By: Julie Loomis
Word on the Street Issue 45, July 2024
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Being in a homeless shelter you will meet many types of people. Most you pass by, some become friends and some you just avoid. I had my first friend who had to leave. So I felt lost and not sure how I was going to fit in. Rob was one of the first to say hi and we would walk with our walkers to group.
Rob just wanted to get back on track and get a job. He physically was able to get to where he didn’t need a walker and joined the food program. This led to a job at BSU food service.
He finally had his life going the way he wanted. Rob hid a lot of pain both physically and mentally. Hard lesson to learn, alcohol had a strong pull. I remember Rob yelling my name with a big grin on his face. Little did I know that was the last I would see of him.
We had a nice memorial for Rob and David also known as Cricket. Rob’s Mom, sister and brother in law were there. Rob had touched many people.
Cricket was quite a character and love to flirt. I didn’t know him as well as some. I have one memory that stands out. Just Sing was meeting and they brought Cricket in. We started singing and I was next to him.
We sang together and his eyes twinkled like a little boy. We lost two men who made many friends. I am going to share Rob’s obituary and I do not have one for Cricket.
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of a beloved Son, Father, Grandfather, Brother and Uncle – Robert Kenneth Chamberlain. Robert was born April 24, 1969 to Jan and Rubert “Sonny” Chamberlain in Billings, Montana. In 1975 he moved with his mother Jan and older sister Anna to Alaska. Rob grew up in Alaska and had many friends along the way. Rob was married in 1994 and had 3 boys which he adored. He enjoyed spending time playing games and just hanging out with his sons. In 2021 Rob moved to Idaho and lived close to his mother and sister until his passing. Rob is survived by many friends and family who loved him very much. Mother – Jan Church Father – Sonny Chamberlain Children – Robert Chamberlain, Kyler Chamberlain, and Roman Chamberlain Granddaughter – Eiley Chamberlain Sister and Brother-in-Law – Anna and Kurt Smole Nieces and Nephew – Kortney, Chad, Sydnee and Jordynne. And many friends…. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to Interfaith Sanctuary 1620 W River St. Boise, ID 83702