LORNE AVERY CHAPPLE

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LORNE AVERY CHAPPLE Lorne Avery Chapple died on December 2, 2000 in hospital in Swan River, Man. A man of many abilities, he strove for excellence in everything he did. Born on a farm in the Municipality of Wallace on August 2, 1920, Lorne attended school at Arawana, Elkhorn and Virden. During the war, he served as an engine and air frame mechanic at #19 Elementary Flying Training School at the Virden Airport. When the flying school closed he worked at the Co-op and then Kent Flour Mills, both in Virden. He earned his teaching certificate at Manitoba Normal School in 1947, where he met Jean Fulford. Their shared love of music drew them together, and they married on August 10, 1950. During their engagement Lorne taught at Morden, Pacific School, and Virden, and after their marriage the couple settled in Portage, where they both held teaching positions. Subsequent moves took them to Rathwell and Virden, where Lorne left teaching to work for the newspaper. In 1964 the family moved to Brandon where Lorne became an award-winning photographer and reporter for the Brandon Sun, and later became news director at CKX Television. In 1967 he accepted a post in Winnipeg as television editor for the Manitoba governments Information Services Division. At this time Jean became a music specialist for Winnipeg School Division #1. Lornes gift for clear, straightforward English and his knack for getting to the heart of the story meant that regardless of which party held power, he was the preferred speechwriter for a number of cabinet ministers and other officials who had to speak at formal functions. He wrote speeches for four different premiers. Though a child of the prairies, Lorne always loved water and boats. He became a skilled sailor, and was a trainer for the Manitoba Power Squadron. One of his greatest delights was the familys cottage at Wanasing Beach, where he could set sail practically from the front door. He celebrated his sixtieth birthday by sailing in the national Lazy E championships in Vancouver. Lorne took early retirement from the civil service to open "The Starboard Tack", which specialized in sailboats. A highly skilled woodworker, he restored many a damaged boat to wholeness. When Jean retired from teaching they moved to Minitonas, Jeans home town. Lorne had built their home in Virden and he built their home again in Minitonas. He also built a workshop which gave hours of woodworking pleasure. A talented musician, Lorne led marching bands in several of the communities in which he lived. The band at Pacific School, the 12th Manitoba Dragoons band, the Legion and Elks Junior Bands in Virden, thrived under his leadership. Even in years when other hobbies came to the forefront, music was a constant in his life. In later years he had much pleasure from The Antique Brass, a group of musical friends in the Minitonas area, and the choir at Knox United Church. He played The Last Post at Remembrance Day services for over sixty years. Lorne leaves behind his son Keith Chapple of Minitonas, and daughter Elisabeth Archambault ("Betty Jean") son-in-law Marcel Archambault, and grandsons, Paul Archambault (Christie), Raymond Archambault, and Alfred Archambault, all of Brandon. Also left to mourn are his sister Marie Lung of Brandon; brother-in-law Andrew MacKay of Woodstock, Ont.; brothers-in-law, Ivan Fulford, Keith Fulford (Alfreda), Jim Fulford, and Dal Fulford (Mae) sisters-in-law, Norma Hanley, Ida Fulford, Alda Morrison, and their extended families. Lorne was predeceased by his beloved wife Jean; his sisters, Norma Volkers and Gladys MacKay, and his parents, Avery and Pearl Chapple of Elkhorn. A musical scholarship for advanced woodwinds and brass is being established in Lornes memory. Friends who desire may send memorial donations to the Lorne Chapple Memorial Scholarship in care of Associated Manitoba Arts Festivals, 424 - 100 Arthur Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 1H3. Funeral services were held from the Knox United Church in Minitonas, Man. on Tuesday, December 5 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Kathy Highmoor officiating. Interment followed in the Minitonas Cemetery. The pallbearers were grandsons, Paul Archambault, Raymond Archambault, Alfred Archambault and nephews, Peter Lung, Gerry Volkers, and Nelson Fulford. Arrangements were entrusted to Swan Valley Funeral Services Ltd., 363 Kelsey Trail (Hwy. 10 North), Swan River, 734-5775.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 08, 2000