Michael Chamberlin

Michael Richard “Mike” Chamberlin
March 31, 1941 – October 25, 2025

Michael Richard Chamberlin was born at Fort Lewis, Washington, to Elva and Richard Chamberlin. He grew up in Poulsbo, where life in “the project” was filled with neighborhood friends and countless good memories.

He graduated from North Kitsap High School in 1959 and went on to attend Olympic College and the University of Washington. Mike served in the U.S. Army, including a tour in Vietnam.

In December 1967, he began what became a lifelong career in banking that spanned more than four decades. He worked with Bank of America, Frontier Bank, and Kitsap Bank, specializing in commercial lending. His work took him throughout Washington—from Seattle to Dayton, Spokane, and back to Kitsap County—where he built trusted relationships and lasting friendships.

Mike met Julie while skiing, and together they shared 51 years of marriage filled with laughter and adventure. They enjoyed ski trips to Whistler, boating through the San Juan Islands, fishing in Nootka Sound off Vancouver Island, spending time in Pelican, Alaska—a place he first came to love as a young man working at a fish cannery—and annual trips to Twin Lakes, where they fished and waterskied. His interests included fishing, hunting, shooting, and dirt biking, and he had a deep love of all types of music. Another favorite place was the mountains near Dayton, where he found peace and perspective in the wide-open beauty of eastern Washington.

Mike had an unmistakable, full-hearted laugh that could fill a room and a storyteller’s gift that drew people in. He loved conversation—not just to talk, but to listen. He made people feel heard, valued, appreciated, and supported. As a dad, he was patient, encouraging, and always ready to offer perspective—steady when it was needed most. Mike believed that life was best lived in connection with others and was always eager to share a story, a bit of humor, or a piece of wisdom gained from his own experiences or from those who taught him along the way.

He valued his independence and took joy in simple pleasures—a good drive, a scenic view, and time spent with family and friends, especially as a devoted husband and proud father.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Elva and Richard Chamberlin, and his sister, Sharon Wyatt. He is survived by his wife, Julie; daughter, Katie, and son-in-law, Alex; siblings, Molly and Dan; brother-in-law, Craig Voegele; niece, Natalie, and her husband, Nick, and their daughters, Milla and Imogen; nephews Luke and David; cousins in Alaska and Oregon; and his beloved grand-dog, Melba.

Mike will be remembered for his warmth, humor, generosity of spirit, and that unmistakable laugh—a sound that made people feel like they belonged. His laughter, kindness, and steady presence will be missed more than words can say.