‘He had a purpose and a legacy,’ writes friend and fellow vendor Dorothy Pepper
Street Roots vendor Daniel Campbell died Jan. 1.
In his December 2020 vendor profile, Daniel talked about how much writing and poetry meant to him and how he looked forward to getting published. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said, he had gotten out of the routine and lost some confidence in what he could do.
With a love for reading and writing, he was working on finishing his degree in English literature. “I really feel like things are going to get better,” he said in his interview.
He relied on selling Street Roots for an income and appreciated the flexibility and getting to know customers. His post was at the Whole Foods on Northwest 13th Avenue and Couch Street.
“I’m a friendly guy, please don’t ever be afraid to approach me if I’m standing there in front of Whole Foods. I’m always up for talking,” he had said.
Daniel dedicated his profile to Portland poet Walt Curtis.
I came to know about Daniel when waiting in the line at Street Roots. Whatever he had, he gave without hesitation or question. His jacket, his money or whatever he had to offer, he gave it. He will be missed by his Street Roots family.
Selling papers is what he loved to do, along with writing and going to college. He loved life. He loved people. He loved working at Street Roots. He had a purpose and a legacy.
When we lose someone like Daniel, we reflect on how he was a considerate, loving, compassionate human being.
Daniel saw something unique in every individual that he met. Daniel left us so that he could go be an angel. We are holding him near and dear to our hearts.
He lives among us every waking moment. I talk to him every day. I feel his presence. My co-worker, the friend to many, the son of some lucky parents out there.
He had so much to give to this world.
I will see him again. Not in human form, but in the rain or birds chirping. I catch a glimpse of him as he was ready to go to work. Walking down the street with that ever-canting smile and giving me the biggest hug ever.
Daniel would not want us to wallow in depression and sadness. He reached so many lives and was an awesome human being to be around.
It has been such an honor and a pleasure working with him.
Every morning I take a moment and talk to him like he is still here. I ask if there is anything that I can do to make him proud.
We should take a moment of silence and remember those like Daniel who have brought so much to Street Roots. The vendors and essential workers who have brought their A-game to brighten someone’s day.
Theirs and Daniel’s legacy lives inside of us and we do not hold unto animosity and anger.
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