Paul Lavern Campbell

Paul L. Campbell passed away on October 15, 2026, at the age of 89, following a full and richly lived life.

Born in 1937 to Paul and Willa Campbell in Butler, Pennsylvania, Paul moved to Utah in 1944 when his parents relocated to Provo for employment at Geneva Steel.

Paul served four memorable years as a radarman in the U.S. Navy. Following his honorable discharge, he attended the University of Utah and began what would become a distinguished banking career at the Federal Reserve Bank in Salt Lake City. He continued his professional education through the National Commercial Lending School, Pacific Coast Banking School, Bank Marketing School, and American Institute of Banking programs.

He went on to serve as vice president and marketing director at Valley Bank & Trust Company. During those years, he married Bette Bosen, with whom he had a daughter, Catherine Campbell. The marriage later ended in divorce. His career subsequently took him to Associated Bank Services in Green Bay, Wisconsin; First Independent Bank in Vancouver, Washington; and Bank of Oregon in Woodburn, Oregon.

Paul’s professional ambition was to become a bank president, and he deliberately sought a broad range of experiences to prepare himself for that role. While living in Vancouver, he met and married Marie Jean Eads, who brightened his life for 20 years. Marie passed away in 1998. In 1980, Paul achieved his goal when he became president and CEO of Pioneer National Bank in Yakima, Washington. He took great pride in leading the successful community bank until 1998. The bank eventually became part of Wells Fargo.

During his years in Yakima, Paul also served as president of the Washington State American Institute of Banking and was later elected president of the Washington Bankers Association. Along the way, he formed many lasting friendships that remained an important part of his life.

After Marie passed, Paul felt it was time to turn the page on his 38-year banking career. With the sale of the bank, the timing was right to begin a new chapter.

The following year, Paul met Donna Logan, and they married a few months later. Paul always knew he had “won the marriage lottery” when she agreed to marry him. Together, they shared a love of travel, enjoying road trips throughout the United States and adventures to Alaska, Mexico, and the Mediterranean.

Paul and Donna moved to St. George, Utah, in 2003, where they enjoyed the community and the many friendships they made. Paul continued to share his knowledge and experience as a SCORE volunteer, serving as chapter chair for several years and helping others pursue their own business dreams.

Paul left this final message:

“I had a dream about running a successful community bank and helping small businesses succeed ... and the pleasure of having that come true. Then, to top it all off, I was married to a wonderful woman who made my life a joy. Life is for the living ... spend it your own way.”

Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Donna; his daughter, Catherine; his stepchildren, Aaron and Julie Logan. Paul is also survived by two brothers, William J Campbell (Marlene) and Griff Campbell (Carolyn) and preceded in death by a brother John M Campbell.

A memorial video celebrating Paul’s life and the memories we hold dear will be shared at a later date, allowing family and friends near and far to join in remembering him.