PORTLAND – Jeffrey Campbell, a dedicated supervisor at Long Creek Youth Development Center, who was active in the Portland Eagles Club and generously gave back to the community, died Wednesday. He was 52.

Mr. Campbell worked at Long Creek, formerly known as the Maine Youth Center in South Portland for 22 years. He was hired as a program worker and quickly worked his way up the ranks to juvenile facility operation supervisor. Part of his job was to help write behavior and rehabilitation programs for residents and implement them. Some of those programs included building a garden for the residents to maintain. The produce from the garden was then donated to local soup kitchens.

His daughter, Jenny Bishop, of East Hartford, Conn., said her father inspired residents at Long Creek and taught them how to be productive members of society.

“He liked helping the residents give back to their communities,” Bishop said. “He impacted their lives in a positive way. He was really a father figure to every single young man and woman that came through there.”

Mr. Campbell retired a couple of years ago when he developed health problems.

He was a loving husband to Sibyl Campbell, his wife for 22 years. They got married in 1989. At the time, she had two children. Then, Bishop came along. She said her parents had a good life. She said they enjoyed spending time with family and going for rides in their convertible. They also liked going to flea markets and yard sales.

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“They were incredibly happy and very much in love,” Bishop said. “He adored her.”

Mr. Campbell was active in the community. He was a ham radio operator, who assisted in local disaster relief efforts.

He was also a dedicated member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles 565. He served a stint as president and regional president of the club. Bishop said he used his offices in the club to continue his charity work. Over the years, he helped raise money for many local and national causes.

“He didn’t have the greatest childhood,” his daughter said. “It was important for him to make sure other kids had a better childhood than he did He wanted to show kids that they were worth something.”

Mr. Campbell had a passion for cooking. He was also a Dedimus Justice. He officiated many weddings over the years, including Bishop’s wedding.

“It meant everything to me, absolutely everything,” she said. “It was an honor to have him officiating.”

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Mr. Campbell was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March. He received treatment, but the cancer spread and he gradually became weaker, his daughter said.

He died at home with his wife, daughter and friend by his side.

“It was a blessing,” Bishop said. “It had been a long journey, but he’s at peace.”

Staff Writer Melanie Creamer can be contacted at 791-6361 or at: mcreamer@pressherald.com

 


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