Wallace L. Chambers, M.D., age 73, died of cancer on February 19, 1996, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on September 18, 1922 in Rock Springs, Wyoming, to Dr. Oliver and May Bosworth Chambers. Dr. Chambers attended undergraduate school at the University of Colorado and received his medical degree from the University of Nebraska in 1946. He interned at Philadelphia General Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he also completed a residency in Pathology. After a second tour in the Army, he returned to Philadelphia for a residency in surgery, general and thoracic. Dr. Chambers served in the U.S. Army for three years during World War II and two years after his Pathology residency at the end of the war, with one year in Korea and one year in Japan in MacArthur's occupational army. In Korea, he performed surgery and was the only Pathologist for all the troops and Americans, plus port surgeon for Inchon. After his surgery residency, he completed a fellowship in surgery at Lahey Clinic in Boston, 1954-55. Dr. Chambers practiced General and Thoracic Surgery in Salt Lake City and West Valley City, first in solo practice, and later as a partner in the Granger Medical Clinic. He practiced at St. Mark's Hospital and Valley West Hospital. He was a founder and one of the developers of Valley West Hospital, later to be Pioneer Valley Hospital, and he served as its chairman of the board.Dr. Chambers was active in the American Cancer Society, including president of the Utah Division and delegate from Utah on the national board. He participated in the International Cancer Congress as a representative in Moscow, Russia. Dr. Chambers was a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Utah. He enjoyed teaching medical students throughout his career. He served as president of the Salt Lake County Medical Society, president of the Southwestern Surgical Society, and was a member of the prestigious Western Surgical Society. In addition to his medical involvements, Wally enjoyed the study of Western American History with the Utah Westerners.
Wally and his family enjoyed the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming and his beloved cabin on Fremont Lake. Together they hiked, mountain climbed, skied, and snowmobiled. Above all else, he loved being with his family.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Gilda, of Salt Lake City; and children, Lt. Commander Wallace L. Chambers, Jr., USN, of Brunswick, Maine; May Chambers, M.D. (William Weber), of Layton, Utah; Antonette Chambers Noble (David), of Cora, Wyoming; Maria Startoni Chambers of Willow Glen, California; and Anthony Bosworth Chambers, of Jackson, Wyoming. He is also survived by four grandchildren.
Private family services will be held in Wyoming at a later date.
A memorial service will be held at the Wasatch Lawn Mortuary Chapel, 3401 South Highland Drive on Saturday, February 24, 1996 at 10 a.m. The family will receive visitors at the chapel one hour prior to services.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 941 East 3300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106 or the Huntsman Cancer Institute, Rm 2C110, School of Medicine, University of Utah Health Science Center, 50 No. Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84132.
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