My brother Mike passed last night. He was only 62.
We were at his side when he left us.
It hurts. My parents are hurting. His family is hurting.
He leaves a daughter Rachel, her husband Andy, and three grandchildren: Dante, Lucas, and Ace.
Mike is survived by his parents Alicia and Tony Campos, sisters Sylvia Lafuente and Aida Garza and her husband Bobby, and me, plus many nephews and nieces who loved him dearly. Everybody loved Uncle Mike.
Mike had many great friends. Most were lifelong buddies. Many of them called him “Camp.”
Mike was a caring father and grandfather.
He taught Dante how to be a good baseball player, taught him to love the game, and he was proud of that. He was day care for Dante and Lucas and there were many times when Dante crawled around the office here while Rachel was at work. I remember when Mike would be working on a deadline for a project here and I would have to change Dante’s diaper to let Mike finish up.
He was family first. He loved Christmases and other family gatherings. He loved to reminisce about growing up in Baytown. He took pride in the accomplishments of family members.
He was passionate and opinionated about politics and current events. Mike was talking about a “vast right-wing conspiracy” six months before Hillary brought it up. He never missed casting a vote. He was a proud Democrat. He could smell out a BSer a mile away.
He was really proud when he was elected as a Gore national delegate back in 2000. He was the third in our family to get to go to the Democratic National Convention as a delegate.
Mike was also a musician. In high school he was drummer and singer in a band and he let me be one of the equipment managers. I was a roadie before I ever heard of a roadie. The band played gigs in Baytown, Anahuac, Channelview and other faraway places. In later years he played guitar in band that did weddings, parties, local clubs, and other gatherings.
Mike was a film buff and read books on movies and cinema history. His favorite actor was Marlon Brando and of course his favorite movie was “The Godfather.” He could recite just about every line from that classic.
He worked with me for a number of years behind the scenes and helped design and produce the materials to help our clients achieve their goals.
Nine years ago Mike suggested that I should start posting on our website. I was very reluctant. He convinced me that posting might increase web traffic and he was the one who suggested the name “Daily Commentary.”
Mike was born on March 2 – Texas Independence Day – so there was never any forgetting of his birthday.
I could go on and on about Mike and I will in days to come.
Very sorry for your family’s loss. It seems that your brother was taken many years too soon. 😦
My sincere condolences for the loss of your brother, Marc. He sounds like a great guy. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
This is a beautiful tribute, Uncle Marc. Thanks for writing this.
Sincere condolences to your entire family. Lillian Gallegos Villarreal
Marc,
I was very sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. Your brother will be remembered for the great guy that he was. I know you will miss him very much.
Please extend my sympathy to your entire family and let me know anything that we can do.
In Sympathy,
Kyle
Sorry to hear about your , Marc; sounds like a great guy, and died far too young. RIP
Daniel F. McClung
Campaign Strategies, Inc
3815Montrose Blvd #101
Houston, TX 77006
713/840-7000
mcclung@campaignstrategies.com
Marc, I haven’t seen you in many, many, years but know that my heart goes out to you, your family and all of Mike’s extended family and many friends, of which I am honored to have been one.
Over the decades, Mike and I would talk several times a year and now I wish we’d have gotten together because the last time I saw him was around 1990 or so. Mike will always live in my heart. There’s so very many great memories…
May God bless and receive Mike and continue to always bless all of us.
Amen.
Mack P. Bray
Jackson, WY
Thanks Marc, My thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family, I Love you guys! RIP Michael Campos!
Marc, what a shock. Deepest condolences to you, and all your wonderful family. Love, Debra
I am very sorry for your loss, Marc. He was too young.
In keeping with The Campos Family tradition of service to others, this is a wonderful tribute to the joyful impact that Mike left with his family and community. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Diane Mosier and fellow musician, Bruce Mosier
Mark, we are so, so sorry. Love to you and your family in this tough time. Melissa & Rick
Thanks Melissa.
Rachel is an old friend of mine. My condolences to your entire family. He sounded like a such great person.
Sending love & prayers to la familia Campos from New Mexico. My heart hurts to hear of the passing of my cunado.
Thanks for writing such wonderful words about out brother! Love you so much!
Was so very sorry and heart broken to hear about my cousin Mike. I will continue to pray for peace and comfort for all the family. You all (my Baytown cousins) are part of many of my happy memories from childhood when my Dad (BeBe/Richard Bernal) took us there for family get-togethers and big family weddings, parties, etc. I just thought ya’ll were the coolest. God bless you all with tenderness and love. In my heart always!!
Your Houston Cuz, Marcia
Marc,
My most sincere condolences to you and your family. That was a wonderful tribute.
-Stace
Marc , so sorry to hear about Mikes death, I had numerous conversation thorough out the years. May he RIP, I will miss him dearly, we were running buddies back in our BJH , My deepest prayers and condolences to your family.
Mary Orta Aguilar
Marc,
Funny the things you remember when you get our age… pancakes at your house when Big Jer and I spent the night with you and Mike…listening to the Beatles’ Rubber Soul and the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds. Riding around “La Isla” in Camp’s new Pontiac Lemans listening to Abbey Road. Sunday concerts by Mike’s band, the Night Watchers, at a Guadalupe Church bazaar or at Clear Lake on Easter. Sharing roadie duties with you and Vic for Camp’s band, the Blue Mist. Driving around L.A. when Camp and I were “the Reno Brothers” in Camp’s new Camaro listening to the Godfather soundtrack and screenplay…that’s why he knew every line! He’s the only one I know who can sing Harmony with anyone on any song. When we were called “Taboo”, Camp, Byrd and I thought we were Crosby, Stills and Nash! I’ll never have a musical partner like him. He was a real brother to me and my brothers, Shag, Jaime, Al and Jer.
-Wheel
Hi Marc,
It’s been a long time, but a mutual friend forwarded your news. I didn’t know your brother but I know what it is to lose a sibling. My heartfelt sympathies go out to you all. You wrote a beautiful tribute and it’s evident your family looks to you for strength. I hope you get comfort from the many people who obviously care about you. With warmest regards, Beth Antonius (’78 Krueger Campaign)
Allow yourself the freedom to be sad, to cry, to grieve and to cherish the wonderful memories and love you shared with each other …. the love and memories cannot be taken away … sending you hugs ….
Marc, your words touch anyone who has also suffered a great loss. God bless you and family.
melania mimmas sentido pesame, que pena, en verdad es una gran perdida ,les tenemos en corazon, les recordamos por los grandes tiempos que pasamos unidos en nuestra ninez y juventud, que gran tributo para tu hermano Dios lo tenga en el mi familia con todos ustedes .un gran abrazo de condolencia a mis tios tony alicia y tosdos cada uno de ustedes soy marcela hija devtio chuy..zacapu micjoacan mexico
My cousin Michael was a gentle, kind and caring person who always made me smile. He and Marc took on the role of big brothers when I first moved to Austin to attend UT (’75) with Aida as my roomie. Marc and Mike advised and protected me, introduced me to all their friends and made sure I had a good time. I am grateful for our all the wonderful memories. Michael was among my daddy’s (Jesus Campos) favorite nephews. He is loved by many and will be missed by all. Prayers of comfort for my Aunt Alice, Uncle Tony and the rest of the family.
Olga Campos (Benz)
A very special way to honor your brother. I believe you have suffered one of the greatest losses. Your only brother and co-creator in business. You shared so much with him. Thanks for sharing your memory of him. Love you cousin
Marc,
My deepest condolences to you and all the family. Camp was one of the best friends I ever had. Even though we went different directions after high school, we stayed in touch. Last time I talked to him he said he was going to come visit me in mexico. Ive been thinking about all the good times we had together. Some of my best memories. From eating at your mothers’ table to playing in the Blue Mist, in which he was the only real talent. His voice was magical. I wish i could hear him sing one more time.
RIP… Miguel Anthony Campos III
Randy Bobbitt
Hi Marc, I’m Anna, Louis Rey’s (Rod) youngest sister. I was saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. My prayers are with you and your family.
Anna Rodriguez Puente
Marc,
So sorry to learn of your brother’s passing. I remember us visiting about his condition recently and had hoped for the best. My condolences to your family.
Dear Marc,
I’m so sorry to learn that Mike has passed on. Back in the 80’s, he introduced me to some great music. I believe I still have the tapes of Julio Iglesias he made for me. As a mother, you never ever expect to bury a child, so I can only imagine how difficult it must be for your mom and dad. Please extend to them my deepest sincerest condolences. Please take care of yourself. Your friend, Mary
Beautiful tribute, Marc. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Marc, my sister (Amy) forwarded me a link to your blog when she learned about Mike. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. I recall Mike from high school as a behind the scenes guy much as you described him in your tribute…quiet but steady and caring. My deepest condolences to you and the entire Campos family.