Paul Campbell strongly believed in helping others. Nearly every day he would speak of the changes he would like to see in the world to provide people a better standard of living. The genuine concern he had for the well-being of others was one of his most defining traits.

The best example of Paul’s passion for giving was his years of persistent blood donations. Nearly every two weeks, like clockwork, he was at the blood bank for his two-hour donation appointment. He seemed to care little about the toll that frequent needle piercing took on his arms. He understood that some complications were caused by new nurses and assistants, just as he understood how important their training was to saving lives. In total, he donated 43 gallons and never showed any signs of slowing.

Paul was also quick to notice when someone lacked something that he had in abundance, and equally as quick to correct the situation. For example, when his elderly neighbor's lawn furniture was stolen, Paul gave her one of his lawn furniture sets. He knew how much she enjoyed sitting outside, and that she would appreciate it more than he.

It must have been fate that decided that a man who was so committed to giving while he was alive, would be able to provide the ultimate gift of life when he died at age 52 on August 1, 2010. Paul was fatally struck by a car while crossing the street. He had been a longtime sports reporter at the Riverside Press-Enterprise.

“The decision by our family to donate his organs was not much of a decision at all,” said John, Paul’s son. “It was more of a following through; an action taken by the family, on my father’s behalf, to meet his wishes. It was an honor that we would never think to deprive him of, placing one final exclamation point on his successful effort to give everything he could to those in dire need.”