William H. Chambers, 78, Ogdensburg

William “Pete” H. Chambers, age 78, of Oswegatchie and formerly of Gouverneur, died on April 30, 2008 at Clifton-Fine Hospital, Star Lake.

He was born on November 17, 1929 in Ogdensburg, the son of the late Joseph Henry and Ellan Annie (Brown) Chambers. Pete attended a one-room school house before enlisting in the Air Force where he completed his GED and college education.

Mr. Chambers served his country in the United States Air Force.

He served during the Korean War, the Vietnam War and was awarded a Certification of Recognition for service during the Cold War for promoting peace and stability. He was a strategic Control officer during the Korean War.

He was honorably discharged and retired from the military on November 1, 1970.

Mr. Chambers had a very busy work history. He was a maintenance worker for the Gouverneur School district for several years; he owned and operated the Craft Shop on Main St. in Gouverneur, as well as B&W Arco gas station in Philadelphia.

Pete worked for Northern Star Silo in Gouverneur for many years as a general laborer and also enjoyed driving shipments to work sites. He was a maintenance worker for Wanakena College when it came time to remodel and repair many sites and buildings. A hard working man, he never seemed daunted by any task that needed to be done.

He even used his home in Gouverneur as a newspaper distribution center for the Watertown Daily Times.

He married Elizabeth “Betty” Jane Johnston on March 26, 1954 in Moss Point, Mississippi. The couple lived in Gouverneur for many years on East Main St. and Depot St. before moving to Oswegatchie in 1985. Mr. Chambers earned his private plane piloting license and flew his first solo flight on June 11, 1961 in Villers, France. An active outdoorsman, Pete enjoyed camping and fishing. His woodworking hobby turned into an art form when he was behind his scroll saw. Mr. Chambers enjoyed computers and played spider solitaire for hours. He took up amateur radio as a General Class operator using his call letters, KB2WIR.

Mr. Chambers is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Jane Chambers – Oswegatchie, two daughters and their husbands; Chris M. and Paul Martin – Oswegatchie, Barb Ellan and Larry Johnson – Port Deposit, Maryland, two sons and their wives; William J. and Donna Chambers – Gouverneur, Robert A. and Wanda Chambers – Abingdon, Maryland, and a sister, Mary – address unknown. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

There will be a graveside service in Oswegatchie Cemetery on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Merton Parks of the Oswegatchie Baptist Church officiating. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are entrusted to French Funeral Home, Edwards.

Donations in William Chambers’ memory may be made to the Star Lake Rescue Squad, PO Box 22, Star Lake NY 13690.