Howard W. Chamberlin passed away July 5, 2010, at home, peacefully in his sleep. Howard was born March 31, 1924, in Aberdeen, SD, 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 and 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 they remained in the business for 40 years. Howard took an active role in the community, serving on the School Board for nine years, and as 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, AZ 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 who 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; and children, Howard (Carla) Chamberlin of Ephrata, Susan Chamberlin of Cheney, Steve (Kathy) Chamberlin of Okanogan and Nancy (Pat) Brown of East Wenatchee. Howard is survived also by his grandchildren, Ryan (Debi) Chamberlin, Jennifer Chamberlin, Patrick (Kelly) Brown, Melanie Chamberlin, Caryn (Jeff) Engles and Bryce Chamberlin; and great-grandchildren, Austin, Alex, Andrew, Randa, Landon and Chase.

A Graveside Ceremony will be held on Friday, July 9, 2010, at 2:00 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 Noon on Saturday, July 24, 2010, at Pat and Nancy Brown's home in East Wenatchee. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guest book at www.jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements by Jones & Jones~Betts Funeral Home, Wenatchee.