Remembering Jan Chamberlain: A Tireless Advocate and Unforgettable Force in Owen Sound

Jan Chamberlain’s unexpected passing leaves a deep void in Owen Sound. A tribute by Ruth Lovell Stanners honours her decades of service, spirit, and unmatched dedication to community life.

Submitted by Ruth Lovell Stanners

Our community received very sad and unexpected news this week. Jan Chamberlain has passed away, and none of us were prepared.

Jan had been in the hospital for only a few days. In the days and weeks before, she had kept to her regular schedule of meetings and social events with her typical enthusiasm and engagement.

There is an expression I expect we’ve all heard at some point: ”Everyone can be replaced.” I have always believed that, but a new reality has hit me this week. I don’t believe anyone will be able to replace Jan in our community.

For starters, who has the energy? Jan was always on the go. If she wasn’t conceiving, starting, and promoting new projects like the Active Lifestyles Centre, she was sitting on a Board such as that of the Community Foundation Grey Bruce. Or perhaps representing her community on City Council, as she did some years ago.

A Passion for Housing, Heritage, and Lifelong Learning

Up until days before she died, Jan attended meetings of the Owen Sound Non-Profit Housing Board, where she served as Secretary-Treasurer. Providing affordable housing to people who needed it was a passion and a calling for her.

Jan was at the recent annual meeting of the Community Waterfront Heritage Centre as Past Chair. She organized and attended a special meeting of the Southern Georgian Bay Social Finance Committee. These are meetings I know about because I was with her at two of them, but there were no doubt more. The list of Jan’s association with many other groups is endless.

One of Jan’s great interests was the Bluewater Association for Lifelong Learners, known informally as BALL. Jan was there in the planning, ‘on the ground floor’ as the expression goes, and never stopped rounding up new members and singing the praises of this organization.

It dovetailed nicely with her involvement on the Council on Aging for Grey and Bruce. And until the end of her life, there was her very active involvement in the Canadian Federation of University Women’s Owen Sound club.

A Life of Relentless Community Engagement

Along the way, Jan was formally recognized for her contributions. The city recognized her work on Homecoming planning and events in 2008 by naming her Volunteer of the Year. In 2021, she was named Senior of the Year.

Yet in looking back on Jan’s life, I know there are organizations and awards I have not mentioned. They will no doubt be mentioned and share their own memories in the days ahead.

I think it’s important to mention one of Jan’s more unique involvements, as it illustrates the deep respect held for her.

Jan was invited to become involved with this very local news outlet, The Owen Sound Current, when it was still in its conceptual stage. She accepted, and as a founding supporter, served on the Advisory Board until her passing, helping to shape the publication’s mission and vision.

It somehow feels right to me that this commentary on Jan’s life will find a place in the publication she was part of from the beginning.

A Symbolic Honour, Rightfully Earned

A few months ago, Jan was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal. That award is given to individuals who have made a significant contribution to Canada and helped build their community.

I am so glad she was alive to receive that award because, at the end of the day, that award is a recognition of the vast scope of Jan’s commitments and involvements. It began in her own community, but Jan’s impact was often more far-reaching. The Coronation Medal was symbolic of the thanks of a broad constituency and was entirely deserved.

We will be saying goodbye to Jan more formally in the next while. We will get together, family and friends, and talk about this amazing lady I compared to the Energizer Bunny. We will acknowledge that she was the best cheerleader for so many organizations, projects and events and of course, the community of Owen Sound.

We will talk about how Jan was always welcomed wherever she went because people loved her enthusiasm and warmth. She was constantly taking newcomers under her wing, bringing them into her world, and welcoming them to ours as only she could.

A Lasting Legacy of Optimism and Grace

Above all, for me, I will remember Jan’s way of looking at things positively; her ability to find some light in even the worst possible experiences.

Her life had its challenges, including losing her beloved husband at far too young an age, and a daughter the same. The car accident last year that changed her life physically did not change her spirit. Jan took out of situations whatever positive she could find, and when there was very little positive, she would turn to faith.

She said to me a few times in this last year, “I am still here. I guess the good Lord still has more for me to do.” And the good Lord did, because she kept on doing and giving. Now, those of us left behind must accept her passing and the well-deserved rest. Her work is finally done.

We will miss you, Jan. You cannot be replaced.

Ruth Lovell Stanners

Jan Chamberlain’s obituary is available on the Tannahill website, where you may also share condolences with her family.