Alan Chapman

Edward Alan Chapman
April 26, 1944-January 8, 2022.
Alan was born in North Battleford SK on April 26, 1944 to Bill and Nellie Chapman.  Alan spent his early days in Frenchman Butte busy curling, hunting, playing hockey and baseball with his many cousins in Fort Pitt. At one time he played first base on a team that was all cousins and 9 hit left handed.  
He attended the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon where he met Patricia (Currie), his future wife, playing inter-mural basketball. He completed his Bachelor of Education at UBC and later completed  his Master’s degree at Gonzaga University in Spokane WA.  He represented the Windermere District teachers, on the bargaining committee with BCTF and was a representative for the BC College of Teachers on the Teacher Qualification Board.  
Alan and Pat moved to Invermere, BC in 1968 and enjoyed the outdoor lifestyle, curling, golfing, hunting, skiing and spending time on their property.   He taught Industrial Arts at the high school for 20 years and was proud to know that many of his students went on to successful careers in Industry. During these years he volunteered many hours coaching and driving teams for various sporting events. In 1988 he and Pat had the opportunity to move to Australia for the year on a teacher exchange and greatly enjoyed the experience and the travel. 
In 1990, they moved to Brunei (SE Asia) for a 2 year teaching opportunity.  11 Years later (!) they retired back to Canada and moved to Wynndel BC in 2005 to be closer to their grandchildren and enjoy the Creston Valley.  Living in Creston his biggest joy was going for walks with family along the dikes at the Wildlife centre; his eagle eye usually spotted birds or animal life before the rest of us.  
    
Alan loved to travel and he and Pat enjoyed many unique opportunities and often reminisced about their travels.  Highlights include; Asia and the crazy roads and drivers in Myanmar, Safari in Africa, golfing and exploring in Australia, wintering in Arizona and cruising through Antarctica to name just a few.  Golf was a good excuse to travel and meet new people and over the years Alan and Pat golfed at hundreds of courses world wide and he even got a hole in one in Brunei. 
Always busy, Alan helped build many houses for friends and family.  In Wynndel, he had a dedicated work shop "The factory" where he designed and built furniture pieces for Pat and friends, rolling kitchen islands, coat racks, and pieces for Rob’s office including the main reception desk at Cavell Street Dental. The most recent big projects were custom kitchen cabinets for the girls.  

Alan's dry sense of humour kept him positive during his long battle with cancer.  The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses and support personnel who were involved in his care.  In particular Dr. John Griffioen, Dr. Johnny Chang, the Shopper’s Drug Mart Pharmacy personnel and Dr. Keith Lowden and the Cranbrook Oncology team.
 
Alan is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patricia, daughters Cathy, and Carrie, and her family Rob, Andrew and Mark Armstrong, his brother Kenneth (Barbara) Chapman and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.  
A Celebration of Life will be held in July.  In Lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a  charity of your choice.

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