Travis K. Campbell

Travis K. Campbell

“A Phenomenal Man”

To call him a “phenomenal man”  may be the understatment of the century. Travis was Born December 11, 1933 to goodly parents , Gertrude Kofoed and Edward C. Campbell in Salt Lake City Utah. Travis lived a vibrant life until March 29, 2016 when he returned home to his Father in Heaven.

Travis was no stranger to struggle. Being born during the depression his life was full of challenges, but he met them all with an unwavering sense of tenasious positivity. From losing his mother at the tender age of 10, to fighting his battle with cancer, no one can EVER say he lost his sense of humor. 

Even complete strangers in the community will remember that if you asked Travis how he was doing, he would respond with, “Oh, I am so glad you asked, that means I get to tell you… Are you ready?” He would then wait a few seconds for anticipation to grow, in which time he would say, “I am doing phenomenal!” (Much to everyone’s relief!)

In addition to his keen since of humor, Travis had an unquenchable desire for education, hard work and selfless service. Travis attended Whittier Elementary, Lincoln Junior High, South High School. He is a graduate of BYU, the U of U,  Menninger Foundation and the famous Merrill Palmer Institute. Extensive  as his formal training was, he never tired of reading, learning and continuing his own education to improve the life of his family and his patients. Through his education he worked as director of Woodbury Mental Health Center in Sioux City Iowa; Director of Inter-Agency Mental Health in Sioux Falls, So. Dakota; Director of Four Corners Mental Health in Price, Utah; before joining Davis County Mental Health where he worked as a psychotherapist for 20 years, saving the lives of many struggling with depression and other forms of mental illness and enhancing the lives of everyone willing to listen to his priceless, calm and caring advice.

During his time on earth Travis served three years in the U.S. Marine Corp for his country and served two years for the church on a mission to the New England States. In addition to his military and mission service, he served two Stake Missions and as a Branch President and Bishop in Sioux City Iowa; as a Bishop in Sioux Falls, So. Dakota and 1st counselor in a District Presidency. He taught what he knew to be true and shared his testimony as a Gospel Doctrine Teacher, Sunday School instructor, High Priest Group Leader, Northern Utah Young Men’s President for handicapped youth and in many other capacities whenever he was called.

His love for people was in part because of his love for his savior and Gods church. And with that foundation he shared his precious light with friend and foe, family or stranger. He served everyone in his life with an open and loving heart; starting with his patient and loving wife, Sharen Ferre, who he married in the Salt Lake Temple on September 9, 1960 and whom he shared 55 beautiful years. Towards the end of his life, you would still find him doing the things he loved. Working in his beautiful garden or green house, taking walks with his wife, playing with his children and grandchildren. He was always willing to talk, but was blessed with a gift to just listen and genuinely care about each and everyone he came in contact with.

Travis is survived by his wife Sharen, as well as daughter-Shauna Haslam (Kent), four sons: Jason (Emily Reichert), Michael (Leah Hall), Derek (Cindy Groberg), and Steven (Christina Hall), 24 grandchildren: (Natasha, BreAnne, Jacob, and Aaron Haslam, Bailey, Kaytlin, Emma Rose, Aiden, Bennet, Taeler, Dailyn, Ashtyn, Chandler, Aislee, Spencer, Dylan, Madison, Elle, John, Gavin and Penny Marie Campbell, Adanna, Sydney, and Phoebe Wilson), and 5 great grandchildren Jaidyn, Kambrie, Lillee, Max and one on the way; brothers: Edward LaRocque (Rocky), Jared, Maurice Campbell, and sisters: Erlynn Johnson, Anita Chapman, Claudia Backman, Stefani Campbell and Larraine & Lonnie Lister. Travis was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter-Deborah, sisters-Jenice, Beverly Jorgensen, Coleen Williams, and his brother-Dennis.

Travis’ passion for life and unselfishness will continue on with those he has touched along his way. His legacy of thinking ahead, giving without hesitation and loving without judgement will grow within everyone he has come in contact with. He lived a life that paved the way for others to follow. He laid the foundation for his family to know how they can return to their Father in Heaven, where he will be waiting for each one with open arms and a big hug.

Interment at Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah.