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C.S. Chapman Obituary

Chapman, Jr., C.S. "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 step-children, Tom (DeAnna) Ainslie and Laura Ainslie; two step-grandchildren, Brittney and DeLaney; five nephews and many cousins. Stan spent his career as chief executive of the family citrus, land development, and golf course business. He was passionate about music, particularly Traditional New Orleans Jazz. Throughout his life he played the trombone and sang in bands, many of which he organized and led. He also wrote or arranged much of the music played by the bands. Later in life, Stan fulfilled another passion by authoring two published novels, Sansculotte and Rancho Lorraine. 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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Orange County Register on Mar. 2, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for C.S. Chapman

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Brian Sherick

July 7, 2025

a friend - I was drummer for Stan's band The British Connection - listen on SoundCloud (Brian Sherick)

Carolyn Spears Cornforth

September 1, 2008

I forgot to mention that his obituary was just lovely. such a beautiful tribute to a man who lived life to the fullest. Truely an inspiration to so many people and he obviously made a difference in thousands of lives over the course of his life. May his legacy of love, life, music, song, philanthropy, good will and the joi de vive live on in the lives and hearts of his descendents.

Carolyn Spears Cornforth

September 1, 2008

Dear Family and Friends of Stan,
My father Robert Spears, son of Harvery Spears grew up in Fullerton and was a 1950 Classmate of Stan at Fullerton H.S. Recently I was going thru old christmas cards that my mother had saved and I found a couple from the Chapmans. I was wondering how I could get the photos to the family and googled chapman. That is when I found his obituary on the HS Blog I believe. Sorry to hear that he has passed away. I was also sorry to hear his wife Carol had died in 1994. My mother died that same year, so without knowing each other, his kids and I went thru similiar scenarios these past years without our mother.. I remember my Dad saying he enjoyed going to their 50th class reunion and seeing Stan there. My father is still living in Co. Springs and I will be sure to let him know about Stan. God gives us great hope, strength and comfort.

Lawrence "Larry" Swenson

March 25, 2008

Stan and I were chidhood friends and neighbors, he lived just up the hill from me on "El Dorado Ranch' when we were kids during WW2 I remember we (Stan and his big sister Mary Ann, myself and My little Bud and Sis would play hide out in the Eucalyiptus trees that got blown over from a Santana Wind. Stan, his Mom dad and sister were always good friends and gave me lots of encouragement to succed in life.

We'll miss him!!
Larry Swenson, Class of '49

BC in Irvine

March 18, 2008

British Connection

March 18, 2008

Making Whooppe

March 18, 2008

Stan and Friends

March 18, 2008

Joseph Andrus

March 14, 2008

Stan was a classmate of mine all four years of high school at FUHS, graduating in 1950 with Richard Nixon as our graduation speaker. I didn't know Stan personally, but always remembered him by the big smile on his face, a trademark of his. And of course I remember him up front in rallies, etc. during our senior year. I was shocked to hear of his passing, but then had to realize we of the 1950 graduating class are no longer young as we were in June 1950! May his passing be used of God in impacting the direction of other lives.

British Connection in Irvine CA

March 13, 2008

Sharon McConnell

March 10, 2008

I too,was born in Fullerton, Stan and I went to Ford, Wilishire, FUHS.So have known Stan for a long time.
One of the things I remember about Stan was a Birthday Party at his house and what fun we had.
He will be missed.

British Connection at Westminster Lanes

March 10, 2008

Stan Sings

March 10, 2008

Capistrano Depot

March 10, 2008

At the Depot

March 10, 2008

Paula Settl;e

March 9, 2008

I am sorry to hear of the passing of Stan. I was a classmate at Fullerton UHS and graduated1950. I havn't been on line to check my e-mail as my own husband passed away and we had services yesterday March 9. I am sorry to have missed Stan's services.

Connie Van Horn

March 7, 2008

I was a freshman when Stan was the student body president of our high school so I knew him only from afar, but he was such a nice person as well as a popular guy.
His obituary shows that he continued his concern and consideration for others throughout his life.
I’m glad that Adrian Vanasse displayed on this guestbook a picture of Stan in one of his joyous moments.
I have placed Stan's obituary on the Fullerton Union High School All-Alumni blog so that other friends and classmates might see it if they missed it in the newspaper.
Connie Stafford Van Horn, FUHS '53

Royal Garden Jazz Band

Adrian Vanasse

March 4, 2008

I met Stan at the time of the Royal Garden Band and considered him a good friend, I have many fond memories of the "Depot" and also the "British Connection" I trust he is reunited with Leuder Olhwein & Al Crowne!

Leonard B. Chapman

March 2, 2008

Sorry to hear of Mr. Chapman's passing. As a Chapman genealogist, I had just entered his father C. S. Chapman's information into my data base. Mr. Chapman and myself can trace our lineage back to the same Chapman who came to America in 1640. May he rest in peace.

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