OREM — Two days out of every week since April, Les Campbell has been in his workshop, turning old tree chunks into wooden bowls and eggs — final Christmas gifts for fellow Orem City Council members and staff whom he has come to love.

"Knowing that I was going to retire, I wanted to do something special for each of them," Campbell said. "I told them the other night that I love them. I really do. It has been an honor and delight."

Campbell will attend his final City Council meeting tonight after a short reception in his honor at 4:30 p.m. before the council's work session.

In Christmases past, Campbell has used his wood-turning talent to make gifts, but this year is a bit more sentimental, as he steps down from the Orem City Council after eight years of service.

He's quick to point out it was never just his vote or voice that made the difference. It was entire councils filled with good, wise people.

"One City Council vote does not a decision make," he said. "There has just been a tremendous amount of good that the councils have done."

But Mayor Jerry Washburn, who was elected in 2000 as mayor, along with Campbell as a councilman, points out that it is Campbell's energy that has made a lot happen.

"He's a very passionate person and very committed to making our city better," Washburn said. "He Has been a major influence in so many things."

Washburn listed the CARE tax, the development of parks and swimming pools and beautification projects in the community.

"He always wanted to cheer for the underdog," said council member Dean Dickerson. "He wanted to make sure that ... a person who didn't have a voice was heard."

But more than City Council decisions or important decisions regarding roads or finances, Campbell said he found the most joy in watching the Boy or Girl Scouts come to City Council meetings each Tuesday night to lead the pledges or say the opening prayers.

"That just thrills me," he said, "and it has nothing to do with any vote that I've made."

Campbell and his fellow council members all mentioned his outspokenness and passion.

"With Les, what you see is what you get," Washburn said. "He is very, very open with his feelings, and he tells you exactly where he's coming from. That makes it easy to deal with him. You may not always agree with him, but you appreciate his commitment to principle."

"Les really has a pure love for Orem," said council member Mark Seastrand. "(He) always is looking out for the best interest of Orem. And he's not afraid to stand up and really speak his opinion, even if it's not something everybody agrees with. I really admire that in him."

Campbell said he'll stay busy now by joining several woodworking clubs. And in a few months, he might even be back to volunteer for more councils or commissions.

Campbell and his wife, Linda, were also just named Citizens of the Year by the Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce.

"I'm gonna miss them," Campbell said of his fellow council members. "My heart already aches."

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