Karlyn Campbell, 83, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, she was known for her kindness, strength, and unwavering love for her family. She touched countless lives with her warmth and wisdom, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.
Karlyn was born in Portland, Oregon, to Helga and Carl Mattsson, Swedish immigrants from Åland. She was raised in a tight-knit Swedish community, surrounded by aunts, uncles, and cousins, where she developed a deep appreciation for family traditions. She grew up in the Portland metro area and graduated from Beaverton High School in 1959, where she excelled academically and shined in the pageant world. That same year, she was crowned Miss Portland and went on to win the Miss Oregon title, showcasing her classical piano talent in the first-ever televised Miss America Pageant. Her experience in the Miss Oregon program sparked a lifelong passion for mentoring young women. During her reign, she also served as Miss Oregon Centennial, representing the state during its 100th-anniversary celebrations, traveling alongside figures like Governor Tom McCall and Harry Belafonte.
Karlyn studied psychology at the University of Oregon, where she joined Alpha Phi Sorority and shortly after met Larry Campbell, the love of her life. They soon married, beginning a love story and partnership that spanned 63 years. Best friends in every way, they built a beautiful life together, raising four boys and navigating the joys and challenges of parenthood. After 14 years of marriage, the Campbells settled in Eugene, where they spent the next 49 years creating memories in their west Eugene home.
Once their youngest son was old enough, Karlyn pursued her passion for travel by becoming a travel agent, a role that allowed her to explore the world. She later played an integral role in The Victory Group, the family business founded in 1995 alongside Larry and three of their sons. Karlyn’s leadership and dedication were instrumental in elevating the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police, leading to the creation of The Karlyn Campbell Award. The Award is given to members of OACP who have distinguished themselves as a mentor to others in the organization, giving guidance and encouragement and displaying a nurturing nature that cultivates professional growth. An aptly named award, these are traits Karlyn was known for in all the circles she traveled.
Karlyn’s impact extended deeply into her community. She was an active member of Central Lutheran Church, where she worked on budgets, fundraising, and the Christus House College Housing project, ensuring support for young women at the University of Oregon. She also served as President of the Central Lutheran Foundation and was involved in various church committees, forming lasting friendships along the way.
Beyond her church involvement, Karlyn was passionate about giving back. She served on the PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation Board from 2015 to 2023, working to support programs that benefited the hospital community. A dedicated supporter of the arts, she was appointed by Governor Vic Atiyeh to the Governor’s Arts Awards, served on the Board of the Oregon Advocates for the Arts and was President of the Eugene Arts Foundation during the early years of the Hult Center. She was also an enthusiastic member of University of Oregon Women in Flight, championing women’s athletics.
Among her favorite pastimes was Monday Mahjong at Eugene Country Club, where she rarely missed a game, cherishing the camaraderie and friendships built over the years.
One of Karlyn’s greatest joys in recent years was the arrival of her great-grandchildren, Jordyn and Hudson. She embraced the role of great-grandmother with the same warmth and devotion she had always shown her family.
Her happiest moments were spent with her 23-member Campbell clan, and one recent gathering stood out as particularly special. The day after Thanksgiving, for the first time in years, the entire family came together—four generations, all under one roof. Seated at the head of the table beside Larry, Karlyn looked around at the life they had built, cherishing the love surrounding her. In her final 47 days, she spoke often of that perfect day, a moment of pure joy and gratitude.
Karlyn is survived by her beloved husband, Larry, their four sons, Kevin, Mark, Craig, and Darin, and their wives Marie, Jessie, Annie and Jennifer. She was a proud grandmother to Emily, Natalie, Chase, Delaney, Chloe, Carli, and Jalen, and a joyful great-grandmother to Jordyn and Hudson. She was the heart of her family and will be deeply missed.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 22, at 1:00 p.m. at Central Lutheran Church (1857 Potter St., Eugene, OR). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Working Dogs Oregon (3570 SW 90th Ave., Portland, OR 97225) or the PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation, causes Karlyn deeply believed in.
