[From David Powers]
With both sadness at his loss and joy for his many contributions, we write to share the following news with you. Professor Emeritus Gary Chamberlain passed away on Monday, September 10. Dr. Chamberlain taught at Seattle University from 1979 – 2009. He was a faculty member and Past Chair in the Theology and Religious Studies Department and was a critical figure in the development and growth of the Environmental Studies Program. In 1980, he became the director of the Seattle University Master of Religious Education (SUMORE program), and held that position until 1988. Dr. Chamberlain also played a substantial role in the creation of the Institute for Theological Studies (ITS), which eventually gave birth to the School of Theology and Ministry. More recently, Dr. Chamberlain published two books on ethics and water use, including one that came out just last month. He was deeply involved in the life of the university in many ways within and beyond the classroom, including work on the original Faith and Justice Committee.
Gary had a passion for our students and spent his Seattle University career educating them to deepen their faith in the service of justice. Gary began the “Belize Outreach” and led that student immersion with Campus Ministry for nearly 15 years. He also accompanied students to the Ignatian Family Teach-In and School of the Americas protest at Ft. Benning, GA, from its inception in 1999 until 2008.
Gary is survived by his wife Sharon and their twin sons Ben and Mike. Funeral services will be held at the Chapel of St. Ignatius on the Seattle University campus at 2pm on Friday, September 21. At Gary’s request, his good friend Pat Howell, S.J. will be presider and homilist. All are invited to join us in this remembrance and celebration.