Melvin Chambers

He was born in Niagara Falls on Nov. 7, 1932 to Edward and Mabel (Higgins) Chambers.

Mel attended Niagara University and Buffalo State University on cross-country and track scholarships, earning a bachelor of science in education from Buffalo State in 1955. He received a master’s degree from the University of Connecticut, a master’s degree from Syracuse University, and completed the coursework for his doctorate (a.b.d.) at Syracuse University.

Mel married Nancy Smith on Aug. 27, 1954. During their honeymoon in Saranac Lake, they bought property and moved there upon Mel’s graduation. He began his teaching career in Saranac Central High School in 1955, commuting daily until 1970 when he accepted a position in the Science Department at North Country Community College. Mel taught various science courses during his tenure at North Country Community College and went on to become the chairman of the Math, Science, and Allied Health Department until his retirement in 1994.

He was especially proud of the success of the nursing, laboratory technician and radiology technician programs under his direction.

Mel was instrumental in starting the Outing Club at NCCC, and volunteered for many years on the Winter Carnival Committee and the Hanmer Guideboat Races. He was one of the founding members of the Mount Pisgah Ski Patrol.

Mel photographed the Wildflowers of The Adirondacks and offered slideshow lectures of them. He taught community classes on constructing solar energy panels and for two summers participated in workshops on atomic energy in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Mel is survived by Nancy, his wife of 60 years; his daughter and son-in-law Susan and Miles Van Nortwick of Saranac Lake; his son and daughter-in-law Jeff and Christi Chambers of Colorado Springs; four grandchildren: Adam (Steph) Van Nortwick of Harrisonburg, Virginia; Jenifer Van Nortwick of Washington, District of Columbia; Amy Bell, and Samuel Chambers, both of Colorado Springs; and one great-grandson, Gavin Van Nortwick. He was predeceased by his parents and his two sisters: Marion Dawson and Irene Senese.

At Mel’s request, there will be no public services.

Friends wishing to remember Mel may make donations to the American Cancer Society, 865 S.E. Monterey Commons Blvd., Stuart, FL 34996.