Brian Campbell was born in Berwyn, Illinois in 1940, the grandson and son of men who embodied grit and gumption. Though his high school mischief once held him back, his sharp mind and lifelong curiosity—sparked by a junior high subscription to The Wall Street Journal—set him on a path of remarkable success. His final words, “Now, get to work!” captured the ethos he lived by: “The harder you work, the luckier you get.” Brian graduated from DePaul University, later earning advanced degrees from Northwestern, all while working full-time. He built a distinguished career in investment banking and as founder of TriMas Corporation, later serving as CEO of Kaydon. Despite his business achievements, he often said his wisest decision was marrying Mary Lincoln, his beloved wife of 48 years. Together they raised their daughter Elizabeth and delighted in three grandchildren. A man of deep generosity, Brian gave time and resources to countless institutions, including the University of Michigan Medical Center, DePaul University, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, and the Shelter Association of Ann Arbor. Known for his quick wit, love of a good martini, and devotion to family, he filled his retirement with board work, baking with his grandchildren, and evenings out at favorite restaurants around Michigan. Brian died on August 21, 2025, in Traverse City, Michigan.
Upcoming Events
- March 20, 2026 U-M Baseball 4:00 pm
- March 20, 2026 “Fix-It Friday”: Maker Works 4:00 pm
- March 20, 2026 48th Annual Lenten Fish Fry: Old St. Patrick Church 4:30 pm
- March 20, 2026 U-M Softball 5:00 pm
- March 20, 2026 “40th Anniversary Gala”: Michigan Ability Partners Fundraiser 5:30 pm
- March 20, 2026 D&D Adventurers League: Sylvan Factory 6:00 pm
- March 20, 2026 Drop-in Line Dancing 6:00 pm
- March 20, 2026 “101 Dalmatians Kids”: Professional Youth Theatre of Michigan 6:00 pm
- March 20, 2026 “All About Tempeh”: Ann Arbor District Library 6:00 pm
- March 20, 2026 “Matthew Dear: Creativity, Process, and Performance”: Ann Arbor District Library 6:00 pm
- March 20, 2026 Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory 6:30 pm
- March 20, 2026 “Euchre Change a Life!” 6:30 pm
- March 20, 2026 “Creature Encounters & Adult Open Hours”: The Creature Conservancy 7:00 pm
- March 20, 2026 “Other Worlds: A Sci-fi/Fantasy Book Club”: Booksweet Bookshop 7:00 pm
- March 20, 2026 Vince Carone: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase 7:15 pm
- March 20, 2026 Ann Arbor Train and Trolley Watchers 7:30 pm
- March 20, 2026 “An Irish Celebration”: Martin Hayes & the Common Ground Ensemble (University Musical Society) 7:30 pm
- March 20, 2026 “Into the Woods”: U-M Musket 7:30 pm
- March 20, 2026 “The Way We Found the Universe”: University Lowbrow Astronomers Monthly Meeting 7:30 pm
- March 20, 2026 “This Dance Is About Leslie Cheung”: U-M Dance Department 7:30 pm
- March 20, 2026 “101 Dalmatians Kids”: Professional Youth Theatre of Michigan 8:00 pm
- March 20, 2026 “Telescope Observing”: U-M Detroit Observatory 8:00 pm
- March 20, 2026 Riverside Swings: Riverside Arts Center 9:00 pm
- March 20, 2026 “Comedy Theme Park”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater 9:30 pm
- March 20, 2026 “The Love Witch”: Michigan Theater 9:30 pm