N O R TH N S W CO N FE R E N CE N E WS
FEB 2017
Memorial service celebrates life of Dr Michael Chamberlain At the memorial service held for Dr Michael Chamberlain on Monday, 16 January, tributes flowed for a man who led an extraordinary life and always looked for the good in imperfect people in an imperfect world. Dr Chamberlain passed away suddenly on Sunday, 9 January due to complications from leukaemia. He was aged 72. His memorial service, which was held at Avondale College Church, was attended by more than 600 people, with family and friends joined by authors, politicians, church representatives, Avondale College employees and others. The service was coordinated by Dr Lyell Heise and Stuart Tipple, both of whom were close friends of Dr Chamberlain. The service opened with the hymn Ingrid and Michael walked down the aisle to, Thine Be The Glory. In welcoming attendees, Dr Heise noted that the afternoon was an opportunity to celebrate Dr Chamberlain’s life, and explained that the display on the stage — featuring the things Dr Chamberlain loved, including his motorbike, equipment from his bush block and other items — represented things he was passionate about. The yellow Torana 1977 hatchback outside the church — the one that had been used in the film Evil Angels — was also part of this collection.
activities. He grew up as a Methodist, but converted to Seventh-day Adventism after his mother did — the health message held great appeal to him. Stuart described Dr Chamberlain as “more than a man cruelly wronged.” He said, “The really important thing was that, despite being cruelly wronged, he was able to look for the good in imperfect people in an imperfect world.” All those who paid tribute to Dr Chamberlain spoke of him as a passionate man; steadfast, hard-working, honest and full of faith. His wife Ingrid described him as “not a perfect man, but he was perfect for me.” She spoke about his tireless work for the community and her pride in his completion of a doctorate. “I’m going to miss him so much,” added Ingrid. “I keep looking at the door, expecting him to walk in any minute. I’ll see him again when Jesus comes and I can’t wait. . . . I’ll never forget him and I’ll love him forever.” Dr Chamberlain’s step-daughter Juanita said she was “proud to call Michael my dad,” describing him as a man of many talents who was happiest when friends and family were gathered around for a BBQ. She noted that he saw all good things in life as a gift from God. Aiden Chamberlain spoke on behalf of the Chamberlain children, paying a moving tribute to his father. “He was a great man in so many ways and we are very proud of him. But he was so broken and crushed in so many other ways,” Aiden noted. He said they cherish the memories they have of their father, who exhibited great strength, both physical and mental. He also stressed the importance of talking to your loved ones, as you don’t know when you could lose them. (Continued on Page 2)
Dr Norm Young gave the prayer, which reflected on the challenges the Chamberlains had faced in life when baby Azaria was taken by a dingo in August 1980. “He [Michael] expected concern, but he received condemnation . . .” said Dr Young. He asked God where He was, then answered his own question — “You were there through all those who cherished justice and pursued it instead of judgment.” Stuart presented the life sketch of Dr Chamberlain, who was born in New Zealand on 27 February, 1944 to Ivan and Greta Chamberlain. He spoke of the “friendship for life” he had with Dr Chamberlain, whose life he said was divided in half — “36 years pre-Rock, 36 years post-Rock.” The life sketch Stuart shared, which mixed humour, compassion and moving sadness, painted a picture of someone who had always been passionate about whatever he put his hand to, excelling in sport, and academic and outdoor
In this issue:
Page 2: From the President: My farewell message Page 3: Kids’ worship sequel goes home, connects worldwide Page 5: “Chauction” held at Kariong XChange Page 6: New Principal for Avondale School in 2017
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