Obituary of Ronald Llewellyn Chapman

Ronald Llewellyn Chapman (1935-2009) Ronald Llewellyn Chapman passed away peacefully at the Dawson Creek hospital in the early hours of December 23,2009 with his wife Debbie by his side. Ron was born in Bury, Quebec on January 22, 1935 to Tom and Clara Chapman and was the eldest of 5 children. As a young man Ron found many interests in the outdoor life. These interests found there way to be a constant right up to his passing. The passion for work, people and animals where to be the main stay for Ron’s personal drive to live. It didn’t seem to matter what the day had to offer, Ron would always find a means to the end. Ron’s word was his bond and to many that was what they received when he gave it. He had a special interest in letting people know that he could be counted on when needed. The fact of the matter was that when someone needed something more than he, it was given. Pride was a special trait that could easily be seen through Ron and most of that shone through when he spoke of his kids. He would find the words easy to speak when his girls and his boy would have a deed done well. I don’t ever recall a sorry word ever said about any one of the children. Ron seemed to find some good in anyone he knew and that isn’t something that everyone was capable of doing. He had many friends that could tell you the same. Ron was a swift, fluent speaker and had the gift for good conversation. If you ever sat at the table with him in the coffee shop, along one of his many truck stops, you where a witness. If he found you interesting he’d look for you and if he really liked you he’d buy!! He gave me my first real break over twenty-five years ago. I was broke and needed $200.00 bucks for a first aid course. He never asked when I would pay him back and never batted an eye. I guess I was a good bet! Ron trucked for many years and travelled many miles in a Peterbilt. He would often say it was his favourite way to keep occupied. He spent many hours riding alone but never felt lonely. It was easy for him to keep going as long as he had Deb to keep the home front running. He would work till he was exhausted and come home for a clean suitcase of clothes and a grub box full of food. In 2004 Ron’s health took a turn and so he hung his keys up and found a driver to keep Ron Chapman’s trucking on the road. Ron would go on to find many other ways to keep busy. His silver tongue made good use of the telephone and everyone grew accustomed to the calls he would make. His friend’s all knew the condition he was in and found that a phone call was equally the best way to keep in contact. Ron had quite a time with his health but never looked for anything less than a good day. He never said good-bye and always said see ya tomorrow. Ron is survived and will be fondly remembered by his loving wife Debbie, children: Karen(Ray Landers),Pete(Amber) and Diane(Jean-Guy Thibeault). Grandchildren: Kathleen and Josh Landers, Brady and Nicholas Chapman, Lindsay and Alison Thibeault. Very special nephew Kevin Chapman(Sandra) and their daughters Kelsie and Melissa. Siblings: Dennis (Irma) , Francis, Gloria (Jacque) and many nieces and nephews. Ron was predeceased by parents Tom and Clara Chapman, brother Calvin Chapman and by his first wife Isabelle(Bewick)Chapman. As requested by Ron there was no funeral or memorial service. Funeral arrangements were trusted to Bergeron Funeral Services and Crematorium Ltd. Donations in memory may be made to the Dawson Creek SPCA: 637-114the Avenue Dawson Creek, BC V1G 3A1.