Chester Arthur Chamberlain

Chester Arthur Chamberlain, 88, of Missoula, passed away on Friday, September 4, 2015 at Village Health Care Center, of natural causes.

He was born on July 16, 1927 in Snoqualmie Falls, WA to Katherine and Wilfred Chamberlain. When he was two years old the family moved back to Missoula, MT where Chet lived the rest of his life. He attended Missoula County High School until the age of 17 when he joined the Navy during WWII. While in the service, he studied diesel mechanics, deep sea demolition hardhat diving, and became a Shipfitter. At the time of discharge, he was a Carpenter's Mate 3rd Class. Following his discharge from active duty, Chet served in the Navy Reserves for 22 years.

He was a man born during the depression and was a jack-of-all trades. He was known to be able to fix just about anything. When he was young, he worked odd jobs for Mrs. Greenough, loaded trucks and made butter and cottage cheese at Missoula Creamery, and drove beer truck. He went on to work building roads and bridges, recapped tires at both OK Tires and Muller Tire Co. in Missoula, spent 28 years repairing cars for Auto Electric, drove freight trucks, and wreckers. For many years he was a Volunteer Fireman for the Missoula County Volunteer Fire Dept. After retirement he thoroughly enjoyed driving school bus for Hellgate Transportation and Beach Transportation.

On November 3, 1951, he married Alice Marie Buckallew in Missoula where they made their home. They had 2 daughters and through them became actively involved in Jobs Daughters. Chet was a Master Mason in Missoula Lodge 13, was a Past Associate Guardian of Bethels 1 and 13 of the International Order of Jobs Daughters, as well as Past Associate Grand Guardian for the State of Montana. He and Alice travelled all over the state and into Canada while he was in office.

In his spare time, Chet enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, gathering firewood, and spending time with his family. In his last years he loved taking long drives with his grandson Corey, his coffee buddy Doc, and his friend Hardy.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Chamberlain, parents Katherine and Wilfred Chamberlain, brother Tom Chamberlain, and brother Aubrey Chamberlain.

Survivors include two daughters, Linda Abbott (Dale), and Dana Rowe (Earl), grandsons Allen Jackson (Amanda), Corey Jackson (Megan), Christopher Abbott, granddaughters Lacey Jackson (Lyle), Karen Shaw (Corey), Katherine Abbott, Shaelyn Rowe, and Molly Rowe. He also leaves great grandchildren Torin, Alyce, Kaydence, and Zander Jackson, Marley Benton, Briar Martinez, Brenden, Liam, and Taybor Shaw, Alden Garrick, Ella Abbott, his two sisters Janet Andrews (Howard), Joyce Jensen (Don), "brother" Ike Eigenman, numerous nieces and nephews, and many life long friends.

A memorial service will be held at Garden City Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 16, 2015 at 1:00 pm with a reception following at the Linda Vista Golf Course.

Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com

Read Chester Chamberlain's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.