Special guest column by Lynn Martzell
Walter “Skip” Campbell was a dedicated public servant, who served as the Mayor for the City of Coral Springs from 2014 – 2018. Skip ran for the Florida Senate and won, spending 10 years representing the West and Northwest areas of Broward County. An accomplished legislator, Campbell helped to successfully pass 112 Bills during his time in the State Senate, many of which benefited children and families.
A distinguished attorney, Skip was considered a leader within the legal profession. He served as President of the Broward County Bar Association, President of the Broward County Trial Lawyers’ Association and President of the Federal Bar Association of Broward County. He was elected to the Board of Governors of The Florida Bar from 1988 through 1996 and was the recipient of The Florida Bar Meritorious Service Award.
In the aftermath of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting on February 14, 2018, Skip supported and mourned alongside grieving families. He also demanded action from his former colleagues in the Florida Senate to prevent such tragedy in the future, saying, “The safety of our children is my greatest priority.”
In honor of Skip’s service to the State of Florida, Governor Rick Scott directed the United States and State Flags be flown at half-staff at Coral Springs City Hall, the State Capitol and the Broward County Courthouse on October 27, 2018 – the day of his funeral.
Skip’s viewing was held at Coral Springs City Hall and attended by hundreds of mourners. His Funeral Mass was held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, where he was eulogized by those who knew and loved him profoundly.
Kelly Hancock, a partner at the law firm Skip and Jon Krupnick founded, believes his friend would have said to mourners, “If when you think of me and it’s with a tear, don’t think of me; but if you think of me and it’s with a smile, think of me often.” While Krupnick praised Skip’s wife, Lynn, for giving her husband the support and freedom to give his love to everyone else – clients, constituents and friends. Rabbi Kurt Stone, friend and confidant, referred to Skip as a ‘Mench.’ A term of endearment, he explained, “Skip was a person who grew up better than their mother thought they would ever be. Skip was a person who simply was just as good as you presumed them to be.” Proud of his Irish heritage, a single bagpiper, which is a Celtic tradition, played at the start and conclusion of the service. Longtime friend, fellow Irishman and Coral Springs Attorney, John Hearn reflected on Skip’s great integrity, faith and love of family. He also reminded mourners there was no one better than Skip when it came to the use of ‘Irish Diplomacy.’
Walter “Skip” Campbell will forever be remembered as a dedicated public servant and a man of the people. His service to the public, especially to the Coral Springs community, will have a lasting impact on the community for generations to come.