Frederick William Campbell, born 8/12/1952, died on 2/17/2019 at the age of 66 of prostate cancer. His partner of eleven years, Elizabeth Holmes, was at his side when he passed. He is survived by his adult twins, Ryan McKinley Bumpbell and Douglas Scott Campbell.
Fred was born in Indiana. He learned woodworking from his grandfather William McKinley Campbell and his father Forrest Wayne Campbell. A master carpenter and luthier, Fred enjoyed the respect of his colleagues in the Guild of American Luthiers. He worked for several years as a finisher for Fox Guitars and Ribbecke Guitars in Healdsburg, and later followed his passion for building guitars and mandolins on his own.
Fred served his country during the Viet Nam era as an Army Ranger in the Second Armored Calvary on the East German border. After his service, he settled in California. Fred enjoyed exploring his Scottish heritage. For many years, he was active in the South Bay Scottish Society and as games marshall at Northern California Scottish gatherings and games.
He moved to the Healdsburg area in 1998. Fred was well-loved in the local acoustic music community. He sang and played at many local open mics and gatherings. He was always generous and helpful with beginners and a welcome addition to many informal ensembles. Fred was also a competent audio engineer. As a valued member of World-Voices Organization, he helped voice actors build better isolation booths.
If you would like to make a charitable donation in Fred’s memory, please consider the National Veterans Foundation or the Rainforest Action Network. A Celebration of Life will be held at the home of Tom Ribbecke on Saturday, June 1. For more information on this celebration as the date approaches, please email
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