Dewey William Camp Jr.

November 10, 1935 – January 12, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Professor Dewey William Camp, Jr., on January 12, 2025. Surrounded by the love of his family, Dewey departed this life at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of profound influence, love, and artistry that will resonate through the generations.

Born on November 10, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, Dewey, affectionately nicknamed "Sam" as a youth, was the second of three children in a family deeply rooted in education, music, and resilience. His mother, Quay Camp, a dedicated schoolteacher, instilled in him a love of learning and discipline, while his father, Dewey Camp, Sr., a gifted musician and band director, introduced him to the world of music. Dewey grew up alongside his siblings, Dr. Bonnie Camp, a pioneering child development expert, and Dan Camp, a renowned architect and developer of the Cotton District in Starkville, Mississippi.

Dewey’s early life reflected both the challenges and joys of growing up in the South during lean times. From an early age, his musical talent was undeniable. He began playing the horn in second grade and quickly rose to prominence, becoming the best horn player in his high school band while just in sixth grade. Among his classmates was Elvis Presley, who practiced guitar in the schoolyard. While their paths diverged musically—Elvis gravitating toward rock and roll and Dewey excelling in classical and band performance—their shared environment reflected the rich musical culture of Tupelo.

As a high school student, Dewey formed a trio, performing in different cities and impressing audiences with his natural ability as a pianist. He also earned the prestigious Balfour Award for character, academic achievement, and leadership. Recognized for his potential, a benefactor from his church community enabled him to attend the University of Alabama, where he majored in Voice. His strong, commanding baritone captivated audiences, and with determination and summer studies, he earned his degree in three years, paving the way for a lifelong dedication to music.

Eager to expand his horizons, Dewey pursued a master’s degree in Voice at Indiana University in Bloomington, a program renowned for its rigor. His academic excellence and prodigious talent allowed him to bypass foundational coursework, completing the degree in a remarkable 18 months. Dewey’s journey was briefly paused by military service, where he was stationed in Germany and served as an assistant to the lead chaplain, lending his organizational skills and compassion to support his fellow servicemen.

After his military service, Dewey returned to Tupelo, Mississippi to teach music at Milam Junior High, the same school where he had once been a student. However, the limitations of local opportunities and his aspiration for greater challenges led him back to Indiana University, where he began doctoral studies while also working as an associate director, running rehearsals and preparing singers for school performances. During this time, he performed with accomplished musicians and singers, but the demanding lifestyle of a professional performer made him realize it wasn’t the path he wanted. Instead, he chose to pursue the stable and fulfilling role of an educator. During a summer opera production, he met Phyllis Gustafson, a talented freshman singer. Their shared November birthday marked their first date, and by Valentine’s Day, Dewey proposed. They married that summer, embarking on a partnership rooted in music and love.

In the mid-1960s, Dewey accepted a faculty position at San Francisco State University School of Music, where he would dedicate nearly three decades to mentoring aspiring opera singers and voice students. Known for his commanding 6'4" presence, booming baritone voice, and warm demeanor, Dewey brought life to classical music and opera, as a performer, conductor, and educator. He taught countless singers, many of whom went on to have accomplished careers. Loved by his students, Dewey was a memorable and inspiring teacher who shared his deep knowledge of opera, classical music, and languages such as Italian, French, and German, which were integral to his musical and vocal expertise. He also played a pivotal role in organizing the School of Music’s performances and programs, leaving a lasting impact on its cultural legacy.

Dewey’s impact extended far beyond the classroom. Students and colleagues revered him not only for his technical expertise but also for his kindness, generosity, and ability to turn life lessons into operatic metaphors. His private singing lessons, conducted in the comforting ambiance of his home music room with him seated at his grand piano, were as animated and memorable as he was. Dewey’s larger-than-life personality, wit, and humor infused every session, making the lessons not only transformative for students pursuing their dreams but also moments they would cherish for a lifetime.

Dewey made his home in San Francisco’s Ingleside Terraces neighborhood in 1967, where he became a cherished community figure. For decades, he was known for his daily walks through the neighborhood and along Ocean Avenue, often several times a day. Despite facing significant health challenges, including diabetes, weight struggles, and falls, Dewey pushed himself to stay active. These walks were a testament to his resilience and determination to maintain his health. Neighbors would often see him and be greeted with his booming “Hellooo!” from across the street or a cheerful word for a passerby. His friendly presence and the effort he made to connect with those around him reflected his enduring positivity and love for his community.

As a father, Dewey led by example with hard work, dedication, and honesty, imparting these values to his children through heartfelt guidance. He deeply loved his family, offering bear hugs, encouraging words, and a vibrant presence. Fond of the family’s cats and a lover of food, Dewey’s charisma shone through his storytelling, which artfully combined historical insights with personal anecdotes, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.

In his San Francisco home in Ingleside Terraces, Dewey cultivated a vibrant garden with chard, snap peas, strawberries, apple and pear trees, blueberries, herbs, and colorful flowers. He found joy in preparing meals with freshly picked produce, savoring the flavors of his garden. Though his mobility waned in later years, tending his garden and enjoying its offerings remained a treasured part of his life.

Despite limited means, Dewey found joy in simple pleasures like a good meal, a watermelon, or a bowl of ice cream. His love for history and detail shone through his hobbies, especially his lifelong passion for trains, maps, and stamps. As a child, he would study maps and memorize train lines, fostering a fascination with trains that stayed with him throughout his life. He meticulously organized his stamp collection, spending hours studying catalogues and appreciating the intricate details of each stamp. Dewey also had a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and history, which was reflected in his collections of coins, wine, and whiskey.

Even in challenging moments, Dewey maintained an unwaveringly positive attitude. When asked how he was, he’d always respond with his trademark, “Excellent,” even if he wasn’t feeling his best. His optimism, paired with a firm and practical nature, became hallmarks of his character. Later in life, Dewey’s resilience and positivity became even more remarkable. He embraced change and made friends everywhere he went, from Ingleside Terraces to the Peninsula del Rey assisted living facility in Daly City, and finally to the residential care home in Burlingame where he spent his last months. Despite his health struggles, his spirit remained indomitable.

Dewey is survived by his four children, Xanthe Camp, Rodric Camp, Tabitha Camp, and Thorsten Camp, who carry forward his legacy of love, intellect, and curiosity. He is also survived by his sister, Dr. Bonnie Camp, six grandchildren, two nephews, numerous cousins, and an extended family deeply enriched by his presence. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dan Camp, and his beloved parents, Quay Camp and Dewey Camp Sr.

Dewey’s roots trace back to farmers, musicians, and hardworking individuals of Irish, Scottish, and English descent, whose stories he cherished and shared. His ancestry, woven through the fabric of America’s history, mirrored his own journey—a testament to perseverance, creativity, and the enduring power of family.

In the words of one former student: “Dewey Camp didn’t just teach us how to sing. He taught us how to live with passion and purpose.”

Dewey’s life was a melody of love, resilience, and generosity, with notes of humor, curiosity, and profound humanity. Though his voice is now silent, the echoes of his wisdom and kindness will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him.

Please join us as we come together to honor and celebrate the life of Professor Dewey William Camp, Jr.

Date & Time: Friday, March 21, 2025, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Location: Knuth Hall, Creative Arts Building (Room 140)

San Francisco State University

1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132

If you would like to sing, perform, or share a few words in honor of Dewey, please email [email protected]. We would love for those who were part of his life to contribute in a meaningful way.

For those unable to attend in person, we will be providing a Zoom link to watch the memorial virtually. If you would like to receive the link, please email [email protected]. We will send out a link as we get closer to the date.