SOUTH PARIS — Ralph E. Campbell Jr., 89, of Canton, died Wednesday, Feb. 9, at the Maine Veterans’ Home, where he had received wonderful and loving care for the year he was there. The words “thank you” cannot begin to express our appreciation.

He was born on June 2, 1921, in Canton, a son of Ralph E. and Maud (Cummings) Campbell Sr. He attended and graduated from Canton schools.

In 1943, Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a Machinist’s Mate 2C with the Construction Battalion (CB’s) during World War II until 1946.

Upon his return, he married the love of his life, Eunice Atwood on March 17, 1948, in Farmington. They built their home in Canton, where they raised and cared for their loving family.

Ralph owned and operated a garage with his brother, Frank in Canton before going to work for himself in the gravel business. During that time, he also served as the Canton Road Commissioner, a post he held for 29 years.

Although he rarely took time out for himself, he enjoyed brook fishing, tinkering, woodworking and gardening. His shell beans were always an impatiently waited for treasure for his family, at harvest time. During the 14 years he wintered in Florida with Eunice, he enjoyed playing cards and shuffleboard with friends. These friendships endured for all the upcoming years. The nightly neighborhood watch walks were a highlight of their contribution to the Florida community. In addition to their active involvement in the Canton community, he was a beloved member of the Livermore Falls and Canton Historical Societies.

He was a devoted, selfless and generous man whose integrity was evident to whoever knew him. His love and devotion to family and friends were central to his character.

Ralph is survived by his children, Brenda Adams of Canton, Kathy Campbell of Norway, Rosellen Taylor of Portland, Errol Campbell of Newport and Roger Campbell and his wife, Joy, of Livermore; grandchildren, Prudy Adams of Canton, Russell Adams and his wife, Kelly, of Canton, Randy Campbell of Canton, Emily Taylor and her companion, Anthony Hutchins, of Westbrook, Steven Campbell and his wife, Joyce, of Auburn and Callie Beaupre and her companion, Chad Hamlin, of Topsham; great-grandchildren, Mason King, Carolyn Campbell, Hayden Adams, Logan and Hunter Campbell; siblings, Sheldon Campbell of Canton, Annie Chamberlain of Worcester, Mass., and Neil Campbell of Canton; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Eunice May 1, 2007; a son, Arlen in 1954; son-in-law, Charles in 2004; and siblings, Frank, Carlton and Eleanor Campbell, Marguerite Packard and Pauline Jasper.

Words of condolence and tribute may be shared with Ralph’s family at www.wilesrc.com.