John W. DeChambeau (1875-1918)
JOHN DeCHAMBEAU (1875-1918)- ~~Bodie Odd Fellows Cemetery~~~
John DeChambeau
Bridgeport Chronicle-Union, 8/24/1918 (Saturday):
John W. Dechambeau.
Many Mono friends of John W. DeChambeau and of his family, heard with deep regret that there was no hope of his recovery from an affliction which had come upon him. As a result it was no surprise when he passed away last Sunday evening, at his home in Bridgeport.
John W. Dechambeau was born in Canada, October 6, 1876. When 15 years old he left Canada, and came to Mono County. He spent several years “packing and mining at Lundy.” After Lundy, he ranched a year or so at Mono Lake.
John DeChambeau was married at Mono Lake, December 9, 1898, to Sadie E. King, who survives him. (Of this union six children were born.) After his marriage Mr. DeChambeau moved to Bodie, where he leased and mined for several years. He then moved back to Mono Lake ,where he ranched for two or three years. Later he conducted a lodging house in Hawthorne, Nevada and afterwards ran a Farm near Bishop for a year or two.
About six years ago the DeChambeau family moved to Green Creek. In Green Creek, he was employed as the “operator at the power plant,“ until he became ill about five months ago. Prior to leaving Green Creek, last December, he was appointed Supervisor of the Bridgeport District, which office he filled with credit.
About the middle of last May, Mr. Dechambeau went to San Francisco for “medical attention,” and returned home after a few weeks expecting that his health would be reached in a short time. But his condition grew worse, and he returned to San Francisco early in July accompanied by his devoted wife.
After an operation it was ascertained that his “condition was hopeless.” As soon as he was able to make the trip John was brought to his home in Bridgeport. There he entered into a quiet deep sleep and passed away, peacefully Sunday evening, August 18, 1918, surrounded by his loved ones.
John DeChambeau was a devoted husband, and a kind and indulgent father; to his brothers a true brother, to his friends the Soul of Fellowship. But the greatest of all he was a man of God. And as a man, it is that those who knew him best ,most love to contemplate him. He believed in the “fatherhood of God, and the Brotherhood of Mankind.” He believed “that the man who scatters flowers in the pathway of his fellow man, who lets into the dark places of life the sunshine of human sympathy and human kindness, is following in the footsteps of his Master.”
John W. Dechambeau possessed a happy disposition. He was an Optimist. (He had no patience with the pessimist.) He was happy, and contented because he sought to cheer and brighten the lives of those with whom he came in contact. He leaves the heritage of a pure and upright life. He possessed Character, and believed nothing is more important or essential.
In his death, this section (Mono County) has lost a valuable Citizen. Well could he approach a mysterious change calmly, bravely, cheerfully, and with a conscience of duty faithfully performed, for John had lived an “upright and honest life.”
Besides a devoted wife, Mr. Dechambeau leaves a daughter, Verna; three sons, Lawson, Morris and Cecil; and two brothers, Louis W. and James N.
To the loved ones, Our Hearts Go Out in Deepest Sympathy. But, oh, the weakness of words. The memory of loved ones gone should be a Tower of Strength. What they achieved, and aspired to should nerve us to meet worthily the present. What an anodyne of Grief are rightfully cherished memories.
The Funeral from the Bodie Miners’ Union Hall in Bodie Tuesday afternoon, August 20, 1918, was one of the most largely attended occurring there in years.
Several hundred friends gathered there, while Attorney Mark H. Edwards conducted the Morning Services. More than thirty autos formed the Funeral Cortege to the Bodie Odd Fellows Cemetery. Many beautiful floral pieces and tributes were banked about the Casket.