Donnie Palmer Chapman

Donnie was born in Murray Harbour, Prince Edward Island to Cyrene and Margaret (nee Reid) Chapman on April 13, 1937. The family moved west to Vancouver Island when Don was 12 years old. The fascination with the flushing toilet was soon followed by a need for repair as he and his five siblings could not refrain from watching the swirl of water repeatedly. His first job was with the Canadian Pacific Railway which ironically, was more of a fleet. He met his first wife, Faith, and emigrated (via train) to the Los Angeles area of Southern California with their two young children.

He was a very motivated worker and eventually landed a job as an accountant. His thriving tenure with the California Portland Cement Company was legendary. He became an avid bowler with his colleagues and made several trips to participate in tournaments. Conveying his achievements to his three children each day was exquisitely accomplished via hand gestures and humming sounds through a mouth full of Listerine. Don eventually conscripted his young son into the world of bowling which led to many early Saturday morning bowling excursions.

Don was from a musical family. Hs father played the fiddle, and his siblings sang, danced and played various instruments. The family would gather during holidays and other times to play and sing together. He loved singing and playing guitar from an early age and into his final years. His talents have been passed onto his children and grandchildren.

On December 29, 1979, Don married Joyce (Stabile) Mitchell of Brooklyn, New York to begin a new and exciting chapter in his life. Life in Downey included quests for the best Mexican food restaurant. Las Piramides was his “go to” in the early 80’s and his search eventually culminated in regular visits to the Green Onion in San Pedro. No matter where he went, Don was sure to make an ever-lasting impression with his sense of humor and genuine concern for others. He is remembered by those who saw him regularly at any place he frequented.

His love of bowling continued with the family joining a league. These excursions could not be complete without first enjoying a trip to Rusty’s Hacienda. The family time soon took on a new passion for golf. In every challenge, Don had an approach that always made the experience enjoyable and relaxing. He could joke around and approach every challenge with a perspective of joviality that infected those around him.

When he retired, he continued his caring nature by helping animals in any way he could. He helped feed the big cats at the Shambala Preserve, and rescued the little cats found along the roadside. To them he was literally a “best friend.”

Donnie is survived by his wife, Joyce; his sisters, Anna and Patti; brother, Harvey; and sons, Johnny and Alan; grandchildren, Mitchell, Annabelle and Gabriel. He was pre-deceased by his daughter, Catherine and sisters, Daphne and Rosie. There are too many more loved ones to list that he touched while he walked among us on this earth.

His memorial service was held on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at Rose Hills Memorial Park, in Whittier, CA.]