Timothy J. Chamberlain

Our Eagle Scout's spirit soared into the midnight sky after working ever so hard to endure to the very end. Our gentle-spirited, kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Timothy John Chamberlain, left us behind but for a short time on February 11, 2010, from complications of cancer to enter into eternal life.

He was born February 27, 1940, in Murray, Utah, to Tim and Kathryn Mutch Chamberlain. He graduated from Jordan High School in Sandy, Utah, in 1958, and attended the University of Utah and received a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education from Utah State University in 1963.

On May 31, 1966, he married Claudia Houston Chamberlain in the Logan, Utah, LDS Temple. He taught school at Weber High School in Ogden, Utah, from 1963 to 1966, and that is where he met his sweetheart, Claudia. As well as teaching history and social studies, he was also the track coach. He served for 10 years in the Utah Air National Guard.

He then became a professional Scout executive for the Boy Scouts of America for the next 35 years. He served in San Francisco; Sacramento, California; Ogden, Utah; Idaho Falls, Idaho; San Luis Obispo, California; finishing up in Provo, Utah. He retired in 2003 and moved back to Idaho Falls to be near his children and grandchildren. He worked for Qwest Diagnostics for two years after his retirement. He was also awarded the Silver Beaver Award on April 18, 2009, and was given his 50 years of Scouting Service pin in August 2009. He was also known as the Master Pinewood Derby Car maker, which he passed his talents and secrets down to his sons.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served in many capacities, including three bishoprics, stake Young Men's president, High Priest group leader, Primary and Sunday school teacher and president, Scoutmaster and Scout Committee Chairman. He also served as a temple worker for six years in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple and was currently serving with his wife and missionary companion at the Idaho Falls LDS Temple Visitor's Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

He enjoyed gardening very much and worked very long and hard at having the perfect garden. He also loved fishing and hunting. He recently reached his lifelong dream of getting a big bull elk. He also went on a lifelong dream trip to Alaska to catch halibut and salmon. He loved his annual elk hunts with his sons and grandsons and was the master chef. All of his grandchildren were the joy of his life, along with his sons, daughters-in-law and his wife.

He loved his grandchildren, Amber, Corbin, Cody, Briton, Kylee and Leah, very much and would on occasion be accused of teasing them.

Survivors include his wife, Claudia of Idaho Falls; children, Dr. David John (Shawna) Chamberlain, Steven Scott (Brenda) Chamberlain and Ryan Houston Chamberlain, all of Idaho Falls; six grandchildren; and sisters, Karma Bithell of Farmington, Utah, Gayle (Shannon) White of Nephi, Utah, and Betty (Edward) Leary of Sandy, Utah.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, Randall Chad Chamberlain; his father and mother, Tim and Kathryn Mutch Chamberlain; his grandparents; and mother and father-in-law, Roy D. and Chloe Reese Houston.

Funeral services will be held at noon today, February 16, 2010, at the Iona LDS 6th Ward Chapel, 1040 N. Crimson Drive in Idaho Falls, with Bishop David Adams officiating. The family received friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, February 15, 2010, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St. in Idaho Falls, and will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. prior to the services at the church. Interment will follow at the Iona Cemetery.

The family appreciates all those who assisted in his care over the past two years. We love and appreciate them.

Send condolences or a sympathy card to the family online at www.coltrinmortuary.com.

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