C.S. "Stan" Chapman Jr.

CHAPMAN, JR., C.S. Chapman, "Stan"


Stan Chapman died Thursday, February 14, 2008, in Pacific Grove following a valiant struggle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Stan was born on December 12, 1932 in Fullerton, California. He attended Stanford University where he was Junior Class President. Stan graduated from Stanford in 1954. He served in the U.S. Army as an interpreter in Frankfurt, Germany, after graduating from the Defense Language Institute in Monterey. Afterward, he met and married Carol Jean Waddell. They raised their three children in Newport Beach, California. Carol died in 1994. Stan married Joan Mt. Pleasant Ainslie in 1996, and she survives him. He is also survived by his sisters, Elizabeth C. Bowman and Mary Anne (Brad) Blaine; his three children, Greg Chapman, Scott (Katie) Chapman and Trish (Kathryn) Chapman; two grandchildren, John and Kelsey; and two stepchildren, Tom (DeAnna) Ainslie and Laura Ainslie; two stepgrandchildren, Brittney and DeLaney; five nephews and many cousins.


Stan spent a career in the family citrus, land development and golf course business and was its chief executive for many years. However, his passion was found in Traditional New Orleans Jazz, where he played the trombone and sang in bands, many of which he organized and led, starting in high school, at Stanford and throughout the remainder of his life. He also wrote or arranged much of the music that the bands played. Later in life, Stan authored two published novels, Sansculotte and Rancho Lorraine, both set in Orange County.


An active philanthropist, Stan served on the Board of Trustees of Chapman University, where he and Joan took a special interest in the education of Native Americans. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Monterey Symphony, volunteered at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and generously supported education and the arts.


Stan connected with people on many levels. He laughed and sang with friends and family at beach parties. He mentored loved ones in times of uncertainty. He led colleagues in jointly creating things ranging from new golf courses to show-stealing musical performances. Stan inspired many with his intelligence, humor, and compassion.


In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Society for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (www.curepsp.org).


A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 9 at 2pm in the Wallace Chapel of the Fish Interfaith Center at Chapman University, located at One University Drive, Orange, just off N Glassell St. There is a small parking lot by the chapel, and more parking is available in the university garage off E Walnut Ave.