Howard W. Chamberlin

Howard W. Chamberlin passed away July 5, 2010 at home peacefully in his sleep. Howard was born March 31, 1924 in Aberdeen, S.D. to Willis and Nina Chamberlin. He moved from the Dakotas to the state of Washington as a young boy settling in Oroville where he attended school and graduated in 1942.

Howard loved sports and lettered in football, baseball, basketball and was a loyal Yankees’ fan his entire life. After graduation he enlisted during World War II in the U.S. Navy serving on the USS Hector in the Pacific. Before being deployed, Howard hitched rides and traveled overnight from training in Idaho so that he could ask the love of his life, Elaine Sawyers, to marry him. They were married May 11, 1945.

After the war Howard and Elaine bought their first apple orchard and remained in the business for 40 years. Howard took an active role in the community serving on the school board for nine years, a member of Toastmasters, Kiwanis and the Okanogan County Referees Association. Howard’s most personal contribution to his community was starting the little league program in Oroville. He passed his love of the game and sense of sportsmanship on to the youth of Oroville for over 35 years. He was especially touched by an award presented to him when he retired from coaching youth baseball.

Howard and Elaine retired from the orchard business and moved to Wenatchee in 1990. They enjoyed wintering in Yuma, Ariz. and took as many cruises as they could squeeze into their active lifestyle. Howard was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather – always putting his family first. Having family centered time was very important to him. All four of Howard’s children have fond memories of the many camping trips to Lost Lake, and the good times they shared as a family. Howard lived life to its fullest, and those that knew him well will miss the spark of fun that was always in his eyes.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elaine; Children: Howard (Carla) Chamberlin of Ephrata, Susan Chamberlin of Cheney, Steve (Kathy) Chamberlin of Okanogan and Nancy (Pat) Brown of East Wenatchee. Howard was survived also by grandchildren: Ryan (Debi) Chamberlin, Jennifer Chamberlin, Patrick (Kelly) Brown, Melanie Chamberlin, Caryn (Jeff) Engles, Bryce Chamberlin and great grandchildren: Austin, Alex, Andrew, Randa, Landon and Chase.

A graveside ceremony will be held Friday, July 9 at 2 p.m. at the Evergreen Memorial Park in East Wenatchee. The family would like to invite anyone who would like to share their memories to a celebration of Howard’s life at 12 p.m. on July 24 at Pat and Nancy Brown’s home in East Wenatchee.