Kurt Chamberlin Obituary

Chamberlin
Kurt Thorp
Chamberlin
May 18, 1950
August 18, 2024

Kurt Thorp Chamberlin passed away on August 18th, 2024, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. was born on May 18th, 1950 in Washington D.C. to George and Juanita Chamberlin. He grew up in Laramie and Cheyenne, Wyoming. In his high school years Kurt excelled in music, specifically the trumpet. He was involved in athletics and ski patrol. This led to an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. At the Air Force Academy, Kurt's excitement for activity continued, most notably as a member of the "Zoomies" Rugby Team. Kurt graduated from the Air Force Academy with his fellow classmates in 1972.
After Kurt's graduation, he began his career with the United States Air Force flying fighter jets, specifically the F-15, which would forever be one of the hallmarks of his existence. This venture would take Kurt all over the world. On this tour he met his future wife, Emily Hall, in Selma, Alabama. They were married in 1975. Their joint careers in the Air Force would led them to multiple assignments including Texas, Alaska, Virginia, Colorado, and Germany. Kurt and Emily's son, Jeffrey was born during their assignment in Germany in 1985. Kurt retired from the Air Force in 1993 holding his final position as the Associate Director of Admissions for the United States Air Force Academy.
In retirement, Kurt began his second career as "cow puncher" working on various ranches with friends in his home state of Wyoming. Kurt also spent retirement supporting Jeffrey on the Rampart High School wrestling team, as well as Jeffrey's many other activities such as karate, marching band and boy scouts. Kurt was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. His trips included elk hunts in Wyoming, bear, moose, and sheep hunts in Alaska, aoudad hunts in Texas, and multiple safaris in Africa.
Later in life, as Emily dealt with Dementia, Kurt acted as a caregiver, never leaving her side right until her passing on November 11th, 2023. Kurt remained active through his life in the Air Force and Colorado Springs community where he lived for nearly 40 years including his time as a cadet. He could be seen at Air Force Academy football games and Association of Graduate (AoG) events.
Kurt was preceded in death by his wife, Emily and his brother Brent. He is survived by his son Jeffrey (Bethaney); granddaughters Thea and Maeve; sister Cheryl, brother Marc (Jackie); and nieces and nephews.
Service for Kurt will be held at the Air Force Academy Cemetery on October 18th, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.