Richard J. "Dick" Campeau

Richard J. Campeau of Watrousville, age 75, passed away at his home surrounded by the love of his family on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, following a courageous battle with cancer. Known to family as "Chum," Dick was born March 24, 1944 in Saginaw, the son of the late Richard & Olga (Dzuba) Campeau. He was raised in Saginaw and graduated from Arthur Hill High School with the class of 1962. Shortly after graduation, Dick began a thirty-five-year career with Saginaw Steering Gear as a job setter, retiring in 1996. In search of a quieter life, he moved from Saginaw to Watrousville in 1968 where he became an active member of its community life. He was united in marriage with the former Maryellen Farnum on October 13, 1973 at the Watrousville United Methodist Church, and she survives. Dick served as the Juniata Township Cemetery sexton for over fifteen years and was previously a member of the township's planning commission. He loved the outdoors and mowed lawns for family and friends as a form of meditation. Naturally creative and practical, Dick could fix virtually anything and invented countless gadgets, a skill he tried to pass to his grandchildren when he wasn't making them pick up walnuts in the yard. He also enjoyed gardening and working with stained glass. Dick's kind and gentle spirit will be missed by those lucky enough to have met him. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Maryellen Campeau of Watrousville; four children and their spouses, Shannon & Dennis Bess of Bay City, Corrine & Dan Weiner of Calabasas, California, Darren & Genelle Campeau of Watrousville; daughter-in-law, Stephanie Hall of Unionville; six grandchildren, Brandi Rutkowski, Chelsea Wierzbowski, Alexander, Justin and Charles Weiner, Lucas Campeau; one great-granddaughter, Journie; honorary daughter, Brenda Wachner and her children, Jason and Onna; six siblings and their spouses, Larry & Cara Campeau of California, Janice & David James of Saginaw, Patricia & Larry Taylor of Oklahoma, Bob & Sue Campeau of Illinois, Lorraine & Bill Lazorchak of Saginaw, Mary & Frank Edmondson of Saginaw; many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by one son, Brian Campeau in 2010. A private family gathering will be held with burial to follow at Juniata Township Cemetery. A public celebration of his life will take place at a later date and will be announced as information becomes available. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Watrousville United Methodist Church.