Robert “Bob” Chamberlin, 77, Chewelah, Wash., on Sunday, March 9, 2025, passed away suddenly from a heart attack while on his daily five-mile walk; he was with his son by marriage, Bob Hardy. He had been diagnosed with advanced heart disease last year and lived every day with intention. 

Bob was born on April 20, 1947, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to Clint and Doris (Larson) Chamberlin who passed in 2007 and 2009. Bob graduated from Bonners Ferry High School in 1965. 

Robert was married for 35 years to Francis Reiber and has an adopted daughter, Holly Beth Chamberlin. They divorced after a long separation in 2001. Together, they had built a beautiful custom house near Cocolalla Lake, Idaho.

Bob started working at 13 as a box boy at the local IGA in Bonners while attending school. After graduation he drove a log loader while working at Long Lake Lumber in Spokane at the same time he earned an AA in accounting at Spokane Community College. Robert worked for 35-plus years at Jensen Byrd in Spokane as a hardware wholesale rep calling on Trustworthy stores in North Idaho, western Montana and northeastern Washington. 

A humble man but clever, he could fix anything. He liked cars and motorcycles and rebuilt several. He took road trips on his motorcycle until two years ago. Always willing to help others. Had an amazing work ethic, rarely taking time off. He had a quick wit and was a great listener and will be missed by so many.

He was with his wife Susan Chamberlin for the last 23 1/2 years. He relocated from Idaho to Chewelah, Washington, where he made his life and home with her. There he built his dream “man cave” shop where he worked on his retirement projects. During their years together they traveled all over the USA, most often driving … he loved a road trip. He attended the Chewelah United Church of Christ with Susan.

Susan’s family became his and he gained two more daughters, Wendy Kenney, Jennifer Haney and a son, Bob Hardy. He was also the grandfather by marriage to seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Bob was embraced with love by all of Susan’s family His last words of wisdom to Bobby as they walked was “to spend time with the people you love.”

He is survived by his only sibling, Cindy Morgan; her husband, Will Morgan; two nephews with four great-nephews and a great-niece. Also, he has Larson cousins living in Idaho. 

Always an avid golfer since his 30s in his retirement he marshalled at the Deer Park Golf Course one day a week and played as much golf as he could at Deer Park or many other golf courses. He always carried golf clubs in his car for an emergency game or opportunity to practice. His last round that he played in November 2024, he scored a 77. After turning 70, his goal was to always play his age. He made two holes in one … on the fourth hole at Deer Park and the floating green at the Coeur d’Alene golf course. 

There will be two celebrations of life: A reception Sunday, April 20, at the Deer Park Golf Course at 3-5 p.m. when there will be a commemorative plaque placed on the 4th green. And on Saturday, June 21 at 3 p.m. at the family home with a tribute and barbecue.