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Thomas McKay Campbell, 59, died at home in Albuquerque on October 1st, 2010 due to complications from post-polio syndrome. Born February 6th, 1951, in Houston, he was stricken with both paralytic and bulbar forms of polio at the age of 13 months, and was never expected to survive the disease. Tommy credited his parents, Charles and Carolyn Campbell, for raising him to be as self-sufficient as his condition would allow. Doctors said he would never live past infancy, go to school, or live a "normal" life. He didn't. He defied all medical odds, surviving the initial onslaught of polio, and was poster child 1954-55 for the Easter Seal Campaign in Harris County. As part of his physical therapy, his parents got his first drum set at age 12. In 1970, "TC" graduated from Sam Rayburn High in Pasadena, TX, grew his hair to his waist, and hit the road as a rock and roll drummer throughout the Gulf Coast area for the next 20 years. Often performing in body casts and braces, he worked with several popular bands during his career, including: Music Convention; Liberty; Liberty Bros., and the Bird Dogs. He, with the Liberty Bros., recorded the first album ever produced at Gilley's Studio in Pasadena and opened for, or performed with, a wide range of artists in the Houston area. Johnny Lee, Mickey Gilley, David Allen Coe, Bloodrock, and Nazareth are among them. His band auditioned to open for that Little Ole Band from Texas, Z Z Top, on their first national tour, but promoters were hesitant to book another trio. He met Gidget Giffen in Nacogdoches, TX and they married in 1975, making League City their first home. Of all Tommy's incredible and unlikely accomplishments, he was proudest of his sons, Larry and David. In 1983 the family moved to Albuquerque, and declining health forced retirement from the music business. He joyfully changed his title from Drummer to Dad, and become a full time father, active in school activities with his boys. In addition to his wife and sons, Tommy is survived by his new daughter in law, Jessica, and his grandchildren; Jack, Zachary, and Samantha. Other survivors include his older brother, Charley Campbell, and wives Vicki and Kathy; his little sister Cindy Brinkley and husband Ronald; sisters by choice, Hilde Fitzgerald, Linda Daigle, Sally Bertand and their extended families; and more friends and admirers than he ever realized. A celebration of Tommy's remarkable life will be held at French ~ Westside Chapel 9300 Golf Course Rd NW, at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 23rd with a reception following. Per his request, cremation has taken place "so the geeks won't be a'gawkin' at me after I'm gone." The family extends sincerest appreciation and gratitude to Sandy Gonzales, our angel, for being there; Presbyterian Hospice Services, and Dr. Robin Tuchlar and staff, especially Nancy. Donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4004 Carlisle NE, Suite B, Albuquerque, NM 87107 or the American Cancer Society, 10501 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Suite 300, Albuquerque, NM 87111 would be appreciated by the family. Please visit our online guest book for Thomas at RememberTheirStory.com. French 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW (505)897-0300
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