John Chamberlain
August 3, 1942 - March 13, 2024
Native San Franciscan John W. Chamberlain, passed away at home on March 13, 2024, from complications of ALS. He was 81 years old. Those fortunate souls who knew John also know that his extraordinary character and life cannot be captured in a few words. Here, nonetheless, is a modest snapshot of a great man.
John was a secondgeneration San Franciscan, born in 1942. During childhood, John lived with his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Francis Chamberlain; and brother, Fran (with whom he remained lifelong close friends), just above the UCSF campus at the edge of the Mount Sutro Forest. John attended Lowell High School, then graduated from Cal. in 1966, where he was a proud Delta Tau Delta member and became a lifelong Bears football fan. John met his future wife, Susan, while doing graduate work at San Diego State and they married in 1967. Susan and John settled in San Francisco and became parents to Michael in 1970 and Amy in 1972. John was a commercial real estate broker in San Francisco’s financial district. His hard work and innovation led to leadership roles at several firms and a successful career. But what made John stand out professionally was his unparalleled ability to build strong and authentic relationships.
Aside from his family, which he always prioritized, John’s passion was adventure. In addition to shared journeys with his traveling partner, Susan, John’s delight in new people and places motivated solo trips to unusual—and sometimes dangerous—places. His voyages included kayaking in New Guinea, exploring Myanmar, and riding a motorcycle through Vietnam and Sicily. Among John’s favorites were several trips to Cuba, where he relished staying in local homes and enjoying the many new friendships he made. That ability to make and maintain friendships—at home or abroad—was another defining trait. John leaves behind an exceptionally broad circle of close friends, established in the many social settings where he thrived—including his many years with the Guardsmen, the Bohemian Club, lunches with old friends, group bike rides, and the mountain community that John so enjoyed.
Above all, John loved and cherished his wife and family: Susan was the love of his life, as he was hers, during their 57-year marriage. Their shared laughter (even if accompanied by eye-rolling on Susan’s part) was an essential ingredient to their resilient partnership. They treasured moments together, looking at Sierra ridgelines, where the family spent many summers. John never missed a moment to spend time with his family. Typical outings might be bike rides with daughter, Amy, outdoor adventures with son, Michael, lunch dates with daughter-in-law, Patrice, cheering at grandson Peter’s sporting events, and dim sum feasts with his granddaughter, Ali.
John’s kindness, goodness, and generosity of spirit were unmatched. Consistent with his wishes, no formal memorial service will be held, but John’s family will continue to celebrate his life. If you knew John, consider yourself lucky, raise a glass, and share a story or joke in his honor. He’d appreciate that.