Paul Robert Chambers, 65, of Helena, MT passed away December 15th, 2022, quietly exiting this world, surrounded by his loved ones.
Paul was born to Bettie and Albert Chambers on November 22, 1957, in Helena, MT. Paul grew up in Helena and once he graduated from Helena High School, he joined the United State Airforce in 1984. Paul was assigned to the 367th Training Support Squadron as a munitions systems craftsman. When Paul joined the Airforce, he was stationed in Italy and England.
Eventually, Paul was deployed to the Persian Gulf in Operation Desert Storm. Desert Storm was one of the largest air campaigns where the US Airforce attacked for six weeks, allowing the ground campaign to last only 100 hours, liberating Kuwait. Paul’s deployment in Desert Storm was one of his greatest accomplishments where he received multiple awards and metals such as an Airforce Excellence Award and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. Once Paul was discharged from the Air Force, he moved back to Helena to be with his mom after his father passed away.
When Paul returned to Helena he worked as a fleet manager for Enterprise and Hertz car rental companies for the last 23 years. During this time Paul met the love of his life, Margie Gilbert, in 1998 who he spent the remainder of his days with. Together Paul and Margie built a life enjoying things that they loved which included driving Paul’s mustang on road trips, visiting car shows, going to air shows across Montana, camping and taking trips to the Oregon Coast. Paul was passionate about many things such as Mustangs and loved anything that had to do with dirt bikes. Recently, Paul had joined Last Chance Raceway where you could catch him either riding his dirt bike on the track or flagging the course during events.
Paul was a very kind, gentle and loving man. He accepted and loved Margie’s three daughters and grandchildren as his own. He loved spending time with his family and grand kids who referred to him as “Papa Paul”. This last September Paul spent Labor Day weekend at Georgetown Lake with his family where you could find him at the kitchen table with all the kids, playing Dungeons & Dragons and offering up his commentary about the “colorful” strategy of the game.
Shockingly, Paul was diagnosed only a month later after the family Georgetown Lake trip with multiple Myeloma. Paul chose to treat his cancer with chemotherapy treatments in the hopes that he could continue with his life as normal as it could be with cancer. Sadly, the treatments were too much for him and his body could not carry on with the fight. Paul was able to make it home on Hospice to carry out his death in the way he wanted, at home with Margie and their dog Peaches. He was a gentle man always with a smile and a kind word for all that crossed his path. He entered death as gently as he lived, one minute he was here, and the next minute he was gone. He is deeply missed and has left a hole in all our hearts that will not be healed with time.
Paul is survived in death by his partner in life, Margie Gilbert; his chosen children Shannon Schmidt; Miranda Burdsall (Matthew) and Corinne Kyler (Kenny). His surviving grandchildren Sarah Royston (Mike); Sean Royston (Becky); Natasha Norman (Andrew); James Davis; Angel Workman (Nathan); Samantha Griffin; Kolton Kyler (Kylie); Ryden Kyler; Declan Kyler; Marley Burdsall; and Madden Burdsall. Paul also had multiple great grandchildren.
Paul was preceded in death by his mother Bettie and father Albert; his Aunt Pauline Buck; and grandchild Alexis Gilbert.
The family would like to thank everyone for the support and condolences during this time. We would like to especially thank the doctors who took such good care of Paul at St Peter’s and during his cancer treatments, as well as Hospice of St Peter’s for allowing Paul to die on his terms.
The family asks that donations be sent to Lewis and Clark Humane Society in Paul’s honor as he would have wanted all the animals there to get special treats, on him.
A celebration of life will be held for Paul at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Helena on Wednesday, December 28th at 11:00 am. A reception is to follow in the Fellowship Hall of the church.
Tim & Kathy Royston says
Dear Margie and family,
We are so sorry your loss, Paul was always very kind to our family. May you always smile with all the memories you have of your life together. Love you.
Dean & Crystal Robbins says
Dear Margie and Families,
So very sorry for your loss. Sending our love.
James Davis says
We all love you grandma so much and it’s going to be hard, you are our lives we love you very much and I know Paul is watching over you and always will no matter what grandma you always will be full of our love forever and Paul will be in our hearts…. Merry Christmas Paul we love you
Mark Copenhaver says
Margie, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Paul was a friend going all the way back to elementary school days. He was a kind and gentile soul. And like all of us I am so surprised and saddened by this news. I wish you the best possible comfort in this difficult time.
Lori Kroll says
Margie, I am so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. I wish you the best of memories and hope that you are doing ok. May he rest in Peace.
Donna Hansen says
We were saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. I met Paul when he would come to see Margie at work. You two were so sweet together, planning a fun future of travel and settling down. Paul was so kind hearted and you could see how special they were together. Margie, you have so many wonderful memories. Take solace in them. Sending my love to you.