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Paul Chapman Obituary
1953-2017
Paul Dunbar Chapman passed away Wednesday, November 29, surrounded by his loving family after a brief struggle with cancer. A beloved and dedicated friend, father, grandfather, husband, and Houstonian, Paul gave unstintingly of himself to the people and the city he loved. Paul's gusto for life knew no bounds. He traveled the globe, surfed on three continents, and had friends the world over.
Born in Houston in 1953 to Erminie and David Chapman, Paul attended St. John's School, Rice University, and the Wharton School of Business. He fell in love with his wife and partner of over 35 years, Cathy, when they met on the beach in Mexico as teenagers. He is also survived by his mother Erminie; his son Dillon, Dillon's wife Valeria, and granddaughter Isabel; his son Taylor and Taylor's wife Jessica; and his five sisters – Ann, Carrie, Crista, Clara, and Ruth – and their families.
In his professional and civic lives, Paul loved to build. After a career in real estate and construction management, he joined Belmont Village as Chief Development Officer and founding partner in 1996 and built the company for 21 years. Belmont is now one of America's premier senior living companies, with over 25 communities across the U.S. and Mexico.
He loved the city of Houston and worked all his life to make it a better place. He served on the boards of the Houston Zoo and Houston Center for Photography; he was chair or vice chair of the boards of Scenic Houston, the Urban Land Institute's Senior Housing Council, St. John's School, and Teach for America-Houston.
His boundless energy shone through in his numerous hobbies: photography, surfing, quail hunting, reading, fine wine and cigars, fly fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, badminton, and tennis. He was a beloved mentor to dozens of his children's friends and shaped hundreds of lives. Above all, he will be remembered for the joy he gave to every single person whose life he touched: he was known for his exuberant and infectious sense of humor, warmth, wit, generosity, storytelling, and remarkable hosting prowess.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, December 2, at the Great Hall of St. John's School, 2401 Claremont Lane. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages well-wishers to donate to M.D. Anderson or one of Paul's favorite charities, such as Scenic Houston, Teach for America, or St. John's School.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Chapman
Matt Marcontell
December 21, 2017
I just saw Paul's obituary posted on the bulletin board of our Starbucks today. It was completely unexpected and quite a shock. I'm very sorry for everyone's loss, especially his family's. I really enjoyed visiting with Paul during our shared early morning Starbucks runs for many years. We talked a lot about real estate and business, but my last memories of him are how excited he was to be a grandad and to see an Astros World Series game in Los Angeles with his business partners there. I hadn't seen him in a while but expected to catch up over the holidays. He was such a nice guy to everyone. Even acquaintances like me feel the loss. Prayers for the family during the holidays without Paul.
Charles Dabney
December 10, 2017
Cathy,
I Just found out about Paul and your tragic loss. We wish you peace and know that you are surrounded by family and many friends. Charles Dabney
December 10, 2017
Dear Chapman Family,
We learned of Mr Chapman's passing through our son, Matt Raifman. Through the years, Matt has spoken so highly of Taylor and his father, and had just recently let us know how concerned he was about Mr. Chapman's illness. Our hearts go out to you in what must be a very difficult time. You will be in our thoughts.
Matt's parents--Jean and Larry
Nancy Jeffery
December 6, 2017
Dear Chapman Family,
My sincere condolences and sympathy regarding the passing of Paul. I remember him from many years ago when we were both mere youngsters at St. John's. He was always such a bundle of energy with a great big, happy smile.
Nancy Chadwick Jeffery
Montigny sur Armançon, France
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Rene Pineda
December 2, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. The obituary is beautiful. I will be forever grateful for the joy Paul brought to me each time I saw him. Mauri and I are thinking of you all.
Sidney & Lew Brown
December 2, 2017
To the Chapman Family: Each of you have been blessed, as all of us have been, with Paul's time on earth as an example to all of how God desires us to greet and live with one another. What an impact he made and memory he has given each of us blessed to have crossed his path during his time with us. All have lost a true friend, good company, and delightful gentleman. Semper Fi,
Lew and Sidney Brown of Montgomery, TX.
Melinda Abell
December 1, 2017
Cathy We share the same sentiment expressed by your many friends. Always kind, such a gentleman to all, He helped with Mom and Dad's transition to the Belmont, making them comfortable.Keeping all of your dear family close in prayer in the days and weeks ahead. Ermine down the hall from Mom and Dad. We love her too. Melinda and Joe Abell
December 1, 2017
My condolences to the Chapman family.
This is a clear case of "one of the good-guys gone much too soon". I've known Paul since my late teens. From day one he was always cheerful, positive, funny, classy and very very genuine. Anytime he would call it was a delight to talk to him. He was a Great Guy. Needless to say I am so stunned and saddened by his passing. I'm sure he is now bird-hunting with Dave. We pray for his family to find peace and comfort during this time.
Our continued prayers and as he used to call me.
-Woo 2
December 1, 2017
We are sorry for everyone's loss.This is such a shock. Paul, was such a great person. He will live on in our memories forever. My heartfelt condolences. Love, Erminie Hewitt and Family
John Brollier
December 1, 2017
Dear Chapman Family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of your wonderful dad. My favorite memory of my brief time with your dad was at an Astros playoff game in 2004 where I was lucky enough to sit next your dad. I was in high school at the time, but we talked and laughed the entire game about life and baseball. The game was the best game I've ever seen in person final score was 3-0 on a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 9th inning. I remember the game like it was only a few months ago - your dad and I jumped around and hugged each other like we were 10 years old. He was truly the best so genuine and funny.
Stephanie Fox
December 1, 2017
Dear Cathy and family, our heartfelt condolences and prayers are given to you and your family. Paul's memory is eternal. Love, Stephanie and Clinton Fox
December 1, 2017
Cathy,
I am so very sorry to hear this tragic news, and for your terrible loss.
I pray for Paul's heavenly joy, and for God's healing touch for your and your family's lives.
Harry Tallichet
December 1, 2017
I met Paul many years ago when our sons were Boy Scouts. He was always a cheerful participant in our campouts, and that sparkle he demonstrated then continued for as long as I have known him. It was always a pleasure to meet Paul, who could elevate my mood or that of a room full of people simply by his showing up. Seeing him down in Galveston with a surfboard in hand or dressed in all whites for a croquet match, demonstrating a style that only he could pull off, made him an icon for how to enjoy life. I only wish that I had gotten to know him better. The loss of this gentleman leaves a hole in our hearts. God bless this fine man.
Tracy Walne
December 1, 2017
I wish to express my condolences to the family of Mr Paul Chapman. May the wonderful memories fill your hearts with love and bring you peace.
1 Thess 4:13,14.
Sincere sympathy
AG
Mark
December 1, 2017
Very sorry for your loss. May the almighty (psalm 83:18) bring the family peace and comfort.
Raymond Goodrich
December 1, 2017
Paul's obituary describes a life of high aspirations and higher achievement. I know that, along with so many others, I will miss my SJS schoolmate and friend. With my prayers for peace and acceptance to his wife and children,
john
November 30, 2017
Deep condolences to the Chapman family and the Belmont team and all of Paul's friends. Paul was a wonderful business partner, and client. We loved working with him, he always carried a smile and an attitude of positivity and enthusiasm for EVERYTHING- and he had the highest integrity We had the privilege of working with him for 10 years and the entire team here at Willis Towers Watson will miss him greatly. We will keep his family in our prayers
Marisue Tallichet
November 30, 2017
kathy, I just heard this terrible news today and I'm so sorry.
November 30, 2017
I remember playing Monday Night Soccer with Paul at St. John's starting in 1984. Then, we worked together on various projects at SJS over many years. Condolences to the family. He was a very good man. With sympathy, Lewis Kalmans
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