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BORN
1943
DIED
2013
Tom Chambers Obituary
Chambers, who was 70, died of mouth and throat cancer, daughter Jolie Lofink said.
Elected to the state's high court in 2000, he retired last Dec. 31.
Chambers was born and raised in the Yakima Valley, and grew up working on cars in his father's gas station, according to biographical information supplied by family friend Lori Haskell.
On his website, www.tomchambers.com, under the entry for 2000, he wrote, "I am elected to the Washington Supreme Court, the state's highest court. Pinch me. Only in America could all of this happen to a kid raised behind a gas station."
Before his election to the high court, he had served as president of both the Washington State Bar Association and the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association.
He graduated from Washington State University and from the University of Washington School of Law.
"I am advised life is short," Chambers wrote in his 2013 website timeline entry. "My cancer cannot be cured and am told I have 3 to 6 months to live."
He is survived by Judy, his wife of 46 years; three children, including Lofink, daughter Jana Jiwani and son Tom Chambers Jr., and six grandchildren.
A public memorial is planned Jan. 9 at the Museum of Flight in Seattle.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Memories and Condolences
for Tom Chambers
19 Entries
Suzanne Davis
August 4, 2017
My memory is of my mom & dad visiting and going on a plane ride over Mount ST Helens ten years after it erupted with her cousin's her name Elizabeth Mccorrison
Charlie Southerland
February 16, 2017
Tom was an uncommonly good man. Thanks for everything, Tom.
January 8, 2015
MISS YOU TOM
Michelle Pizzo
January 9, 2014
Thank you, Justice Chambers, for your service to this State and to justice. So sorry for your loss, family.
G Richmond
December 16, 2013
My condolences to the family. God assures us that if we draw close to him, he will draw close to us. May your memories bring you comfort.
michelle plakas-kaiser
December 14, 2013
rip
R
December 14, 2013
My condolences to the family, Under God coming Kingdom “No resident will say: ‘I am sick.'
In that time death, tears and pain will be more.
December 13, 2013
My condolences to the Chambers family. As you return to life's routine may you have peace from Almighty God.
Levi
December 13, 2013
Dear Chambers Family: I am truly sorry for your loss. May you draw comfort from knowing that Tom is indeed precious in God's eyes.
December 13, 2013
My condolences to the Chambers family. May the God of all comfort provide you with the strength needed to cope with your loss.
Alayna Martin
December 12, 2013
I have many wonderful memories of Tom, as does my family, that will live on forever. He was a great inspiration to everyone, and truly enjoyed leading all the activities at our family reunion. It certainly wouldn't have been the same without him there. He will be greatly missed, but we will forever cherish the memories.
Katrina Keppler
December 12, 2013
My thoughts are with you, wishing the family peace and happy memories. My fondest memory was bumping into Tom on the WSU campus, wearing his original college sweater one beautiful fall football Saturday in the last decade. Such a warm smile and kind radiance. I count myself lucky to have known such a wonderful man. Of course, his service to our State, and to the Barney Family bi-annual reunions garner my deepest respect.
joseph
December 12, 2013
you have our deepest condolences...right now, when your loss is so fresh, it maybe diffcult for you to imagine that this pain will ever go away. but in time, the blessing of god"s unfailing grace will soften the hurt that you are feeling and bring your heart the peace, comfort, and hope that it needs to heal.
December 12, 2013
I'm sorry for your lost. May your family rely on God in this time of grief.
Lee
December 12, 2013
I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the Chambers family. I know that when I have experienced times of distress I have found much comfort through prayer. Philippians.4:6,7 says, "...but in everything by prayer...let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard your hearts..." We can draw strength from God through prayer to help us through times of heart break & know that God really does care for us. I hope this brings you some comfort at this time.
Shannan Moran
December 12, 2013
Tom, You have an amazing spirit that touched so many people. Thank you for providing a lifetime of memories. You will be missed.
Much love to your family, Judy, Jolie, Jana, Tom Jr and Della and all extended family.
Dwayne Bickham
December 12, 2013
in God's in care rest in peace
Jane Dowling
December 12, 2013
God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.
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