It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my best friend, my rock, my beloved husband Robert "Jay" Chambers, known affectionately to family, friends and colleagues as Bob, Bobby, Jay, Jay-Bird, Gerbil, Plumber, Chippy and Frito Guy. Robert left us unexpectedly at home on Thursday, January 15, 2015, while watching a repeat of the recent Packer game...for the 3rd time! He was 53 years young. Robert was born in Sheboygan to Roderick & Carol Chambers on April Fool's day in 1961 - very befitting of the man who loved to crack jokes, sing silly songs always making us smile. Robert enjoyed a happy childhood in the Sheboygan area, attending elementary schools in Sheboygan, Falls & Howard's Grove where he made many long lasting friendships. At the age of 8, Robert was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes. Determined not to let that define him or his life, when his doctor wouldn't clear him to play football at Horace Mann, Robert battled his way back onto the field. After doctors back then. Robert liked to think he was a pioneer of sorts making way for many young Sheboygan diabetic athletes that eventually followed him onto playing fields. Robert is a 1979 graduate of North High School, earned his Associates Degree at UW Sheboygan, then transferred to UW Stout where he majored in Hospitality/Restaurant management, graduating in 1985. As his wife, I met Robert in Atlanta, Georgia in 1985 where he had been offered a career position at the Days Inns Corporate Headquarters. Robert became a member of the New Property Openings team and later a Quality Rooms inspector. Although it wasn't love at first sight, there was something about him that I eventually fell in love with...he was a gentleman, loving, caring and fiercely loyal and protective of me. He was goofy, funny and always, always had an incredible infectious smile and a kind or encouraging word to say. We shared so many of the same ideals, politics, thoughts and options...he truly was the answer to my prayers. Robert and I were married in the gardens of an old Georgia Southern mansion on August, 23rd, 1986. Our married life soon became the equivalent of a roller coaster ride with so many up's and so many downs. In 1988, Robert was offered a job Frito Lay in Milwaukee as a route salesman. Over the next 25 years, he served various stores in the inner city of Milwaukee, later throughout Sheboygan and Ozaukee counties. In 1996, Robert was diagnosed with kidney failure - his name was placed on an organ donor list seeking not both a kidney and a pancreas to cure his diabetes. In 1997, Robert underwent a successful transplant at Froedtert Hospital with organs donated by the family of a young Milwaukee man. The surgeons described the surgery as "text book"...they described Robert as "amazing, incredible, a joy". His positive attitude was the strongest dose of his daily medications- he shared that inspiring attitude with so many of the other patients each & every time he was hospitalized. Even though he was diabetes free, sadly the disease continued to take its toll. In 2001, Robert had his left forefoot amputated as well as several toes on his right foot due to vascular disease -- he continued his career withFrito Lay and battled through. In 2007, his transplanted pancreas failed and he once again, became an insulin dependent diabetic. The disappointment of the setback felt during that time was quickly over shadowed by a smile that never faded and a bright spirit that never ended. It is because of his amazing attitude that the Frito Lay Milwaukee District created and named an award after him...the Bob Chambers Award. As an avid Packer & Brewer fan, Robert was the commissioner of his own football fantasy league and participated in baseball fantasy leagues around town as well. Most recently, Robert began working voluntarily with the National Diabetic Association, bringing attention the plight of diabetic route drivers who were losing their livelihood and dignity due to stringent DOT commercial truck regulations. Through his perseverance, various company polices were created or changed that affected many diabetics across this country. As always, Robert saw a hurdle and approached it with gusto, always looking out for others...never himself. In his personal life, our boys Tyler, Zach, Austin & Mason meant everything to him. He taught them to be good Christians, good sportsmen, leaders and good decent human beings. He instilled hard work and determination, to never give up or give in...to always turn the other cheek. He shared his love of sports and history and politics. Because he couldn't serve his country, our 3 oldest sons chose to serve in honor of him - Tyler is currently in the Air Force, Zachary recently left the Navy & Austin serves in the Army. Robert was immensely proud. Robert loved people evidenced by the good marks he left on the lives of everyone he touched, friends and strangers alike. But there is no doubt, he loved his family and close friends most. "Jay" is survived by his father and step mom, Rod & Jeanne Chambers of Summerfield, Florida, his sisters & their husbands Lori & Dick Weinhold of Sheboygan, Jayne & Rodney Dragan of Howards Grove and Marsha & James Bauer of Appleton, his brother Jerry and Mary Bradesen of Plymouth, and his Aunts Dolores Miller and Sandy Schmitz, as well as numerous cousins whom he shared many happy childhood times with. "Bob" is survived by my mother Teddy Barco, The Villages, Florida; his brothers & their wives, Lee & Barbara of Charlotte, North Carolina, Ted & Diane Barco of Greensboro, Georgia and my sister Margaret & Dave of Barltesville, Oklahoma. Robert inspired his nieces and nephews, Melissa & Brandon, Lis, Deanna and Danielle Dragan, Sam and Lindsy Bauer, Nicole and Allison Biddinger, Brenden and Siobhan Barco as well as grand nephews Anthony, Presley, Nolan Lis, and Owen and Gabe Hildebrand. "Plumber,Gerbil, Chippy & Frito Guy" is survived by many, many good people of our community, best friends, collegues, neighbors. Bless each of you -- "running into" you all truly made his everyday life complete. To carry on his legacy, "Dad" is survived by his sons and their wives, Tyler & Lindsy of Colorado Springs, Zachary of Sheboygan, Austin & Toni of Calcium, New York, and our baby Mason, a junior at North High School. "Grandpa Jay" is survived by our 2 year old grandson, C-A-R-S-O-N! and our dog Brody. Lastly, Robert is survived by me...Trudy, his wife of nearly 29 years. He was my everything -my heart and my life will never ever be the same. Robert is preceded in death by his mother and step father, Carol and Gene Schmidt, infant sister Lana and brother John, Uncles Jim Miller and Robert Schmitz and of course his beloved dog, Marty. Our family would like to thank Robert's donor family whose unselfish decision to donate their loved one's organs gave us nearly 17 additional wonderful years with him. We would like to thank St.Nicholas & Froedtert Hospitals, doctors and staff who cared deeply for Robert throughout his life. To First United Lutheran Church members and staff who've supported us quietly over so many years. Our deepest gratitude to the Sheboygan Fire, paramedics and police officers who worked hard trying to save him while supporting our needs too. Robert's funeral and celebration of life will take place Wednesday, January 21stat First United Lutheran Church, 2401 Kohler Memorial Drive. Visitation will begin at 10am followed by a 12 noon service with Pastor Todd Smith officiating. Anyone who was ever touched by Robert is encouraged and welcomed to attend. A memorial fund has been established in his name. Robert my dear, it's been one heckuva roller coaster ride...and oh, what a glorious ride it has been.
