an avid reader and historian. Happy to impart his knowledge to anyone that would listen, he instilled this love of history and reading in his children and would engage anyone in a spirited political discussion.
He was an admirer of antiques, Native American artifacts, firearms, traps, pack baskets, and creels – he loved it all. He was a talented craftsman and learned to weave his own packs, make bone utensils and fashion anything out of wood or leather. He tanned his own hides and taught himself the old time ways.
He was a handsome, devilish, loving man, a great dancer, teacher, dog lover, and prankster who will be missed by all who knew him and thought of him as a little larger than life. He loved kids, dogs and Republicans, and was proud to have been a lifelong member of the National Rifle Association. He believed so much in the NRA, and made sure his sons also had lifetime memberships. Sammy knew much and will be missed by many.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by sisters, Judith Grover and Jeannette Laura Campbell; and brother, Jeffrey Campbell.
He is survived by his wife, Rosemary Campbell of North Newcastle; daughters, Lauri Jo Campbell of South Bristol, Lisa Lincoln of Jefferson, and Lorna Cole of Damariscotta; sons, Talbot “TW” Campbell, Jr. of North Newcastle, and Robert “Bob” Campbell and wife Carrie of New Harbor; grandchildren, Sarah Fraser, Gabe Thayer, Kyle Lincoln, Lucas Lincoln, Tyler Cole, Callie Cole, Alexandria Lynn-Rose Campbell, and Arayna Campbell; step-grandson, Logan Willey; great-grandchildren, Brittany, Ethan, Nathan, Simon, Lilah and Riley; brother, Neiland Campbell, Sr.; sister, Marcia Hall; and ex-wife, Judith Campbell; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Fri., June 26 at the Newcastle-Alna Baptist Church in Alna, with the Rev. Richard Newell officiating. He will be laid to rest privately in the Sheepscot Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Maine Trappers Association, ℅ Brian Cogill – President, 416 Moulton Hill Rd., Parsonsfield, ME 04047; or the Newcastle Historical Society, PO Box 482, Newcastle, ME 04553.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
