JOHN THOMAS CHAPMAN

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JOHN THOMAS CHAPMAN It is with great sadness that the family of John Thomas Chapman, 78, Winnipeg, MB, announces his passing on Wednesday, May 7, 2003, at the Salvation Army Grace General Hospital, after a brief illness. John Thomas Chapman was born on March 13, 1925, in Winnipeg, MB, where he grew up, attended school and was a member of the Salvation Army Winnipeg Citadel. John was the second son of John Thomas Chapman, Sr., and Orient Mary Chapman (nee Mairs). In June of 1963, John married Margaret McMillan Smillie and the couple made their home in Westwood where they have resided throughout their entire married life. John was a dedicated family man, who worked hard, made sure that his sons had good educations, and took great interest in the progress of his grandsons as they grew up. John was proud of his family and we are proud of him. Following his father and brother into the service, John enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943 and served during World War II as an airframe mechanic at Summerside, PEI. Always proud of his service during the war, John was honorably discharged in 1946. After the war, John served in various positions with companies in Winnipeg before settling on a career in the art supply sales business. For 35 years, John worked in the industry for W.J. Dyck and Sons and Fraser Art Supplies before his retirement at age 65. An avid sports fan, John also worked with Winnipeg Enterprises Corporation in the press box at the Winnipeg Arena and at the Referees Gate at the Winnipeg Stadium. He always enjoyed the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, Winnipeg Goldeyes and Winnipeg Blue Bombers games. Only illness in 1998 forced him to finally retire from the WEC permanently, but he never lost his enjoyment of watching sports. He enjoyed reading good books in his retirement, and had fun with his new found hobbies, his jigsaw puzzles and his computer. John is survived by his loving wife, Margaret; two sons, Randy (Tracey) of Kitchener, ON, David (Julie) of Fargo, ND, and two grandsons, Corey and Christopher of Calgary, AB; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Thomas Chapman, Sr., and Orient Mary Chapman, both of Winnipeg, and one brother, David George Chapman, of Torrance, California. No formal funeral service will be held. A private family interment will take place. In lieu of flowers, donations in Johns memory may be made to a charity of ones choice. "We will miss you and love you." WOJCIKS ALL BELIEFS & FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 10, 2003