LISBON FALLS — Late in the night on August 3, 2017, we said goodbye to Wayne “Larry” Campbell after a long and hard-fought battle with many health problems. If sheer determination and a positive attitude could have saved him, he would be with us still.

Wayne was born in Bethesda, Maryland on July 9, 1953 and spent many of his early years in North Carolina. After moving to Maine, he graduated from Brunswick High School. On May 7, 1994, he married Ellen Hall and was her sunshine and her rock for the next 23 years. They enjoyed much together, especially their annual “spring break” in Las Vegas after a long winter plowing snow.

After trying his hand as a carpenter, construction worker, and bouncer, among other things, Wayne became the foreman of the Topsham Public Works Department. He held that position for almost 30 years before retiring in 2016.

While working for the Town, Wayne was a driving force behind the employees’ decision to organize and become members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. That was the beginning of Wayne’s enthusiastic participation in union activities. He was the Vice President of Local S89 and a member of the Maine Council of Machinists at the time of his death. He also served on the Executive Boards of District 4 of the IAM and of the Maine AFLCIO. Always happy to lend a hand in any way he could, he made lasting friendships with many of his union brothers and sisters.

For many years, Wayne was a member of the Topsham Fair and a tireless volunteer in its harness racing program. He served for several years as the Racing Director, again making friends along the way.

Wayne was never happier than when he was fishing on East Grand Lake, hunting in the woods of northern Maine, or spending time with his family and friends. Despite his health problems, he was able to spend a few days fishing in late May, to attend the 4th of July family reunion and fireworks, and to enjoy at least three lobster feeds in the past month.

He was an optimistic, fun-loving, and kind-hearted man, devoted to his wife, his family, and his friends. He always saw the best in everyone and everything and had an obvious soft spot for the young and the elderly. Those who were troubled and a bit lost in this world and those who were not always accepted by others seemed to find their way to Wayne, always kind and never judgmental. Please remember Wayne by helping someone today. He would like that.

Survivors include his wife Ellen H. (Hall) Campbell of Lisbon Falls, two brothers, David G. and his wife Bonita Campbell of Bowdoin, Michael R. and his wife Bonnie Campbell of Brunswick, two sisters, Judith C. Bugler of Topsham, Jane E. and her husband Ralph Taylor of Bowdoin as well as many much loved nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held from 6-8 PM on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at the Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal Street, Brunswick. A funeral service will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at the funeral home with Reverend Sharon Lovejoy officiating. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Brunswick.

To leave a message of condolence for the Campbell family please visit www.brackettfuneralhome.com.