Obituary of Albert "Ab" Thomas Chapman

CHAPMAN: With thankfulness for a life well lived and richly rewarding, the family announces the death, at age 95, of Albert Thomas (Ab) Chapman, on August 7th, 2013 at Riverdale Personal Care Home, Rivers. Ab was born February 3, 1918 and spent his childhood years on the home farm north of Brandon. In January 1941, he married Harriet McDonald, and they began their farm life in the same district. To this union were born three daughters, Kathrine, Linda and Lois; Kathrine dying at age three days. Ab began his municipal career in 1950 and served as councillor, then reeve, of the RM of Daly for the next forty-two years. During that time, he was elected for several terms as President of the Union of Manitoba Municipalities; and appointed to the Manitoba Municipal Board. He was involved in the organization of Riverdale Hospital in Rivers and sat in several capacities on the Board for thirty-four years. In 1967, Ab and Hattie began what was to be a life-long passion – Chapman Museum. It was a constant joy, in spite of the many hours of fixing and organizing, and Ab was always eager to share his knowledge and stories with any who came to visit. Upon Harriet's death in 1979, he was even more determined to acquire artefacts and expand the complex, in her memory. In 2002, Ab was humbled to be inducted into the Manitoba Agriculture Hall of Fame, an organization which he had supported for several years. Since 1990, the "Chapman Museum Shield" has been presented for Best Farm Home Grounds in Municipalities in the Northwest Region, Good Roads Association. In spite of his busy life, living close to the Little Saskatchewan River, and owning a boat and motor, Albert spent many enjoyable hours fishing in western Manitoba's rivers and lakes. Albert leaves to mourn his passing Linda and Bill Ringland; Sandra, Peter and Rachel Beaudette; Robert Ringland, Kathy Ringland; Lois and Gordon Allen; Steven and Bryce Allen; Wendy, Blair and Faith Bonner. He was predeceased by his wife Harriet; daughter Kathrine; sister Mary McNee, brothers Vernon, Jimmy, George and Raymond. A Celebration of Albert's life was held at Brockie Donovan Funeral Chapel on August 14, 2013 with the Venerable Paul Curtis officiating. Interment took place at Roseville Cemetery, with Gordon Allen acting as urn bearer. Donations in memory of Albert may be made to Rivers Personal Care Home "Activities Department", Box 428, Rivers, MB, R0K 1X0 or to a charity of choice.