Dr. Karl T. Chambers

Dr Karl Chambers, 74, a devoted and dedicated husband, father, brother and physician died Sunday, July 3, 2011. A native Coloradan, he was born on January 3, 1937 to Dr. Karl Chambers and Mariam Loftus Chambers. His three older sisters Nan, Peggie and Patsy were excited to have a new brother. A year later Karl's brother John was born to complete the Chambers family. Karl graduated valedictorian of Regis High School and then went on to graduate from University of Notre Dame. He completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Colorado. After the completion of his military service, he returned to the University of Colorado for his rheumatology residency. He practiced medicine in the Denver area, often traveling to Grand Junction and Kansas for rheumatology clinics as well as teaching residents at Denver General for many years. At an early age Karl understood what commitment meant. He often held down two jobs while attending school. He instilled this value in his children. Karl and Kathleen raised four children who shared their love of sports and the great Colorado outdoors. Yearly family vacations to the mountains created treasured memories. Grand Lake was the gem. Karl had a twinkle in his eye driving his yellow speedboat around the lake. Early mornings were fishing times, and the afternoons were spent pulling water-skiing kids. As an accomplished skier, Karl took on the role of coach and sherpa, often trekking up to the lodge with multiple sets of skis, boots and poles. He loved to challenge his children, but there were times when the moguls were too massive, and he would aptly carry a child or two between his skis safely down the mountain. Karl was an avid golfer, not good-just avid; he played many golf courses losing thousands of golf balls. In later years, despite always having the highest handicap and score in the group, Karl dearly loved his yearly outings to Arizona with the guys. Another avocation for Karl was fishing. More than once he slid down a bank into the river, and his beloved fishing hat could be seen floating down stream. Mountain vacations, lake adventures, skiing and fishing were passions for Karl, but the greatest love was his wife Kathleen. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year surrounded by all their children and grandchildren. Always the morning optimist, he started each day belting out Zippedy Do Da-ZippetyYeh, and the grandchildren were required to join in. He will be missed for his tremendous compassion, generosity, love and devotion. Papa, we will miss your song each and every day. Please share your memories of Karl and condolences with his family by clicking on the ""Sign Guestbook"" link below.