ROBBINSTON – Philip H. Chambers, 84, died unexpectedly early Mon-day evening, Nov. 7, 2005, at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Machias, after a long illness from complications of a stroke that he suffered 22 years ago. His wife and daughter were with him right up until a few minutes before he collapsed and died and were given the gift of having spent a great afternoon with him before his passing. Mr. Chambers was born Oct. 16, 1921, in Milltown, the fourth child of Ralph and Effie Jane “Jenny” (Fitzsimmons) Chambers. He was a World War II veteran who served in the 7th Army, 69th Infantry Division who fought in the European Theatre and served his country from 1941-1946, when he was honorably discharged. He worked as a tinsmith for the Naval Yard in Bremerton, Wash., where he repaired the wartime ships that would dock there. He worked as a supervisor for the Guildford Woolen Mill in Eastport until his retirement in 1972 due to an injury he suffered while in the military. Mr. Chambers was an avid fisherman who made all of his own flies and tip ups. He was a CB radio enthusiast for a number of years and went by the name “Little Joe.” He was a communicant of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Calais. Mr. Chambers is survived by his devoted wife and caregiver of 59 years, Frances P. (Robinson) Chambers of Robbinston; his daughter and son-in-law, Polly and Alan Slefinger of Baileyville; his sister and brother-in-law, Muriel (Chambers) and John McKinley of Robbinston; his beloved grandsons, Sean Eagan and his wife, Michele, of Calais, Scott Eagan of Boston, Mass., and Kevin Eagan of Orlando, Fla.; one great-grandson, Joshua Philip Eagan of Calais; and many nieces and nephews. He was also very fond of his personal care providers, Linda and Peggy and his nurses, Sally, Heidi and Tara. Also close friends, George and Faye Merryfield of Bangor, Butch Garriott of Robbinston, Lorraine Wilson of Calais and Skip Carter of Machias. He was predeceased by his brothers, Victor, Ralph Jr., Carl, Donald, Percy and Willard and by his sisters, Thelma, who died in infancy, Dorothy Pelletier and Phyllis Foley. Mr. Chambers was a lifetime member of the VFW and DAV and was a member of the Sherman Bros. American Legion Post No. 3 in Calais for 33 years. A private graveside service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the American Stroke Association, 343 Gorham Rd., South Portland, ME 04106. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais. Friends may pay tribute at www.maysfuneralhome.com
PHILIP H. CHAMBERS
