William P Chamblin

William P. Chamblin, 21, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 13, at his home in Bellingham.

William was born on April 21, 1995 in Seattle, the son of Anson and Caroline (Olden) Chamblin. William attended Ferndale High School, and graduated from Mark Morris High School in Longview, WA. Although challenged from birth by profound physical disability, William demonstrated amazing toughness and resilience, never crying as a baby and always forgiving his loving parents after the multiple treatments and surgeries that he endured. His strength was his good nature and his loving regard for everyone, making lifelong friends wherever he went.  William was a member of the Surrey Transformers, a wheelchair power soccer team in British Columbia, and greatly enjoyed traveling to tournaments all over BC and Washington. He also enjoyed helming a specially adapted sailboat on English Bay as a member of the Disabled Sailing Association. He and his family developed a close relationship with the wonderful Northwest Therapeutic Riding Center, where he adored riding and caring for his favorite horses, Kleng and Kurt.  Perhaps his greatest joy was music. He was a member of a swing choir throughout high school, and sang in both the children’s and adult choirs at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Bellingham. He often telephoned his family and friends, spread all over North America, and simply sang with them over the phone.  William is survived by his family: mother Caroline Chamblin of Bellingham, father Anson and stepmother Donna Chamblin of Ferndale, sisters Katherine Chamblin and Sunny Dziuk, grandmother Gail Fox of Bellingham, grandparents Jay and Elisheva Chamblin of Beach Haven, NJ, godfather Ted Askew of Bellingham, godmother June Eisenman of Seattle, and numerous cousins, aunts and uncles.  Following cremation by Sig’s Funeral & Cremation Services, a celebration of William’s life will take place on Friday, December 16 at 1:00 pm at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Bellingham, The Rev. Jonathan Weldon officiating, with a reception to follow in the parish hall. His parents request that memorials in William’s name may be made to the Northwest Therapeutic Riding Center of Bellingham.  William’s life was a true gift for his family and friends; we are blessed to have had him in our lives. Please join us in celebrating the life of this sweet, charming, intelligent, sensitive, loving young man.