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Thomas CHAPMAN Obituary
Thomas Robert Chapman passed away March 21, 2024, just a few days after his 84th birthday. Tom was born in Wenatchee, WA and moved to Spokane as a young boy. He graduated from Gonzaga Prep, Gonzaga University, and Gonzaga Law School. He was an Assistant Attorney General for the state of Washington for 27 years and taught Workers' Compensation Law in the evenings at Gonzaga Law School from 1972 to 1986. He then entered private practice and retired in 2003.
Tom and his wife, Joan (Reiter), moved to Arizona in 2008. Among his many hobbies, fly fishing was his most relaxing and enjoyable. He was a member of the IEFF Club, becoming president in 1992. Having a keen memory, he entertained his family and friends with his many stories, writings (fiction and non-fiction), drawings, and playing ragtime tunes on the piano. Every week he looked forward to playing bridge with his friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Maxwell Robert and Nelda Mae Chapman. He is survived by his wife and five children: Therese, Thomas, Marcus, David, and Anne, who were able to be with him in his last days. Also surviving are eleven grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and sister, Mary Jo Schimmels.
A funeral Mass will be held in spring 2025.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas CHAPMAN
Helen Murnane
May 27, 2025
My heart is saddened, I always thought that I would see Tom and Joane again. I remember the fun we had together; playing bridge, having meals together, living in there home when they were in Arizona.
Well, Tom I miss.
Larry Briney
May 27, 2025
I started missing Tom the day he retired from the Attorney General's Office. For several years he returned to Spokane briefly when we'd have lunch at the Spokane Club. He was a founding member of the AGO Academy where he acted, wrote scripts, and taught new attorneys how to effectively represent the state. His humor was irreplaceable. Best wishes to the whole family from Larry and Kathy Briney.
Howard Strouse
May 27, 2025
Trilogy Bridge Club and I lost a gifted player and partner in Tom. Aside from bridge, his intellect, humanity, and mental agility made him a truly valued friend.
Gloria Reed Holter
June 8, 2024
Joan, so sorry to read of Tom´s passing. Many fond memories at Washington Trust. Prayers to you and family. Gloria
Joan, deeply sorry to hear of Tom´s passing. So many fond memories of/with him at Washington Trust. Prayers to you and family.
Larry Briney
June 3, 2024
God broke the mold with Tom. We worked together at the Attorney General's office for decades and he always made me laugh. Tom was a an acting star and helped create the AG Academy, our "3 day boot camp", through which all new Attorney hires must pass. It was education theater as the whole academy was scripted. Never have I had so much fun at the office! His entire family should know that Tom is in heaven challenging the status quo. May he rest in peace.
Howard Strouse
June 3, 2024
Tom was a good friend and bridge partner - I miss his insight, humanity, and fellowship greatly.
Tom Connolly
June 3, 2024
Tom, you were a treasure and a talent. A wonderful selfless companion in high school,college,and law school.
No doubt your immediate family will share many of your attributes.
Godspeed.,Tom Connolly
Anne McCarthy Haight
June 2, 2024
I´m so sorry Joan for your loss of your dear husband,Tom, I used to walk home from St. Al´s with him. He was a good guy! Anne McCarthy Haight
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