Obituary for Arnold Chamberlain
Chamberlain, Arnold Thomas
It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our patriarch, at the grand old age of 88, on Monday, May 23rd at Oshawa Lakeridge Health Centre.
Arn is now reunited with his beloved wife Shirley who he has missed dearly these last two years. He was the very proudest father of Stuart Chamberlain, Jacki Cherry (Les). Judi Beatty (Rob) and Scott Chamberlain (Catherine). Much loved grandpa of Tawnya Briscoe (Jamie), Mandy DeJong (Jeff), Katie Brooks (Brandon), Jacob Beatty (Cat). Jordan Beatty and Ivan & Kendall Chamberlain. Adored great poppa of Leila, Emerson, Ruby, Charlotte, Dawson, Grady, Weston, Tucker and River.
He will be missed by his brother Gord, his sister Betty and was predeceased by his brothers Herb, Elmer & Tom.
Family was the single most important thing in Dad's life and he enjoyed nothing more than a noisy house, full of his kids and grandkids, shouting and laughing, arguing over cards, sharing meals around the big kitchen table and mixing drinks at the basement bar. He loved hunting and fishing and his trips with his extended family were some of his favourite memories. Talk about fish tales! The stories from those weekends were told time and again and he'd laugh uproariously every single time. Mom and Dad were avid campers and spent countless weekends at jamborees and fairs, meeting old friends and making new ones. They enjoyed trips to Branson, the Maritimes, out West, up North and all sorts of fun places in between. We never did get him on a plane though!! Dad was always up for an adventure and his recent car trips to visit old haunts of his childhood were bittersweet for him. His recall for names, dates and places was just phenomenal and he always had great stories to tell, seemingly endless fresh stories he could pull out and regale us with. Simply amazing.
Dad worked a lot of construction jobs before he started at the 'Highways' and he remembered all of the roads he built and maintained. He could point out all the jobs he did every time you were driving and the level of detail he remembered about the various individuals, crews, equipment and conditions made for some colourful stories indeed. Dad was an accomplished welder and many, many people in the community have examples of his meticulous work. His final project was a true labour of love and we're sure the recipient will treasure it greatly. Even after he lost his thumb and index finger, he was still welding and working and creating!! Total legend.
Dad believed in giving and supporting benevolent organizations and was a longtime volunteer and member of the Masonic Lodge, the Bewdley Lions and St Paul's Church in Perrytown. He loved working in the chip truck and at the annual fish fries for the Lions especially. He relished meeting people and catching up on the news. One of his favourite pastimes was to watch the comings and goings of his neighbours. His big front window and back deck afforded him a bird’s eye view of the entire village. He enjoyed keeping track of the tractors and floats and loaders that went past the house every day and it kept him connected to the farm community that meant so much to him.
All the drop ins and visits and gifts of food and treats, especially since Mom's been gone, were greatly appreciated by all of us. He always enjoyed an excuse to sip a beer on the deck with a friendly neighbour. It really does take a village and knowing so many were watching over him and checking in meant the world to the entire family. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
If we can take anything away from this awful, sad time, it's that we truly never know how much time we have with those we love. Make the time. Make the memories. Make the most of every single day.
If you'd like to honour the Big Guy please raise a bottle of beer (or maybe a sneaky shot of rye!) in his name.
In lieu of flowers or food for the family, we humbly suggest you treat someone you love to a basket of chicken wings, a feast of Chinese food or perhaps a tasty piece of fried fish. If you wish to donate to a charity in Arn's name, please give to the Canadian Cancer Society or Northumberland Hills Hospital.
Private family arrangements have been made
It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our patriarch, at the grand old age of 88, on Monday, May 23rd at Oshawa Lakeridge Health Centre.
Arn is now reunited with his beloved wife Shirley who he has missed dearly these last two years. He was the very proudest father of Stuart Chamberlain, Jacki Cherry (Les). Judi Beatty (Rob) and Scott Chamberlain (Catherine). Much loved grandpa of Tawnya Briscoe (Jamie), Mandy DeJong (Jeff), Katie Brooks (Brandon), Jacob Beatty (Cat). Jordan Beatty and Ivan & Kendall Chamberlain. Adored great poppa of Leila, Emerson, Ruby, Charlotte, Dawson, Grady, Weston, Tucker and River.
He will be missed by his brother Gord, his sister Betty and was predeceased by his brothers Herb, Elmer & Tom.
Family was the single most important thing in Dad's life and he enjoyed nothing more than a noisy house, full of his kids and grandkids, shouting and laughing, arguing over cards, sharing meals around the big kitchen table and mixing drinks at the basement bar. He loved hunting and fishing and his trips with his extended family were some of his favourite memories. Talk about fish tales! The stories from those weekends were told time and again and he'd laugh uproariously every single time. Mom and Dad were avid campers and spent countless weekends at jamborees and fairs, meeting old friends and making new ones. They enjoyed trips to Branson, the Maritimes, out West, up North and all sorts of fun places in between. We never did get him on a plane though!! Dad was always up for an adventure and his recent car trips to visit old haunts of his childhood were bittersweet for him. His recall for names, dates and places was just phenomenal and he always had great stories to tell, seemingly endless fresh stories he could pull out and regale us with. Simply amazing.
Dad worked a lot of construction jobs before he started at the 'Highways' and he remembered all of the roads he built and maintained. He could point out all the jobs he did every time you were driving and the level of detail he remembered about the various individuals, crews, equipment and conditions made for some colourful stories indeed. Dad was an accomplished welder and many, many people in the community have examples of his meticulous work. His final project was a true labour of love and we're sure the recipient will treasure it greatly. Even after he lost his thumb and index finger, he was still welding and working and creating!! Total legend.
Dad believed in giving and supporting benevolent organizations and was a longtime volunteer and member of the Masonic Lodge, the Bewdley Lions and St Paul's Church in Perrytown. He loved working in the chip truck and at the annual fish fries for the Lions especially. He relished meeting people and catching up on the news. One of his favourite pastimes was to watch the comings and goings of his neighbours. His big front window and back deck afforded him a bird’s eye view of the entire village. He enjoyed keeping track of the tractors and floats and loaders that went past the house every day and it kept him connected to the farm community that meant so much to him.
All the drop ins and visits and gifts of food and treats, especially since Mom's been gone, were greatly appreciated by all of us. He always enjoyed an excuse to sip a beer on the deck with a friendly neighbour. It really does take a village and knowing so many were watching over him and checking in meant the world to the entire family. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
If we can take anything away from this awful, sad time, it's that we truly never know how much time we have with those we love. Make the time. Make the memories. Make the most of every single day.
If you'd like to honour the Big Guy please raise a bottle of beer (or maybe a sneaky shot of rye!) in his name.
In lieu of flowers or food for the family, we humbly suggest you treat someone you love to a basket of chicken wings, a feast of Chinese food or perhaps a tasty piece of fried fish. If you wish to donate to a charity in Arn's name, please give to the Canadian Cancer Society or Northumberland Hills Hospital.
Private family arrangements have been made