Submitted by: Dan Rich

Michael Anthony Chamberlin

Feb. 1, 1945 - Feb. 19, 2005

South Bend Tribune 2/22/2005                                       

Michael A. Chamberlin, 60, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, February 19, 2005, in his River Park home. Mike was born Feb. 1, 1945, to the late Louis and Dorothy (Mougey) Chamberlin. He lived in South Bend for most of his life, graduating from his beloved John Adams High School in 1963 and attending Indiana University at South Bend.

Mike was married twice and is survived by his daughters, Rachelle (Ayn Elise) Chamberlin of South Bend, Samantha (Christopher) Cook of Indianapolis and Stephanie Chamberlin of Indianapolis; his sons, Paul (Mari) Chamberlin, Seth (Maggie) Chamberlin and Matthew Chamberlin, all of South Bend; his eight grandchildren; and his brother, Louis "Gene" (Lynn) Chamberlin of South Bend.

Mike was a photographer. As a student, he took many of the sports and club photos adorning the JAHS showcases and yearbooks from the early 1960s. His career began at the Tompsett Studio, and in the early 1980s he owned and operated the Robertson Portrait Studio on the second floor of the Robertson's Department Store in downtown South Bend. He also managed a number of memorable public houses. The Left Bank Club, the Scotch Mist Lounge and Doolittle's Pub. Later in life, he worked as the maintenance/groundskeeper for the Princess Way KOA campground in Granger. He continued with photography throughout it all. As a photographer, he captured and preserved memories for hundreds of Michiana families. He collected pictures of himself with notable local and national politicians, sports figures and celebrities. He worked as a volunteer on a number of local charities, including the MDA drive for Jerry's Kids and the Teamsters' annual picnics. He enjoyed his friends and Notre Dame football.

His family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 23, at 9 a.m., with a memorial service at 11 a.m. in the Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made on behalf of Mike Chamberlin to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (888-Help-MDA); or to the Little Flower Catholic Church Food Pantry, 54191 Ironwood Road, South Bend (243-3438).