Murphy – The man who inspired the community to take care of God’s creation has met the Creator.
Gary Chamberlain, a decorated U.S. military veteran and anti-litter activist, passed away in his sleep Friday morning. He was 74 years old. He had been staying at Elizabeth House, a hospice in Flat Rock, as his cancer progressed, with his wife, Karen, by his side.
“This past Monday he accepted God’s plan for him and accepted that God had a different plan for me,” Karen wrote in a letter to his friends and colleagues. “Gary has eternal peace with the Lord and no longer has to fight his demons.”
Chamberlain was born on Nov. 20, 1946, in Oregon. He entered the U.S. Army in 1966. He served in Vietnam in 1967, earning the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his actions in combat.
He is best known in Cherokee County for his efforts promoting the N.C. Litter-free Coalition, which he founded after moving here from Arizona. He influenced others to help him clean up local roadways through passionate messages at government meetings, in schools, at veteran service organizations and in local media, with dozens of items published in the Cherokee Scout alone.
In recent years, the motto emblazoned on posts and T-shirts was, “Honor God and His Creation.” The shirts are available at the Black & White Market downtown.
Shelly Stephens was one of the community members inspired by Chamberlain’s anti-litter efforts. She hopes the community will carry on his legacy.
“Gary was not only a wonderful human being but a truly dedicated American,” she said. “If everyone could put forth a-tenth of the effort and passion into bettering their community and their world, we could solve so many challenges. He will be greatly missed.”
Stephens said she would do her part, and definitely work to encourage others.
Martins Creek Elementary/Middle School was often highlighted by Chamberlain for its participation in litter-free programs.
“Gary’s impact on our school, staff and students was to cause us to look locally, right in our own backyards, when seeking to apply or carry out the most important lessons from our classrooms,” Principal Paul Wilson said. “If Martins Creek Hornets are going to ‘be Gold’ (by Giving respect, Owning our behavior, Leading by example and Demonstrating responsibility), then that means keeping up our community, teaching others not to degrade it and, of course, not littering ourselves.
“Gary knew that all the litter pickups in the world will not fix the litter problem in our county, so he focused on persuading and helping educators to instill in the next generation the kind of character that would preclude them from continuing the irresponsible and selfish behavior of littering (even if they’ve seen their parents, grandparents or older siblings do it) …
“That’s one way that he inspired me and our school counselor, Katie Truett: We could not get over his tenacity and determination to keep fighting for what he felt passionate about.”
Cherokee County Commissioner Dan Eichenbaum and his wife, Rhonda, were saddened to hear of Chamberlain’s passing. They said they will miss him.
“His passion and enthusiasm for a clean and beautiful America, especially Cherokee County, have been an inspiration to so many of us,” Eichenbaum said.
“Gary was a true role model and mentor to our youth, working with school administrators, teachers, parents and students to organize ‘clean sweep’ events throughout our community, art contests, and recognition ceremonies. …
“Gary’s efforts helped instill a sense of obligation, personal responsibility, accountability, accomplishment and pride in everyone who participated. It was simply impossible to say ‘no’ to Gary,” Eichenbaum added.
“I do think that Gary made a lasting difference,” Wilson said. “Gary’s legacy and impact on the students of MCS and the students of Cherokee County may be very much like bread cast upon the waters in the book of Ecclesiastes.”
The Andrews Chamber of Commerce is purchasing a bench made out of recyclable materials in honor of Chamberlain’s good work. A dedication ceremony will be announced soon.
Chamberlain was diagnosed with advanced Stage 3 adenocarcinoma esophagus cancer in November. The cancer affected his stomach, esophagus and several lymph nodes. He declined to go through chemotherapy.
Chamberlain was given a few weeks to six months to live, according to a public statement he published on social media. He said there was a possibility the cancer was tied to exposure to dioxin – or Agent Orange – while serving his country in the Vietnam War.