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Coral Springs Mayor and Former State Senator Walter "Skip" Campbell Dies at 69

Skip Campbell at last year’s Veteran’s Day Ceremony.

By: Sharon Aron Baron

Coral Springs Mayor and former State Senator Walter “Skip” Campbell died on Tuesday, shocking residents and colleagues.

Campbell, who was 69, underwent hip surgery two weeks ago. He was on the road to recovery, and the cause of death was unknown.

Campbell was born in Rockaway Beach, New York, and moved to Florida in 1961. He attended the St. John Vianney College Seminary, receiving his associate degree. Then, he attended the University of Florida, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1970 and Juris Doctor in 1973 – always remaining a proud Gator.

Campbell founded the law firm Krupnick Campbell Malone Buser Slama Hancock Liberman with Jon Krupnick in 1975 and worked as an adjunct professor at the Shepard Broad Law Center.

Campbell served in the Florida Senate from 1996 to 2006. He also ran unsuccessfully for Florida Attorney General in 2006.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who served with Campbell in the State Senate, said, “We lost one of the giants of justice and public service last night.”

She said he was a colleague, a lawyer championing civil liberties and protecting those who could not defend themselves, and a dedicated public servant devoted to his constituents. He was my seatmate in the Florida Senate and was quick-witted, fun-loving, and always ready to reach across the aisle or bridge a divide to solve problems.

“I was privileged to serve with him, fortunate to know him, and honored to call him a friend. Steve and I extend our condolences to Lynn, his children, and siblings, who he talked about often and loved dearly. May his memory be a blessing,” said Wasserman Schultz.

In 2014, Campbell ran for mayor of Coral Springs and was re-elected without opposition in 2016 and again this year. A special election will be planned to fill his seat in March 2019.

Commissioner Dan Daley, who suspended his reelection campaign until further notice, said Skip Campbell was a legend not only in the legal community, but his years of public service and commitment to others made him a giant throughout the state. Known as the consummate diplomat, he sought the middle ground to make government work for the people.

“I’ve had the good fortune to know Skip Campbell for several years and, in many ways, looked up to him for his wisdom and guidance. Skip was a colleague, mentor, and friend. I think with Lynn and the Campbell family at this difficult time.”

Commissioner Joy Carter said she was honored to have served four years with Campbell, who was a terrific leader, an intelligent businessman, a great mentor, and a friend.

“My heart is broken over the sudden loss of a friend,” said Commissioner Joy Carter. “Thirty-four years ago, when I visited Coral Springs, I met Skip and Lynn Campbell. One of my dad’s business partners was building his home. Had you told me then that Skip and I would serve the residents of Coral Springs together, I would have thought you were nuts. I didn’t even like public speaking. You just don’t know where life’s journey will take you, so savor the ride.”

Campbell is survived by his wife, Lynn, their children, Christina and Daniel, sisters Maureen and Kathleen, brother John, three grandchildren, and extended family and friends.

Instead of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Community Foundation of Broward, 910 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL—33301, earmarked for the Muriel T. Campbell Memorial Fund. The fund benefits local charities Skip Campbell set up after his mother died.

Author Profile

Sharon Aron Baron

Editor of Talk Media and writer for Coral Springs Talk. CST was created in 2012 to provide News, Views, and Entertainment for the residents of Coral Springs and the rest of South Florida.