Henry Chambers

In Loving Memory of Henry "Hank" Chambers

August 6, 1925 - May 5, 2025

Hank Chambers, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully with his family on May 5 at the age of 99. Born on August 6, 1925, in Saskatchewan, Canada, he lost both parents by the age of two and was raised by his grandparents.

While still a very young child, Hank's grandparents moved to White Salmon, Washington, where he lived until graduating high school. It was there where fate brought him together with the love of his life, Virginia "Gini" Vigus in the most poetic of places-an apple orchard. Their enduring partnership would become the cornerstone of a life filled with love, purpose, and joy.

A bright and determined student, Hank graduated early from high school to serve his country, enlisting in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served with honor as a crew member on a PBY Catalina amphibious plane, conducting submarine search missions during the war's latter years, from the Naval Air Facility Adak in Alaska. It was there that he received heartbreaking news-a "Dear John" letter from Gini that left him shaken. His commanding officer, seeing his distress, sent him home to try and mend the relationship. He did just that-reconnecting with Gini and rekindling the love they would share for the rest of their lives.

The day he was relieved from his mission, Hank's crewmates were tragically killed in a crash. He carried the weight of that loss for decades, speaking about it only in his later years. That quiet burden was a reflection of his deep loyalty and the strong sense of responsibility he felt for those around him.

After returning home, Hank married Gini and they moved to Ocean Park, Washington where he worked in a gas station and at an oyster farm. That encouraged him to start his higher education with the GI bill at Lower Columbia Community College in Longview, Washington, and then Oregon State University, earning a Master's Degree in Secondary Education. During school, Hank and Gini moved around to find summer jobs to make ends meet. In Longview Hank worked in a tire shop. He worked the "green chain" at a lumber mill in Eugene, Oregon. For awhile Hank and Gini lived in Mill City Oregon (in a tent) where he worked setting explosives during the early building of the dam at Detroit Lake.

After graduating, Hank obtained a teaching position at Seven Oaks Middle School in Lebanon, Oregon, teaching 7th and 8th grade science. He dedicated his career to inspiring young minds as a science teacher at Seven Oaks, where he later served as principal until his retirement in 1985. Even decades later, former students still recall the wonder and excitement of his science classes.

Daughter Linda was born in 1950 while Hank and Gini lived in Longview. Leann was born while they were in Eugene in 1954, and Mark was born 4 years later in Lebanon. Hank also instilled a sense of science in his own kids, whether for science projects, or sharing the science of the rocks and trees while on hikes and family camping vacations.

Before retiring, Hank and Gini built their dream home at the beach in Waldport, Oregon. That home became a cherished gathering place, where generations of family and friends shared laughter, holidays, and hot dog roasts over driftwood bonfires, playing in the sand and chasing waves. It remains a treasured retreat for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Hank loved to build, first with the beach house, and later with new decks at the beach house, and helping Linda and Leann build and re-build their homes in California.

Hank also had a passion for service, as a member and president in the Lions Club. Later he provided emergency transportation of eyes for the Seeing Eye program.

Hank was pre-deceased by wife Gini and son Mark. He is survived by daughters Leann and Linda, grandchildren Tommy, Kimi, Mathew, and Carey; and great-grandchildren Olivia and Neal. He also leaves behind countless former students and friends who carry his lessons and spirit with them.



Hank had a great sense of humor that was appreciated by family and friends alike. And he had a kindness and concern for others, especially those less fortunate.

He leaves behind a legacy of service, education, and love-a life well-lived and deeply appreciated by all who knew him. A celebration of his life will be held later in the summer.