MURDO A. CAMPBELL
Murdo, the youngest of the four Campbell brothers and, as he so aptly put it, the last man standing, passed away in Helena, Montana, on March 17, 2020, after bravely battling Alzheimer’s disease for several years.
Born on May 23, 1933 in Great Falls, Montana, Murdo was the son of Murdo “Duff” Campbell and Elizabeth McFarlane Campbell. Growing up in Great Falls, Murdo worked hard to meet the high standards set for him by his older brothers and received several accolades for his athletic achievements at Great Falls High. Murdo then followed in the footsteps of his brothers by earning a football scholarship to the University of Montana. He played both quarterback and running back, starting for the mighty Grizzly football team all four years and defeating the Montana State University Bobcats each year – an accomplishment which Murdo, on occasion, would remind his Bobcat buddies. In 1955, Murdo received the prestigious Grizzly Cup, which was awarded to the outstanding UM student who best exemplified excellence in athletics and academics.
After graduating with a degree in Journalism, Murdo took a position as Sports Information Director for the University of Montana. Just after college, he married Eve Eliel, and they were blessed with three sons. After living in Spokane for three years, the family settled in Great Falls. The family enjoyed many activities together such as snow skiing, sporting events at Great Falls High School, and socializing with family and friends. While living in Great Falls, Murdo worked for McGraw Hill selling textbooks to schools throughout the state followed by employment with Cascade County.
Murdo married Marlene Didriksen in 1983 and moved to Helena. Marlene’s two children couldn’t have asked for a more supportive and loving stepfather. For 36 wonderful years, Marlene and Murdo enjoyed many adventures and endeavors. They were a great team, always working on projects together, traveling together, and spending as much time with family as possible. Their love only grew stronger as the years passed.
After moving to Helena, Murdo worked as an Administrative Officer of the Coal Board for the State of Montana until retiring in 1995. He began working part-time for FEMA in 1991 as a Public Information Officer and was deployed to many places that had been devastated by hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes, including Hurricane Andrew in Florida and the Northridge Earthquake in California. He also worked part-time for the Research Triangular Institute, a government agency that conducted surveys to gather information on the use and non-use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs in Montana.
Murdo was very proud of his Scottish heritage. His parents were the only members of their families to leave Scotland and settle in the USA. Through Murdo’s efforts, the USA and Scotland Campbells were reconnected, resulting in many enjoyable trips by the USA Campbells to Scotland. Murdo persuaded his Scottish cousins to venture to America for periodic visits, and they would always arrive in time for the annual Campbell Jamboree (Cam Jam) held at the family cabin in Lincoln, Montana. Murdo looked forward to all family gatherings and he always made a lasting impression at any occasion with his witty comments, fun-loving ways, and genuine interest in others.
Murdo’s interest in sports and his love of a challenge continued throughout his lifetime. Every golf season he could be seen on the golf course with his family or friends trying to perfect his score. He welcomed new challenges and competed in Masters Track and also the Track and Field Events in the Senior Olympics. These events opened up the opportunity for travel to regional and state competitions. However, the sport of horseracing was probably Murdo’s favorite hobby. He was part-owner of several race horses and followed the meets around the state and elsewhere. He continued throughout the years to be an ardent fan of the Grizzlies and every fall enjoyed the excitement of the games from the north end zone where he fit in very well with the North End Zone Crazies.
Murdo, along with a committee of high school classmates, put forth a great deal of time and effort in establishing a Class of 1951 Scholarship with the Montana Community Foundation. Thanks to many generous classmates throughout the years, the scholarship will be awarded to a graduating Great Falls High student every year in perpetuity.
Murdo was preceded in death by his parents, Murdo and Elizabeth, and his brothers Don, Kenneth, and Tom. He is survived by his loving blended family: wife, Marlene, sons Neil Campbell (Kate) of Poulsbo, Washington; Bruce Campbell (Chris) of Helena, Montana; Glen Campbell (Sharilyn) of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Derek (Lisa) Didriksen of Manhattan, Montana; daughter Darcey Pipinich (Nick) of Marysville, Montana; grandchildren Megan, Lauren, Maya, Ambria, Connor, Kasidee, Dani, Jake, Daela, Tiegan and Adele; his sisters-in-law Pat (Kennewick, WA), Sylvia (Fort Collins, CO) and Bev (Helena, MT); numerous nieces and nephews; and several cousins living in Scotland, UK. Also surviving him is his faithful canine companion, Angus. Murdo’s family thanks Hospice of St. Peter’s Health for their assistance and care. Also, a very special thank you goes to the dedicated and compassionate staff of Touchmark’s Memory Care who enabled Murdo’s great character to shine during his time there. The staff provided Murdo loving care, companionship, and a multitude of special moments, always with respect and dignity.
Murdo’s Celebration of Life will be held at Spring Meadow Lake Pavilion in Helena, Montana, taking place at a date when it is safe again for family and friends to gather together. In lieu of flowers, donations would be very appreciated in Murdo’s memory to the following: (1) Montana Community Foundation, P O Box 1145, Helena MT 59624-1145 (re: Class of 1951 Scholarship Fund) (www.mtcf.org); or (2) McLaughlin Research Institute, 1520 23rd Street South, Great Falls MT 59405 (www.McLaughlinResearch.org).
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
10:30 am
Friday July 31, 2020
Spring meadow lake pavilion
2715 country club drive
Helena , Montana
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
10:30 am
Friday July 31, 2020
Spring meadow lake pavilion
2715 country club drive
Helena , Montana
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Jerry and Velma Johnson says
Sad to read of the passing of Murdo. Will remember him with his sense of humor and positive outlook on life. We were Grizzly team mates back in the 50’s, and he was one fine quarterback. Our prayers go out to Marlene and all the family. Jerry and Velma
Linda says
Sorry to see that Murdo passed away. Prayers for all the family. My pet therapy dog, Zoey enjoyed seeing him at Touchmark. He will be missed.
Tom Gustin says
Marlene and family, we are so very sorry. Both you and Murdo were always so kind to us when we were visiting Mom at Touchmark. Murdo was truly one of a kind and he will be greatly missed by staff, residents and families at Touchmark. Our thoughts are with you!
All our love, Tom and Lori Gustin
Jack and Sherryl Vaughn says
Jack and I are so sorry to hear Murdo passed. Prayers are with you Marlene and your family..he will be missed.
Jon Metropoulos says
Bruce and family: Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss. And also recall how much Murdo gave to us when we met him at Touch Mark. I always enjoyed his humor and vigor. “I am the POWER!” he said during the bouncing ball game. He was a great guy.
We, Theresa, my Mom, and I, are very sorry for your loss.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Jon and Theresa Metropoulos
Clay Schulz says
Very saddened to hear of Murdo’s passing and would like to offer my condolences to the family. As a former Griz with Murdo always will remember for almost 70 years his reluctance to have to go to or through Bozeman. Great sense of humor.
Sincerely,
Clay Schulz
Merry Casteel says
Marlene, So sad for your loss. Jack passed away on the 10th. No doubt those two are having some good laughs again!! We loved Murdo, very special guy. Take care of you. Hugs
Jim Wilcox and Sally Russell says
We are sad to here that Murdo has passed away. Our hearts are sad Marlene, for you and your family. May he Rest In Peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now, and in the days ahead. God Bless all of you!
Kevin Bartsch says
Flame and family- Sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was a gentleman in every sense. My Dad sure enjoyed their Griz football reunions! Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Newell Anderson says
Murdo and I worked together at the Montana Department of Commerce. Murdo was the Administrative Officier for the Montana Coal Board and as such was a significant player in the states and the coal counties involvement & experience of our “Coal Boom” & subsequent decline. Murdo dealt with everyone , from bar tenders to coal company
CEO’S.From city council members to Govenors. He also always ventured thru the communities, listening to local moms and dads about their future desires for where they live. Murdo truely cared about the people of Eastern Montana It can and should be said, Murdo made a difference – with a smile.
He will be remembered and missed.
John Maloney says
Murdo was a great friend and a real character in the best sense. There was never a dull moment when he was around.
My condolences to Marlene and the family. Murdo will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him, especially his Bullseye coffee group.
May he Rest In Peace.
Carol Duval says
So very sorry Marlene. We were involved in this battle against Alzheimers for the past few years together with our spouses and my heart goes out to you and your family at this difficult time. Murdo was always so entertaining to be around and always brought a smile or a laugh to any occasion. He will truly be missed. God Bless.
Tom Keegan says
Murdo and I had great adventures attending the Breeders Cup Races at Churchill Downs and Santa Anita. My father and sister in Louisville thoroughly enjoyed him.Very sad to have Murdo gone, but I still have great memories of our times together. He was the best. Our condolences to Marlene and family.
Casey Clinch says
The last time I visited with Murdo, about a year ago, he made a point of reminding me that I was “#1”. I always enjoyed my time with him! I sure want to thank Glen, Bruce, and Neil for sharing your dad with all of us.
Jill Shea says
Marlene and family. Don and I are sad to hear of Murdos passing. He will be greatly missed by all of his horse racing and coffee group. He was a trooper! God bless you all!
Charlie Briggs says
My prayers for peace and grace to Marlene and the rest of the family with Murdo’s passing. A great guy and always a loving friend. I cherish the years we all shared together at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral. May God give you comfort in this time of grief.
Don Pratt says
To the Campbell family: So sorry to hear of the passing of Murdo. We had many good times together. He was always worth a laugh or two and will be missed.
Bill Schweyen says
Sending prayers and comfort ing thoughts to you. Many memories, miss Murdo’s sense of humor and stimulating discussions.
Shari Welker Brownback says
Marlene, Darcy and Derek,
I am so sorry to read about Murdo’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I will never forget how kind he was.
With love,
Shari Welker
Durk&Paula Pipinich says
Sorry to hear about Murdo he will be missed.
Brianna Whitaker says
Marlene & Family-
I am very sorry to hear about Murdo’s passing. He was always such a great presence at all your family gatherings and events. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Much Love
Terry Harris says
Marlene and family, so sorry to hear of Murdo’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Monna Foster says
It’s been a long hard fight but he did it with dignity! Enjoyed the parties you hosted for the group and friends at homecoming and visiting with Murdo and Marlene. Cherish your memories. You have many I am sure! Love to you all! Monna Foster
Debra Johnson says
I was fortunate enough to know Murdo and his extended family. He truly loved his family and friends. He will be missed. All my love to his family. Debra and Eric Johnson
Saralynn Robbins says
Dear Marlene and family,
My Dad was Hershel M Robbins from Roundup, MT Murdo was such a good friend to him while in Helena and after he was back home in Roundup he talk fondly of Murdo, what a nice man he was and such a help to him while in Helena. My prayers to you and your family he will be missed.
Saralynn Robbins
Roundup, MT
Milt Merrick says
So very sorry to hear of Murdo’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to the entire Campbell family. Growing up in Great Falls with the four Campbell brothers, I have many, many pleasant memories of time spent with each of them and their families, especially of our many great get-togethers at the “Cam Jams” in Lincoln. Murdo was a wonderful
human being with a great sense of humor, and his warm smile here says it all, as he leaves us with many pleasant
memories. Milt and Janie Merrick, Denver, Colorado.
Webb Family says
Hal and the Webb family send our condolences to Marlene and the Campbell family on the passing of Murdo. We all cherish and hold dear the memories of Murdo and the Webb/Campbell family connection. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Wilma Tabaracci says
Marlene, Angus and family,
sending you all love and prayers. Wilma
Sweet Murdo is truly missed. I enjoyed his sense of humor in all activities,but mostly I enjoyed our discusions about GRIZ football
Katie Campbell says
Thinking of you, Marlene, and all the family with love and so many fond and fun memories of Murdo and the wonderful times I have had the good fortune to share with this amazing, generous, loving father of my husband Neil. Love you and sending hugs to you all!
Paul Montgomery says
Murdo always had a smile and laugh ready for everybody he engaged. People of his character are rare and he set an example by which all people can aspire. My deepest condolences to Marlene, Glen, Bruce, Neil and families. Mar sin leat Murdo – you are missed.