Clifford Wayne Chapman

Seventh generation Californian, Clifford W. Chapman, passed away quietly in his sleep Thursday, June 14, 2012. Born to Rose and Harry Chapman in Santa Maria in May 1930, and raised in Guadalupe. He attended Guadalupe grammar schools and graduated from Santa Maria High School in 1949. In 1950, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for four years - he was discharged in 1954. Clifford attended Cal Poly, where he majored in electrical engineering. He began to work at Marshall''s Jewelers as a janitor, but soon took on the responsibility as manager. In 1960, he purchased Marshall''s Jewelers from the founder''s son, Arthur Marshall. Clifford owned and operated the store for nearly 40 years. Always a gardener, he delighted in maintaining the lawns and gardens of his Shell Beach home, which he opened to many non-profit organizations for fund raising activities. Clifford was a renowned patron of the arts, particularly the performing arts and the education of children into the world of the arts. He was a lifelong contributor to many local arts institutions, which include SLO Symphony, Performing Arts Center, Youth Symphony and Opera SLO. Another of his favorites was the Afternoon of Epicurean Delights. Clifford is survived by his life partner of 49 years, Gene A. "Don" Shidler; sister, Alice Hunt of Redwood City, Calif., and several nieces and nephews. A celebration of Clifford''s life will be held at 1 p.m. (gates open at noon) Sunday, July 15, 2012, at their Shell Beach home, 1243 Ocean Blvd. in Shell Beach. For further information regarding parking and handicap issues, please e-mail: chapman7@earthlink.net. Memorial contributions, in Clifford Chapman''s name, to your favorite charities will be appreciated.