Dr. John Doneric CHAPMAN

CHAPMAN, Dr. John Doneric
MA (Oxford) Ph.D. (U. Wash) and LL.D (honoris causa) UNBC
July 24, 1923 – June 9, 2015
Predeceased by his wife of 64 years Pat (Kellaway). John is survived by son Ian and daughter-in-law Judy and their children Ryan (Michelle Nicholson) Chapman, Sara (Sam) Johnston, Craig (Erin) Chapman; and his great-grandchildren Caleb and Allie Chapman, Ella, Charlie and Andrew Johnston and Margo and Clare Chapman. He is also survived by Tony Kellaway of Parkstone, England. John joined the RAF in 1942 via the University Entrance Plan. He then spent time as a flight instructor followed by a period in Tactical Air Force and Ferry Command. John completed his initial degree at Oxford and was fortunate to be appointed, in 1947, by President Larry McKenzie, as a Junior Instructor in Climatology at the University of British Columbia. He and Pat moved to Wesbrook Camp at the corner of University Boulevard and Wesbrook Mall. Their son Ian was born in 1949. During his years at UBC 1948-1988, he had many roles: Lecturer, Professor, Academic Planner, Geography Department Head. One achievement to be noted was John's spearheading of the BC Atlas of Resources, a large and colourful book for its time. John was also actively involved in many academic activities outside the university including, BC Natural Resources (executive member), Pacific Marine Institute (chairman of the founding board), Canadian Association of Geographers (President), Pacific Science Congress (chair), Canadian delegate to the Geographic Union Congress, Moscow. A lifetime interest in men's field hockey is reflected in John's membership with the Canadian Field Hockey Association, including acting as president from 1972-1974. One of the highlights of this time was hosting the junior world cup in Vancouver. His long association with the Warren family, through field hockey, was pivotal in his life. John's wife, Pat, was the consummate hostess entertaining endless groups of colleagues in well-orchestrated dinners and parties. She was an integral part of John's university life. John's interest in the world of academics continued after his retirement. He was a board member with Vancouver Community College, the chair of the education committee for the BC Association of Colleges, the director of the legislative committees for the BC Ministry of Education Advisory Committee and the BC Ministry of Advanced Education as well as being the chair of the Academic Council for BC Open Learning. From 1990-93, John was instrumental in the formation of the University of Northern British Columbia. Clearly, John was a lover of learning and of the academic world. He was a teacher and a role model to his colleagues and to the members of his family. Conversations with John included wonderful stories about flying, racing, energy, and the state of education. Often he would pose a question and wait for a lively debate. As John's family, we would like to acknowledge the amazing services of the Pacific Spirit Nurses and the kind and innovative staff at Tapestry, UBC. Dad enjoyed his final years there very close to his first home on the UBC campus. He made many new friends, including special friend Lorraine, and he enjoyed countless activities and excursions. Dad Chapman will be sorely missed. A Celebration of Life will take place at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 22, 2015 at Cecil Green Park House, UBC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Union Gospel Mission.