CHAMBERLIN, DONALD  DALE

Donald Chamberlin was born in Traverse City on June 11, 1947 and departed on Sept. 13, 2019.  In January of 2019 Donald was diagnosed with amyloidosis, a rare heart condition causing heart failure. This was complicated by a recent diagnosis of multiple myeloma. His poor heart couldn't beat anymore, and he passed away on Friday, Sept. 13.

Donald was a self-proclaimed 'crusty old curmudgeon' and a lifelong lover of the great outdoors. He enjoyed year-round fishing and loved to be on all of our beautiful waters, particularly Long Lake, the bay and Lake Michigan. He had the magic sight for collecting morels, Petoskey stones and Leland blues. Happiness for him was being out in the woods with his camera or his mushroom bag.

He was a talented artist and created exquisite turned bowls of exotic hardwoods and photographed flowers and insects close up, revealing intimate and delicate details. A wicked sense of humor, grumpiness, his homemade barbecue sauce and ribs, as well as his whole-hearted gift of friendship were his trademarks. Children and animals were drawn to him and he loved them back with ease, the sign of a truly good and caring person.

He left behind to miss him his wife, Shannon Gillespie; his stepson, Benjamin Patterson; siblings, Bill, Janice (Mike) Garland and Harold (Lorrie); his beloved niece, Lori (Troy); and nephew, Jason (Rosalie). He cherished his great-nieces and nephews, Brynn, Stone, Michael, Hawke, Jaydon, Sam and Makayla; and his grandsons, whom he loved with all his heart, Briar and Dillon Cornett.

All of us who knew him loved him. He made us laugh, he frustrated the heck out of us, and he will be sorely missed on the planet.  There will be no service, at his request, but we will gather to celebrate his life at a future date. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers and carry him in your hearts.  

Donations in his honor may be made to Cherryland Humane Society, AC PAW or the charity of your choice.  Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to sign the guestbook and share your thoughts and memories with the family.  To send flowers to the family of Donald Chamberlin, please visit Tribute Store.
Posted By: Administrator - 09-25-2019
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