Ralph Chamberlain

1925 - 2010

April 10, 1925- Nov. 18, 2010

Ralph Glendon Chamberlain, from one of Simi Valley's pioneer families, passed away in his sleep after a brief illness in Santa Maria, Calif.

Born in Somis, Calif., to Ray and Minnie Chamberlain and raised in Simi Valley, Ralph was a graduate of the 1941 class of Simi Valley High School (when it was located on School Street). After graduating from high school, Ralph served in the U.S. Navy during World War II aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nehenta Bay which saw heavy action in the South Pacific. After his service in the Navy, Ralph enjoyed a 36-year career with the Simi Valley Unified School District until he retired in 1985.

Ralph started out driving school buses and ended up managing maintenance operations for the entire district. It was not unusual for Ralph to bring his young child along when driving a school bus (Thom) or moonlighting as a water meter reader (Carol). A man of few words, Ralph was modest and understated, quietly going about his life and helping others without a fuss, occasionally sharing his dry wit and sage advice. Ralph worked hard and expected nothing less of those around him. He was resolute in his ways and very dependable.

Ralph stayed on the straight and narrow and his frugality was legend. On one occasion, he bought a derelict travel-trailer from a shepherd for $75 and restored it during late nights and weekends. After the renovation, Ralph parked the trailer at the beach a few weeks every summer as a home base for Fran and the kids' adventures, even if Ralph could only visit after work. The trailer also became home base in the desert where the family would ride motorcycles off-road. Always, the children's friends were invited and welcomed along.

Ralph enjoyed the outdoors, and shared that love with his family. Ralph and his oldest son, Thom, enjoyed fishing and camping in the Sierras. When the Boy Scouts first allowed girls to join, Ralph was there with Carol and accompanied her on many backpacking and camping trips over the years. Later, Ralph supported Gary's advancement through Boy Scouts, rarely missing even a weekly meeting. Whether it was fishing and camping in the Sierras, riding motorcycles in the desert, assisting Boy Scouts, or long summer road trips with the family, Ralph would make a plan and just do it. Even after retirement, Ralph and Frances continued the tradition of long road trips in their new RV, visiting friends and family around the country.

Ralph is survived by Frances, his wife of 62 years; son, Thomas Chamberlain (Lori) of Los Olivos; daughter, Carol Jones (Danny) of Arroyo Grande; youngest son, Gary Chamberlain (Marge) of Simi Valley; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and countless friends.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and his only brother, George. Ralph will be missed by those who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11 at St. Paul The Apostle Catholic Church, 800 Bello Street.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to your local food bank to help those who have little.