The NAUI family mourns the loss of one of its legends, Spence Campbell (NAUI #A20). Spence’s dive journey started in 1954 without formal training in Tacoma, Washington. His career led him to the Coastal School of Deep Sea Diving, where he works on projects like dam construction in MK V helmets and canvas suits. He later joined the United States Air Force, teaching scuba diving before the newly formed NAUI recruited him as an instructor.
Spence’s passion for diving physiology was unmatched. He went from setting up his own hyperbaric chamber in his garage to working with the Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle in their development of a hyperbaric research facility. This became a hub for NAUI Members and divers of all backgrounds, who gained valuable insights from Spence’s lectures on diving physiology and decompression research.
A Legacy of Teaching and Mentorship
His mentorship continued to shape instructors, including Rick Kaiser (NAUI #4798), who recalls Spence’s dedication to training new instructors. This philosophy led to the evolution of NAUI’s Instructor Training Course (ITC) and the development of leadership programs like Assistant Instructor and Divemaster courses.
Rick Kaiser reflects on his early years with Spence, saying,
“Spence worked our butts off, and in return, I learned unique skills in teaching people to become safe and confident divers. Teaching became my calling, all thanks to Spence’s guidance and leadership.”
Honoring a Diving Pioneer
Spence’s contributions to diving earned him numerous well-deserved accolades, including induction into the NAUI Hall of Honor in 2015 and the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. He was a founding member of the Northwest Diving History Association, where his storytelling ability and passion for preserving diving history shone brightly.
The diving world has lost a mentor, visionary, and friend. Spence’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, the divers he mentored, and the impact he had on the diving community as a whole.
Rest in peace, Spence. Your stories, teachings, and passion will never be forgotten.
To learn more about Spence’s incredible journey, visit the Northwest Diving History Association by clicking the button below.
