Paul Kampen

Paul Kampen, 67, passed away on March 28, 2024, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. 

Paul was born on March 13, 1957, as the child of Doris and William Kampen. A Parchment Panther graduate, Paul attended Kalamazoo Valley Community College to play basketball and spent the duration of his life in the Kalamazoo, Michigan area.  

Paul had many passions in his life. He started a lawn care company with friends and would eventually transition into a sales role working with area schools to sell school buses for over two decades. Paul loved his work and was passionate about doing right by his clients, which earned him many different awards, trips, and accolades throughout his career. As he reached the later years of his life, Paul would transition his work but stayed connected to schools as he worked facilities for Kalamazoo Public Schools until the day he passed. 

Another passion of Paul’s was to spend time on the courts, fields, and arenas officiating games. He was an MHSAA certified official for 30+ years, and you could often find him on the basketball court, baseball and softball fields, or at a local volleyball game. What started out as a way to make ends meet quickly morphed into a passion and love he carried until the end.  

When he wasn’t working, Paul loved nothing more than spending time out on the water, preferably with friends or family. He owned a boat many years of his adult life and Gun Lake in Shelbyville, Michigan was his sanctuary. He enjoyed spending weekends and weeknights on the water with his friends by his side and loved to adventure out to ‘Party Island’ for the hot Michigan summer days. 

Paul left a lasting impression on all of those who he met. Whether it was lending a hand, an ear, expertise, or just being there, Paul was known as someone you could call on your best and worst days. He had a love for kids and spent many years coaching and developing young athletes. Most recently he coached the middle school boys’ basketball team to a championship in 2018. If there were sports being played in Kalamazoo, you could bet Paul wasn’t far. 

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, William and Doris Kampen.  

Paul is survived by his children, Kyle (Alex and Matt) Haller and Kameron (Ashley) Kampen and his soon-to-be-born granddaughter. He is also survived by three siblings: Eileen (John) Negri, Mark Kampen, and Pam (Dan) Mayes. 

Paul has left a lasting mark on those who have had the privilege of knowing him. Gone too soon, but certainly never forgotten. 

The family will receive friends in a visitation and service on Monday, April 8, 2024, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 3926 S 9^th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Visitation will be held from 4pm-6pm with a service beginning at 6pm. Paul will be cremated in accordance with his wishes.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Paul Kampen Athletic Scholarship Fund, which Kyle and Kameron will use to offset fees for public school sports programs.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family visit https://www.langelands.com.