CECIL A. CHAPMAN, LL.B

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CECIL A. CHAPMAN, LL.B

Cec has moved on quietly and peacefully to join his wife Barbara.

Born at home and raised in St. James, a suburb of Winnipeg, Manitoba, the third son of the late George Thomas Chapman, KC and Inez Beryl Chapman (nee Davis). Predeceased by his parents and his wife Barbara, he is survived by his daughters, Nancy (Ray) and Elizabeth (Stephen) and son Christopher (Adrienne) as well as grandchildren, Noah (Katie), Galen, Buck, Allie and Ace. He also leaves behind brothers, Robert and George (Marilyn) and many loving nieces and nephews from both the Chapman and Kaumeyer families.

Cecil attended Linwood School, St. James Collegiate, United College and the University of Manitoba, graduating with honours in law in 1955. He met the love of his life Barbara Kaumeyer during his University days. They married in Melfort, Saskatchewan in 1957 and made their home in Winnipeg, where their three children were born.

He was called to the bar in Manitoba in 1956 and joined his father, George Thomas Chapman KC and brother, George Edward Chapman, to form the law firm of Chapman Chapman and Chapman, conducting a general law practice in the city of Winnipeg.

Cecil was appointed to serve as a provincial court judge by the Province of Manitoba. He chaired the Manitoba Legislative Assembly’s Consumer Protection Legislation Committee and was proud of the legislation that resulted.

Cecil enjoyed hunting and was an excellent marksman. He became a founding member and Executive Director of the Winnipeg Trap and Skeet Club. He was active in the community and with the Rotary Club in both Winnipeg West and later in Victoria, BC.

In 1983, the west coast beckoned and Cecil and Barbara relocated to Victoria, BC. There, Cecil was called to the BC bar, and continued to practice law as well as working in government.In 1986 he was appointed as a Canadian citizenship judge, the first resident citizenship judge for Victoria, BC. During Expo '86 in Vancouver, Cecil presided over the largest citizenship hearing ever held in Canada.

Cecil served on numerous boards in Victoria, including Camosun College, Vancouver Island Aboriginal Transition Team, the Conservative Party of Canada and the Oak Bay Police Department. He received a lifetime membership to the Y.M.C.A. in honour of his lifelong participation and contributions to the organization.

Cecil enjoyed his membership in the Greater Victoria Metis Nation and Broadview United Church. He was also an enthusiastic member of the Monterey Centre participating in many programs and activities. He was especially fond of Nuline dance where he made many good friends.

Cec was interested in people and made a difference in his community. He will be remembered for his generous spirit and his zest for life.

Thank you to the family and friends who visited and supported Cec during his short illness. Special thanks to Mavis, Blaise, Jennifer, Chris and Di, the Nuline dancers and the Victoria Hospice team. If you wish to make a donation in his memory, we suggest the Victoria Hospice Society (3rd Floor, Richmond Pavilion, 1952 Bay St., Victoria, BC V8R 1J8) or a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 29, 2023