Colin F. Campbell
d. March 12, 2024
SLINGERLANDS
Colin F. Campbell
SLINGERLANDS – Colin FitzJames Campbell, 87, of Slingerlands, passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Born in New York City and raised in Rockland County, Colin was a graduate of Ridley College preparatory school in St. Catharines, Ontario, and earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Alberta, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1961. After his active duty service, he continued to serve in the Reserves and National Guard as part of the 19th Special Forces Group, earning both his U.S. and Canadian airborne wings, jumpmaster status, and the rank of Sergeant 1st Class. Colin reluctantly retired at the mandated age, though he never left the military behind him
Colin was employed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the New York State Research Foundation, and the New York State Department of Civil Service.
For some years, Colin and his family lived in Petersburg where they established and ran a farm on which he himself proudly built the barn. During those years, he played the bagpipes and was a member of a local Pipe Band.
After moving to Albany in 1988, he could often be seen walking his beloved pugs at the Capital Hills Golf Course. An avid outdoorsman, Colin enjoyed hiking, bicycling, sailing and kayaking. He was a member of the Taconic Hiking Club, Appalachian Mountain Club, was an Adirondack Mountain Club “46er,” and worked on many of the trail maps and arranged many trips with these groups. He bicycled the Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal Towpath from Pittsburgh, PA to Washington DC.
Colin enjoyed many volunteer positions—working on construction of the replica of the Half Moon ship, reading for WMHT’s RISE radio reading service, and teaching English as a second language.
Colin is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Deborah Terry Howell Campbell; his daughter Cecelia Catherine Campbell Byers (James “Jazz”) of Pittsburgh, PA; and his brother Ian Grey Campbell of Slingerlands.
An inurnment service will be held privately in the Cathedral of All Saints in Albany. There will be no calling hours, but a memorial service and celebration of Colin’s life will be held at The Beverwyck late afternoon on May 4th.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice or Veterans Miracle Center. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Colin F. Campbell, please visit our flower store.
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