Howard Chamberlin

Gone from our presence is a man who was an example of true integrity and honesty. Howard Chamberlin was a loving husband, father, and grandfather cherished by his family and friends, and a dedicated professional. He was a compassionate man with a gentle soul and touched the lives of those he met.

Howard Willis Chamberlin Jr. was born on March 12, 1947 to Howard and Elaine Chamberlin in Tonasket, Washington. He was raised on an apple orchard in Oroville, Washington with his brother Steve and sisters Susan and Nancy. After high school he ventured off to Washington State University where he earned his Bachelor of Pharmacy degree.

He met his wife Carla "over a bunsen burner" in pharmacy lab. With the help of two friends, Ambush cologne and a pumpkin pie, they were engaged and later married in 1970. After college, they moved to Spokane where he began his pharmacy career. He worked for his mentor Gerald Stocker at 6th Avenue Medical Pharmacy. In Spokane Howard also became the proud father of Ryan Douglas and Jennifer Lynn. He delighted in their accomplishments and loved them dearly.

Howard had a great dream. It all started back in 1965. His dream was to have his own pharmacy. He moved his family to Ephrata in 1981 to become the proprietor of Ephrata Drug which he owned for 22 years. He was also the hospital pharmacist at Columbia Basin Hospital for 20 years. After selling Ephrata Drug he continued his career at Heartland Pharmacy in Quincy with longtime friend Dave Manning. He treated people equally, respectfully, and without judgment. He provided his customers with sound advice and impeccable service, all laced with a flare of humor.

His retirement years were spent in Goodyear, Arizona and Ephrata, Washington enjoying his family & friends, and his obsessive passion for golf. WSU athletic teams also provided Howard with much joy and humor over the years. The highlight being the year the Cougars made it to the Rose Bowl. He liked his morning routine reading the paper and doing the Sudoku puzzle. He was also an avid western movie fan, absolutely loving John Wayne.

Howard passed away on August 2, 2014 in Surprise, Arizona of Multiple Myeloma (cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow). He will be missed by his wife of 44 years Carla Brader Chamberlin, son Ryan Chamberlin (Debi), daughter Jennifer Chamberlin, his grandson's Austin Chamberlin and Alex Harvill; his mother Elaine Chamberlin and siblings Steve Chamberlin (Kathy), Susan Chamberlin and Nancy Brown (Pat) and two nieces and two nephews. His father Howard Willis Chamberlin Sr. passed before him in 2010.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 27, 2014 at 2:00p.m. at the Lakeview Golf & Country Club. In honor of Howard, donations can be made to the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, 13400 East Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259.