Obituary: Dr. Rex L. Campbell
Published: Saturday, May 6, 2000 12:00 a.m.
Our loving husband, father and grandfather Dr. Rex L. Campbell went to his Heavenly home May 3, 2000.
The son of William Lewis and Lovisa Irene Christensen Campbell, he was born October 17, 1920 in Hansen, Idaho. He came to Salt Lake City when his was 10 years old. On February 25, 1944 he married Fern Piepgrass in the Salt Lake Temple.Dr. Campbell was a very talented man. He was an active member of the LDS Church serving in many capacities. He served his mission in the Southern States in 1941 He enjoyed being a Temple worker with his wife in the Jordan River Tempe. He recorded the LDS scriptures and other LDS books. He served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army 843rd Signal Service Battalion and the last year of his tour served in U.S. Army Intelligence. He received his Ph.D. degree in Philosophy from the University of Utah where he taught for 30 years retiring as Professor Emeritus in June of 1988. He loved his students and many of them stayed in touch over the years. During this time he received many awards including the first distinguished teaching award in the honors program. He had worked at KSL Radio Station retiring after 50 years of service. He was well known for his news broadcast and his Sunday Sound Of Music. In 1957 he helped pioneer KUED public television station and was manager for about ten years. He was an active member of the Utah Poetry Society. He loved going to the gym and was an avid walker and was often seen walking on South Temple from KSL to University of Utah.
All those who knew him, especially his family will miss his great spirit.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Michael; a grandson, Travis; and his brother, Jesse.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Fern; daughters, Linda Kathleen Campbell, Dorothy A. (Jack) Fritz; grandchildren, Jacob (Karolee) Fritz and Tiffany (Sean) Simmons; great-grandchildren, Alli Elise Robison, Whitney Price, Zackary and Keara Simmons; a brother, Ken (Marilyn) Campbell; and sister-in-law, Leone Campbell.
Funeral services will be 12 noon Monday May 8, 2000 in the Little Cottonwood 16th ward 6350 Rodeo Lane (6400 S. 1545 E.) under the direction of Memorial Estates Mortuary. Friends may call Sunday May 7, 2000 from 6-8 p.m. at the Mt. View Memorial Estates Chapel 7800 S. 3115 E. and one-hour prior before services at the church.
~~~
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Easter 2010
“Certainly, I will be with thee…..” An Easter Message from Sherman A. Beck 2010
The essential thing about Easter isn’t to remember that because of Christ, we shall live again, but it is to remember that because we shall live again and forever, we need to live as Christ-like as we can at this moment and forever more. Enduring to the end which escalates into major focus as we get older with most members of the LDS Church; therefore we give prominence to our joy and burden to live as Christ would have done so in our circumstances. Our Baptism covenants and our Temple covenants should be foremost in our mind as we strive to move from normal (natural) man and woman represented by noble Adam and intelligent Eve toward fully Celestial Beings in behavior, holy and whole in all things. Easter is a time for renewal, for re-commitment with increased faith and amplified hope!
A core aspect in this process is to know that Christ, the Lord, is available to help us. Our cherished Scriptures are accounts where the Gospel of Christ has blessed lives and delivers from evil. The Easter celebrations have roots in the Feast of the Passover. The conduct of Moses, the Prophet/Leader, helps us understand Easter. In the calling and preparation of Moses in order to strengthen him that might serve God and bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt, the Lord, Jehovah, speaks to Moses and says: “CERTAINLY I WILL BE WITH THEE…” Exodus 3:12
In my mind, we could not have a more apt and pertinent Easter message to influence our actions and beliefs this Easter and always: “Certainly, I will be with thee...” accordingly we can and should and live Christ-like.
In 1963, after our June 26th marriage in the Idaho Falls Temple and a honeymoon in San Francisco, Marilyn and I moved into the small home basement apartment owned by an older lady named Frieda Bollinger which was on Yale Ave, directly south of the Yale Ward Chapel. This area of Salt Lake was known as the Yale crest area neighborhood and was about two miles South East of East High School where I taught full time Seminary.
I was soon called to be a counselor to Brother Doug Smith, son of Joseph Fielding Smith, who was the Stake YM President. Our Bishop was Joseph B. Wirthlin, age 46 and he was later called as a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles in October 1986. You felt his love and goodness; however, he was a serious minded no-nonsense Church Leader and orthodox in every way. He was remarkably conscientious in doing the work of the Lord. Bishop Wirthlin was the son of the Presiding Bishop of the Church, Bishop Joseph A. Wirthlin, whom my father had enormous respect for. Our Bishop Wirthlin had a meat packing business which his father had started many years before and he devoted much time to this business and to the large number of employees which worked for him.
We had an impressive ward; it seemed to Marilyn and I (farm kids we were) that there were so many ward members on General Boards and other special Church-wide committees. Also, many ward members were relatives or close confidants of General Authorities for example I home taught a female cousin of Joseph Fielding Smith. I also taught a family across the street from Elder Mark E. Petersen’s home. Most people in the ward were educated and well to do. People were kind to us and seemed delighted that we had just married, yet we did not fit in either by age, education, wealth nor social status.
We had a very impressive Gospel Doctrine Teacher . He was a striking fellow: tall with broad shoulders and a full head of wavy pre-mature grey hair and a dynamic persona. He was his early 40s and energetic. He had a marvelous cultured voice; he was a University of Utah Professor and Philosopher, teaching in that subject area and in the fine arts. In addition, he had a bi-weekly radio show at KSL where he discussed the arts, languages and occasional social issues. Furthermore, he was in demand to recorded books, etc.
It was hypnotic to attend his Gospel Doctrine class and the class was huge, usually about 150 people. Many of the class members were from outside of the Ward boundaries. The Bishop later told me that about 40%, who came to our Gospel Doctrine class, should have been attending other wards in the area. His teaching of the New Testament was primarily from a literary and historical perspective. I found his class very interesting; however, both Marilyn and I often noted that the class seemed deficient in spirit and doctrine. Seldom, were doctrinal issues discussed either by the teacher or by class members. He was, nevertheless, a dazzling teacher and generally encouraged class participation.
Right after Christmas, I was called into the Bishop’s office and given the most frightening Church calling I have ever received. He said: “Bro. Beck, I have visited with the Stake Leaders and they will release you from your Stake Calling. I wish to call you to be the new Gospel Doctrine teacher and the Lord has confirmed this calling to me.” I was completely taken aback. “Is Brother Campbell being called to some other position I asked?” Bishop Wirthlin looked at me like it was not any of my business which was correct. Neither his demeanor nor empathy for me or Brother¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬ Campbell was evident nor did his manner soften as he continued. “Brother Rex will not be called to a new calling at this time,” the Bishop said. He then asked if I needed time to consider this calling and I answered “no Bishop; however, have you considered the present teacher’s popularity and how negatively most of the class members will react to me or anyone else taking over the teaching of this class?” I went on to say that I felt comfortable in teaching the youth in Seminary, but teaching a mature and accomplished group of adults who was use to Brother Campbell’s teaching expertise with a high level of education and sophistication was beyond my abilities.
Bishop Wirthlin asked me if I had a testimony and I said I did. He asked me to share it with him which I did briefly. He then said that if I was to teach the first Sunday of the New Year and would be sustained that day in Sacrament meeting.
He then had me turn to Exodus 3:12 and read out loud. He reminded me that it was the Lord speaking to Moses. “And he said, Certainly I will be with thee….” When I read that far, he said: “That was Jehovah speaking, and most certainly the Lord will be with you, Brother Beck, in this important assignment.” He then finally soften in his manner toward me and said: “Brother Rex doesn’t know Joseph Smith is a prophet, but you do.”
It was no easy adjustment for the Gospel Doctrine Class, at first we lost about 50 % of the class and over the next 60 days most of the Ward members returned which was the desire of Bishop Wirthlin. I was a nervous young teacher and usually over-prepared which often impede the flow of the teaching process. However, the Lord was with me and soon most class members participated, the Spirit came and it was a successful class.
I’m pleased to read in the obituary (below) about Rex Campbell and note he went on to participate in the Kingdom and serve as a Temple worker, etc. I’m glad. He was a gifted and impressive fellow.
This Easter and always, I pray that we all remember and press forward with faith for “…Certainly I (the Lord) will be with thee…”
The essential thing about Easter isn’t to remember that because of Christ, we shall live again, but it is to remember that because we shall live again and forever, we need to live as Christ-like as we can at this moment and forever more. Enduring to the end which escalates into major focus as we get older with most members of the LDS Church; therefore we give prominence to our joy and burden to live as Christ would have done so in our circumstances. Our Baptism covenants and our Temple covenants should be foremost in our mind as we strive to move from normal (natural) man and woman represented by noble Adam and intelligent Eve toward fully Celestial Beings in behavior, holy and whole in all things. Easter is a time for renewal, for re-commitment with increased faith and amplified hope!
A core aspect in this process is to know that Christ, the Lord, is available to help us. Our cherished Scriptures are accounts where the Gospel of Christ has blessed lives and delivers from evil. The Easter celebrations have roots in the Feast of the Passover. The conduct of Moses, the Prophet/Leader, helps us understand Easter. In the calling and preparation of Moses in order to strengthen him that might serve God and bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt, the Lord, Jehovah, speaks to Moses and says: “CERTAINLY I WILL BE WITH THEE…” Exodus 3:12
In my mind, we could not have a more apt and pertinent Easter message to influence our actions and beliefs this Easter and always: “Certainly, I will be with thee...” accordingly we can and should and live Christ-like.
In 1963, after our June 26th marriage in the Idaho Falls Temple and a honeymoon in San Francisco, Marilyn and I moved into the small home basement apartment owned by an older lady named Frieda Bollinger which was on Yale Ave, directly south of the Yale Ward Chapel. This area of Salt Lake was known as the Yale crest area neighborhood and was about two miles South East of East High School where I taught full time Seminary.
I was soon called to be a counselor to Brother Doug Smith, son of Joseph Fielding Smith, who was the Stake YM President. Our Bishop was Joseph B. Wirthlin, age 46 and he was later called as a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles in October 1986. You felt his love and goodness; however, he was a serious minded no-nonsense Church Leader and orthodox in every way. He was remarkably conscientious in doing the work of the Lord. Bishop Wirthlin was the son of the Presiding Bishop of the Church, Bishop Joseph A. Wirthlin, whom my father had enormous respect for. Our Bishop Wirthlin had a meat packing business which his father had started many years before and he devoted much time to this business and to the large number of employees which worked for him.
We had an impressive ward; it seemed to Marilyn and I (farm kids we were) that there were so many ward members on General Boards and other special Church-wide committees. Also, many ward members were relatives or close confidants of General Authorities for example I home taught a female cousin of Joseph Fielding Smith. I also taught a family across the street from Elder Mark E. Petersen’s home. Most people in the ward were educated and well to do. People were kind to us and seemed delighted that we had just married, yet we did not fit in either by age, education, wealth nor social status.
We had a very impressive Gospel Doctrine Teacher . He was a striking fellow: tall with broad shoulders and a full head of wavy pre-mature grey hair and a dynamic persona. He was his early 40s and energetic. He had a marvelous cultured voice; he was a University of Utah Professor and Philosopher, teaching in that subject area and in the fine arts. In addition, he had a bi-weekly radio show at KSL where he discussed the arts, languages and occasional social issues. Furthermore, he was in demand to recorded books, etc.
It was hypnotic to attend his Gospel Doctrine class and the class was huge, usually about 150 people. Many of the class members were from outside of the Ward boundaries. The Bishop later told me that about 40%, who came to our Gospel Doctrine class, should have been attending other wards in the area. His teaching of the New Testament was primarily from a literary and historical perspective. I found his class very interesting; however, both Marilyn and I often noted that the class seemed deficient in spirit and doctrine. Seldom, were doctrinal issues discussed either by the teacher or by class members. He was, nevertheless, a dazzling teacher and generally encouraged class participation.
Right after Christmas, I was called into the Bishop’s office and given the most frightening Church calling I have ever received. He said: “Bro. Beck, I have visited with the Stake Leaders and they will release you from your Stake Calling. I wish to call you to be the new Gospel Doctrine teacher and the Lord has confirmed this calling to me.” I was completely taken aback. “Is Brother Campbell being called to some other position I asked?” Bishop Wirthlin looked at me like it was not any of my business which was correct. Neither his demeanor nor empathy for me or Brother¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬ Campbell was evident nor did his manner soften as he continued. “Brother Rex will not be called to a new calling at this time,” the Bishop said. He then asked if I needed time to consider this calling and I answered “no Bishop; however, have you considered the present teacher’s popularity and how negatively most of the class members will react to me or anyone else taking over the teaching of this class?” I went on to say that I felt comfortable in teaching the youth in Seminary, but teaching a mature and accomplished group of adults who was use to Brother Campbell’s teaching expertise with a high level of education and sophistication was beyond my abilities.
Bishop Wirthlin asked me if I had a testimony and I said I did. He asked me to share it with him which I did briefly. He then said that if I was to teach the first Sunday of the New Year and would be sustained that day in Sacrament meeting.
He then had me turn to Exodus 3:12 and read out loud. He reminded me that it was the Lord speaking to Moses. “And he said, Certainly I will be with thee….” When I read that far, he said: “That was Jehovah speaking, and most certainly the Lord will be with you, Brother Beck, in this important assignment.” He then finally soften in his manner toward me and said: “Brother Rex doesn’t know Joseph Smith is a prophet, but you do.”
It was no easy adjustment for the Gospel Doctrine Class, at first we lost about 50 % of the class and over the next 60 days most of the Ward members returned which was the desire of Bishop Wirthlin. I was a nervous young teacher and usually over-prepared which often impede the flow of the teaching process. However, the Lord was with me and soon most class members participated, the Spirit came and it was a successful class.
I’m pleased to read in the obituary (below) about Rex Campbell and note he went on to participate in the Kingdom and serve as a Temple worker, etc. I’m glad. He was a gifted and impressive fellow.
This Easter and always, I pray that we all remember and press forward with faith for “…Certainly I (the Lord) will be with thee…”
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
If I were a rich MAN
DEAR FAMILY,
Remember Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof? "If I were a rich man, I'd have time...To sit in the synagogue and pray, ... And I'd discuss the Holy Books with the learned men, several hours every day, THAT WOULD BE THE SWEETEST THING OF ALL!"
This blog (THE GOSPEL ACCORDING to THE PUNKAMAN) is my attempt to mimic Tevye's wishes, and I hope to briefly blog about my reading and profound thoughts along with a score of good references that I have come across in my studies, thinking and prayers. As Michael recently said when he visited us, commenting accurately about my health: "Good grief dad, about the only thing you still have that is still working is your mind." [this is a paraphrase].
As a premise let me say that I think LOVE is the most important thing in the world. I accept the notion found in the Epistles of John and elsewhere in the Scriptures and other worthwhile books that God The Father intimated love as he engaged and extended himself to the intelligences which were self-existence with him. His invitation to become part of his family---developing and evolving thru spiritual birth, childhood and eventually physical birth and mortality is the essence of love matched only by the Atonement.
The Atonement's primary roles of love are offered by Jehovah and Elohim; however, many had important roles to play on both sides of the veil. I believe spousal love, parenthood and sibling love being very significant.
On this foundation are the concepts highlighted by Sir Arthur Henry King, especially found in his book (ARM THE CHILDREN) in the chapter: "God's Healing Wholeness" page 331ff. The words, healing, whole and holy are etymologically akin. Furthermore, we need to understand the relationship of the old English "again bit of inwit" and forgiveness have an etymologically relationship to "Atonement." And so it is, we must "bit of inwit" which is understood has humility, repentance as we "bite ourselves" for doing wrong and we "forgive ourselves and others."
Finally, Dr. King says (on page 335), "Since we believe in soul, and since we believe that the fundamental and final task of the soul is to learn to love and learn to love more widely, deeply intensely. and highly, the word love must cover the whole gamut."" (Bold print is mine) So the Gospel according to the Punkaman is LEARN TO LOVE AND LOVE TO LEARN.
I hope this blog will help us all to do just that. I welcome your questions and your comments. All responses will be appreciated.. love forever, dad
Remember Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof? "If I were a rich man, I'd have time...To sit in the synagogue and pray, ... And I'd discuss the Holy Books with the learned men, several hours every day, THAT WOULD BE THE SWEETEST THING OF ALL!"
This blog (THE GOSPEL ACCORDING to THE PUNKAMAN) is my attempt to mimic Tevye's wishes, and I hope to briefly blog about my reading and profound thoughts along with a score of good references that I have come across in my studies, thinking and prayers. As Michael recently said when he visited us, commenting accurately about my health: "Good grief dad, about the only thing you still have that is still working is your mind." [this is a paraphrase].
As a premise let me say that I think LOVE is the most important thing in the world. I accept the notion found in the Epistles of John and elsewhere in the Scriptures and other worthwhile books that God The Father intimated love as he engaged and extended himself to the intelligences which were self-existence with him. His invitation to become part of his family---developing and evolving thru spiritual birth, childhood and eventually physical birth and mortality is the essence of love matched only by the Atonement.
The Atonement's primary roles of love are offered by Jehovah and Elohim; however, many had important roles to play on both sides of the veil. I believe spousal love, parenthood and sibling love being very significant.
On this foundation are the concepts highlighted by Sir Arthur Henry King, especially found in his book (ARM THE CHILDREN) in the chapter: "God's Healing Wholeness" page 331ff. The words, healing, whole and holy are etymologically akin. Furthermore, we need to understand the relationship of the old English "again bit of inwit" and forgiveness have an etymologically relationship to "Atonement." And so it is, we must "bit of inwit" which is understood has humility, repentance as we "bite ourselves" for doing wrong and we "forgive ourselves and others."
Finally, Dr. King says (on page 335), "Since we believe in soul, and since we believe that the fundamental and final task of the soul is to learn to love and learn to love more widely, deeply intensely. and highly, the word love must cover the whole gamut."" (Bold print is mine) So the Gospel according to the Punkaman is LEARN TO LOVE AND LOVE TO LEARN.
I hope this blog will help us all to do just that. I welcome your questions and your comments. All responses will be appreciated.. love forever, dad
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