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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Camp, Bernard L. “Ben”


CAMP, Bernard L.
“Ben”
1946-2012

Ben passed away on January 25, 2012 following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Charlotte, North Carolina and spent most of his childhood in Alabama.

Ben
attended the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh where he earned his Master’s degree and began his lifelong interest and career passion in the social services field.
Ben moved to Spokane in 1982 to work within the field of substance abuse at Mountain View Hospital.

Ben had over 30 years of experience in the fields of mental health, substance abuse, social work, and suicide prevention.

He had been involved in all levels of social services including direct counseling, program development, grant development, curriculum development, teaching, and training.

Ben worked at Deaconess Medical Center for many years and was a faculty member at Eastern Washington University in both the Alcohol and Drug Studies Program and School of Social Work.

Most recently, he worked at Kauffman & Associates with Native Aspirations to develop a suicide prevention guide called “To Live to See the Great Day that Dawns: Preventing Suicide by American Indian and Alaska Youth and Young Adults.”

Ben was extremely proud of his work with Native people and was passionate about helping young people through suicide prevention.

He also enjoyed traveling throughout the United States providing training and assisting other agencies in developing comprehensive suicide prevention programs.
In addition to his career, Ben was a talented artist and musician.

He enjoyed playing his guitar and had an expansive music collection.

Ben dabbled in wine-making, enjoyed nature and his garden, and loved having “fire pit” gatherings at his home.

He had a large group of wonderful friends and colleagues and was an expert at networking.

Ben had an easy going, nurturing quality that made people feel at ease, comfortable, and safe.
Ben is survived by his wife, Candace, his brother Charles Camp of Oklahoma, his three children, Melissa Fielding, Chad Camp, and Emily Camp, and his three grandchildren, Wyatt Fielding, Henry Camp, and Eloise Camp.

His family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation for the loving care he received from his primary physician, the staff at Rockwood, and Hospice of Spokane.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 10, 2012 at 2:00pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church located at 4340 W. Fort Wright Drive, Spokane, WA 99224.

A reception with light refreshments will be held at the same location immediately following the service.

Ben had many friends and all are welcome to attend.