There are people who seem destined to elevate the world with their energy, creativity, and wit. If you were lucky enough to meet her, you know that Robyn Healy Campbell was one of those people. Her husband, family and friends were a circle of support during the roughest of times, and on March 20, 2023, she quietly slipped away, suddenly light, and free from the burdens of illness.
Even though 65 years doesn’t seem like enough, she filled them with adventures large and small–becoming an entrepreneur, creating a beautiful garden, serving her community, and most of all, loving the life she shared with her husband, family, cherished friends, and an array of darling dogs.
Robyn’s story began in Buffalo, NY, where she was born on July 17, 1957, the third child of Robert L. and Anne R. Healy. Robyn was a confident and daring child who loved her family and enjoyed playing with her older brother, Rick, and her sisters, Toni, and Tara.
At the age of 16, her adventurous spirit led Robyn and a friend to take off for Boulder, Colorado, hungry for a new scene. She finished high school there and worked as a waitress, a bartender, and a lumberjack for the City of Boulder. She enrolled at the University of Colorado and was a part-time student for three years. She loved the relaxed vibe of living in the mountains and being surrounded by nature.
In the early 1980s, Robyn moved back to Oklahoma, and had a few chance encounters that would eventually lead to meeting her future husband, Dan Campbell. “Our orbits came close several times,” he said, “but we didn’t actually connect for almost 15 years.” The first time, they were on the same bus for a group ski trip to Taos. Dan noticed Robyn right away “because she was so beautiful,” but they never actually met. Several years later, a mutual friend connected them, and they went on a date to see a movie. Nine years slipped by with no contact, and on an ordinary day in 1998, Dan stepped out the door of a building where he was doing construction work, and Boom! – there she was, walking right past him. He stopped her, they talked about that first date, and he asked her to join him on a much-delayed second date.
As their relationship was unfolding, Robyn went back to school at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond and earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and journalism. During college, she discovered her passion for community service and worked as a volunteer with the North Side Rotary, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, the YMCA, Eagle Ridge Institute and Allied Arts. At the time of her death, Robyn was on the board of Firstep, a program of the OKC Metro Alliance, where for years she mentored other women entrepreneurs, helping them grow their businesses. She was also giving her time and talent to help support Oklahoma Women in Recovery. In 1991, Robyn opened her first company, Ad Excellence Advertising Agency. She was a natural at marketing, excelled in creating TV, radio and print campaigns, and working in public relations.
Meanwhile, Robyn and Dan’s connection grew deeper, and they were married on June 29, 2002, in her mother’s living room. Dan was the father of two teenage kids, and Robyn was happy to become a stepmom, building close relationships with his son, Micah, and daughter, Candace.
In 2007, Robyn opened Campbell & Company, a full-service advertising agency, with hundreds of customers in Oklahoma and eight other states. On her LinkedIn profile, she described herself like this “Marketing Brains, Creative Soul, PR Guru”. One of her clients said, “Robyn is always energetic and full of ideas. She is a one-woman, advertising force of nature.” The agency received more than 100 ADDY Awards from the American Advertising Federation. The creative team at Campbell & Company will continue producing smart, dynamic campaigns that echo Robyn’s energy and enthusiasm.
During the past 14 years, Robyn and Dan found joy in grandparenting six beautiful children – Haven, Aubry, Clara, Callyn, Austin, and Wyatt. Robyn cherished being a grandmother, from rocking babies to having sleepovers and celebrating birthdays together.
She is survived by her husband, Dan Campbell, her devoted caregiver who was by her side until the end; her brother, Richard M. Healy and his partner, Betty Anne Wilson (Oklahoma City); sister, Toni Ann Healy Bain and husband Tom Bain (Hong Kong, China); sister Monica Ball and husband Jacques (Norman); brother-in-law Frank Bone (Granite); stepmother Julie Healy (Norman); stepdaughter Candace Loucks and husband Jason (Virginia); stepson Micah Campbell and wife April (Virginia); nieces and nephews Jessica Zaborowski, Mason Bain, Chelsea Budaca, Rodney Bain, Lilly Bone, Amanda Bone, Trevor Bone and Frankie Bone; and her beloved dogs, Reggie and Winston.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert L. and Anne R. Healy. Sadly, her younger sister, Tara Healy Bone, passed away just nine months before Robyn.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023, 11 AM, at Buchanan Funeral Service, 8712 N Council Road, Oklahoma City, OK, 73132. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Robyn to Firstep by way of the okcmetroalliance.com or mail it to OKC Metro Alliance, 1940 Linwood Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73106, (405) 232-1864.
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