Alex Campbell Iv, Us Army Colonel, Ret.

Music Educator and Retired US Army Colonel Alex B Campbell IV of Littleton, Colorado, died on November 7, 2021. He was 89. Alex is survived by his children, son Alexander B Campbell V (Connie), and daughter Ann Smith (Don), Grandchildren, Derek Smith (Revea), and Sarah Campbell.

Alex was born on February 24, 1932, in Julesberg, Colorado, to Henrietta (McFadden) and Alexander B Campbell III.  Alex was raised in Colorado Springs and Canon City, Colorado, he graduated in 1950 from CCHS,  and then attended the University of Denver graduating in 1954 with a Bachelor of Music Education and a Commission as a 2nd LT through the Army R.O.T.C. While on active duty in the military, he was stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington and it was there that he met the woman who would become his future wife, Barbra Willson. They were married shortly thereafter in 1956.

Alex began his career in music when he and Barbra moved to Canon City, Colorado. His son Alex was born there, and he taught vocal music at the Canon City high school and junior high schools and shared his musical talent by serving as organist for the Episcopal church, and choir director at the First Baptist church.

The family moved to Lakewood, Co where Alex taught music at Alameda High School while attending the University of Colorado. He received a Master of Music Education Degree in 1960 and thereafter his second child, daughter Ann, was born. Alex  was hired as Music Coordinator for the Jefferson County Schools in 1963 and held that position until retirement in 1990. He served as the Minister of Music for the North Presbyterian Church in North Denver for 16 years and continued in the Army Reserve until retiring after 30 years of service in 1984. He taught at Metro State College as an Adjunct Professor, acted as President for the Colorado Music Educators Association, served on the CMEA Retired Teachers Organization, President of the Young Musicians Foundation, and served on the Choral Adjudication for the Colorado High School Activities Association for many years. His service to his community did not end upon retirement. Alex loved his volunteer work with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and Denver Museum of Nature and Science where he contributed for over 20 years. Alex relished his role as grandfather spending countless hours with Derek and Sarah teaching French horn and piano as well as attending school functions, musical events, and recitals.  His most frequent advice to Sarah was, “Make it musical”.  Alex enjoyed playing French Horn in the Jefferson County Community Band and Jeffco Brass Ensemble well into his 80’s.

Alex received numerous honors throughout his esteemed career which include distinguished graduate University of Colorado 2017, elected to the Colorado Music Educators Hall of Fame 1988, University of Colorado College of Music Outstanding Alumnus in the Field of Music Education 1983, Commendation from the Jefferson County Schools 1988,  The Vincent Van Gogh Award for Contribution to the Arts from Colorado Alliance for Arts Education, Outstanding Service Award from CMEA Dedicated Service and Leadership Award from the Colorado Music Administrator 1989 and Distinguished Service Award from the Jefferson County Music Teachers in 1998.

Alex was a man of few words but when he did say something it would often be a cleaver pun that would accompany his mischievous grin.

Alex is preceded in death by his wife Barbra Willson in 1997 just weeks short of their fortieth wedding anniversary. He remarried to Patsy Dalton Fasholz in 2001, but she died suddenly in February 2002.

Alex is remembered by his family as one who lived and breathed music, having a huge sweet-tooth, a man who sought sunshine in cloudy times, and a person committed to showing kindness to those he knew as well as strangers he met as though they were old friends.  Music was his life and sharing it with others was his mission. He was passionate about learning and never stopped sharing his passion.

At his request, no burial services will be held. Please send donations to your charity of choice or the University of Colorado Music Dept.  A Celebration of Life with full military honors  is contemplated for the Spring of 2022. He will be dearly missed by his loving family and dog Olaf.