NWA Capt. John McKinne Campbell

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. John McKinne Campbell

September 28, 1941 ~ August 2, 2023

 

From the Northwest Pilots group comes this news with the passing of retired Northwest Airlines pilot Captain John McKinne Campbell, age 81.  John joined Northwest Airlines 05-06-1968.  He is survived by his wife Paula, and by his children and their families.

Obituary information can be found online at

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/john-campbell-obituary?id=52633118 

also at https://www.ohalloranmurphy.com/obituary/John-Campbell

 

John Campbell Obituary

John McKinne Campbell, just shy of 82, died Wednesday August 2nd, 2023 at his home in Mendota Heights surrounded by his wife and family.

John was born on September 28, 1941, in Atlanta, Georgia as the only child to Lilian Wyche and John Patrick Campbell. During his youth, John developed a life-long love of flying. He was a member of the New Orleans Civil Air Patrol and served as a Naval Aviator where he flew SH-3A Sikorsky Helicopters over the North Atlantic searching for Russian submarines. In 1968, John joined Northwest Airlines as a pilot. Over a 34 year career, John flew all over the world eventually retiring as a 747-400 Captain in 2001.

While still in the Navy, John married the love of his life Paula Minchak on September 10th, 1966. John is survived by his wife Paula and his children, Heather Campbell, Boston; John Campbell (Paula), Kansas City; Beth Campbell, Minneapolis; Carrie Parrish (Michael), Jupiter and Meg Campbell, Los Angeles; grandchildren, Emily, Jack, Colin, Abby Campbell and Charlie Parrish. John and Paula moved to Minnesota for his job at Northwest Airlines and are thankful for the communities of friends and neighbors they made in Cottage Grove, Mendota Heights, and Niceville, FL.

Throughout his life John was known for his authenticity and willingness to follow his convictions. His greatest interests included space, physics, computers, politics, investing, bike riding and his Irish heritage. These interests were manifested through the creation of the Byte Shop in 1976, the second computer store in Minnesota; starting an investment club called Bulls and Bears and participating in the MS TRAM, the bike ride across Minnesota, six times. In 1992 he took the family on a 2 week adventure in Ireland and found his father's family in Kilcar. He was a devoted Catholic, a dedicated father, loving husband and passionate grandfather.

A special thanks to the staff at the VA Medical Center and Synergy West St. Paul for caring for John with compassion and dignity during his final days.

Mass of Christian Burial 11am Thursday, August 10th at St. Peter's Church in Mendota Heights, with visitation one hour prior at the church. The Mass will be live-streamed and available at this link: https://youtube.com/@churchofst.peter-mendotamn3776.

In memory of John, please send donations to Pine Ridge www.re-member.org or Guiding Star Wakota guidingstarwakota.org