Richard Clark Chamberlain

In Remembrance of Richard Chamberlain, He was Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great Grand Father to our family.

Richard (Dick) Clark Chamberlain was born March 1, 1931 to Fred and Effie (Clark) Chamberlain of Washougal and died Nov. 13.

He was the youngest of five children. He grew up on the banks of the Columbia River where he enjoyed riding horses and hunting.

On October 12, 1950 he joined the Navy where he served as a Gunner’s Mate on ships including: The USS Bonhomm E. Richard, The USS Butan, and the USS Arriscany. During his time in the Navy he served two tours in the Pacific during the Korean War and also spent time stationed in Japan.

While enlisted in 1952, he married Kathryn Varney (January 14, 1952) of Washougal. They were married sixty-two years and raised six children and provided a home for two foster children.

After his discharge from the Navy in 1954, Richard and Katy had a small dairy in Washougal. In addition, Richard worked for both the Pendleton Woolen Mills and Crown Zellarback Paper Mill, both of Washougal.

Also during that time, Richard and Katy became 4-H leaders and were in charge of horse and livestock 4-H clubs. Richard spent nearly every weekend guiding trail rides with various 4-H groups on Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood and other local wilderness areas.

He also enjoyed showing registered jerseys with his children and for entertainment, the family attended many rodeos.

In the summer of 1971 Richard and Katy relocated their family to Vale, Oregon to pursue a full-time dairy and farming operation.

For the past forty-three years, they have lived near Willowcreek, Oregon and with the initial help and guidance of neighbors; they were able to create a successful dairy and farm. After moving to Vale, Richard was a part of the Eastern Oregon Dairymen’s Association, Willowcreek School Board and was also one of the first dairymen to ship milk to Swiss Village Cheese in Nampa, Idaho where the family continues to ship from their Jersey milking herd.

In his later years, Richard joined the Backcountry Horsemen of America where he enjoyed scouting and maintaining trails throughout the Northwest. He was able to take his grandchildren on many of these horseback trips.

While summers were spent on the Farm, He and Katy also spent nearly fifteen years traveling to Arizona during the winter months where he enjoyed playing cards, horseshoes and reminiscing with his friends.

Richard also enjoyed camping with family, cutting firewood, watching his grandchildren show registered jerseys, and he was a regular attendant at the Vale 4th of July Rodeo. Richard and Katy traveled extensively across the west to visit family and attend family events.

Family was first, then Horses, Jersey’s and the farm. He will be missed dearly.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents Fred and Effie Chamberlain, brothers Veryl and Joe Chamberlain, and sister Verde.

He is survived by his wife Katy, children: Dee Anna Chamberlain of Dallas, OR, Harry (Tammy) Chamberlain of Vale, OR, Keith (Debbie) Chamberlain of Carson, WA, Julie (Eric) Johnson on Tampa, FL, Warren (Lori) Chamberlain of Vale, OR and Dennis (Mary) Chamberlain of Ritzville.

He also is survived by 24 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

Richard will be remembered fondly by family, friends and neighbors alike.