Obituary of John Harold Chapman

CHAPMAN, John Harold, 79, of Timberlea, formerly of Prospect Bay, passed away April 12, 2024, at home. Born in Halifax, NS, he was the son of John L. and Katherine M. (Purcell) Chapman. John known to many as Coach, Chappy or Johnny, grew up in the north end of Halifax, attending St. Stephen’s Elementary, St. Pat’s High School, and Halifax Vocational School. He was in the Royal Canadian Air Force for 10 years as an air conditioning refrigeration technician, which was his lifelong career. For a time, he worked overseas in Bermuda as well as Egypt. Although he was small in stature, John was big in heart. He was exceptionally generous and would do anything for those he knew anytime they needed him. John loved to travel, and you couldn’t go anywhere with him without running into somebody he knew. He struck up a conversation with anyone who crossed his path and was beloved by those who met him. He always looked forward to hosting a fish fry with his family or sneaking all of his grand dogs treats under the table. Sports were an important part of John’s life, and he was a loyal fan of all Boston teams. An avid runner, John was always seen on one of his daily jogs along Prospect Bay Road. He competed in the New York City Marathon and two Johnny Miles Marathons. He loved to golf and was a charter member of Granite Spring Golf Club, and also at Brunello Golf Club where he just moved in 2022. John played hockey for many years and helped start the Prospect Road Old timers League. He also coached his son’s hockey team the Sharks and was known affectionately to the players as “Coach”. Family was the most important thing to John, and he will be deeply miss by all. “SOCIABLE” We love you! John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Anne (Kiley); son, J. Scott Chapman (Angela); daughters, Patti Chapman, Karen Chapman (Duane Tingley); sisters, Helen Malloy, Rosalie (Sue) McNeil, Mary Hobbs (Tom); sisters-in-law, Bonnie Dempster, Carmel Young, Vicky (Brian) Holland, Marie Kiley (Dave); beloved grandchildren, Jack Chapman, Kylie Chapman; aunt, Doreena Gillis (Stan); 15 nephews and nieces and many extended family. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Katherine; in-laws, Victor and Alice Kiley; brothers in-law, Charles Malloy, Malcolm McNeil; nephew, David Malloy and best friend Mike Dempster. Special thanks to Bonnie and Carmel who are always there for us. A visitation will be held Friday April 19, 2024 between 2:00pm- 4:00pm and 6pm-8pm at 9 Brunello Blvd, Timberlea, 4th floor. Celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.