In Memory of My Brother-in-law

The family said good bye to my brother-in-law, Dick this past Saturday. The weather in the northwest had been so unpredictible that we were urged to delay our trip up there. Hopefully, we can attend a special time in June when his ashed will be scattered in an area he loved to hunt. Dick reminded me of Walter Matheau in his later years. He was a tall, handsome man and and made an impressive cop! And at 6'5" standing next to my gorgeous sister, they made a strikingly attractive couple! (See photo below)

My sister, Diane never ceases to leave me in "awe" of her creatvie talents. True to our family practicality (we got it from our mother and we ALL got it) we aren't in to spending oodles of money draping flowers on graves. When my mother died, Diane made a beautiful casket blanket of flowers using mom's own flowers picked from her own garden! Once again, she wowed us with what she did for Dick's memorial service! Using a metal sculpture which was cut with a welding torch by our son, Pat, she added this elk to this arrangement she made around the box holding his ashes!

Here are exerts from the Obituary in the Spokane paper:

Richard "Dick" C. Chapman, loving husband of Diane Chapman, passed away quietly at home on Jan. 30th. He was born on Jan. 23, 1928 in Chewelah, WA. Dick grew up in Chewelah and played basketball at Jenkins High School and earned a scholarship to play basketball at WSU. Basketball was one of his favorite hobbies.
In fact, four days before he died-he was up at 9am all ready to watch GU on TV! In 1951, Dick started employment at Utter Cadillac and worked there until he proudly joined The Spokane Police Department in 1957. Dick held several positions including patrolman, detective and retired as a sergeant in 1985. He was always willing to help those in need and never hesitated to lend a helping hand. Dick was also president of the Washington State Council of Police Officers in the 1970's.
After retirement, Dick loved to play golf and enjoyed traveling always looking for the perfect golf course. He played many years at Wandermere in tournaments with his wife, Diane. Dick's sense of humor will never be forgotten and at 6'5" he loved to be called "Big Dick." Hunting in the Blue Mountains for many years looking for that 6-pt. elk was one of his many hobbies. Other hobbies included: salmon fishing, piloting, camping, and all sports.
His children will always remember that his family came first. Our dad would not hesitant to take all the neighborhood kids to Nat Park or play a game of "Kick the Can" until dusk. He will be missed as "King of the Neighborhood." Dad worked three jobs at once to provide for his family in the 1960's and to ensure his children's education.
Dick leaves behind his wife, Diane, of 29 years, and his children........
dson.