Ray F. Chapman

Ray F. Chapman was born Sept. 17, 1931, in Spokane to Beatrice and Ray Chapman. Raised in and around Colville, Washington, he developed a love of nature and being outdoors. He also enjoyed literature and music, jazz in particular, Dixieland most especially. He began playing the slide trombone.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 1954. He was stationed aboard the USS Manchester, receiving Good Conduct, Korean Service, United Nations Service and National Defense Service medals.

Returning home, he attended Gonzaga and Washington State universities. He played trombone in a dance band on weekends, and while playing in Colville, he was introduced to Sandra Arnold on a blind date. They were married Feb. 4, 1956, together for nearly 60 years, and raised three daughters. They resided in Colville, Spokane and Pullman, Washington. Ray graduated from WSU and eventually moved his family to Missoula to accept a position with the University of Montana, where he was the director of the Student Center for 25 years.

It was while attending WSU that Ray took up the game of golf, and that began a love affair that lasted the rest of his life. (An opportunity to golf was often included in many family vacations.) Even when his eyesight failed and the Parkinson's overtook him, he still longed to play just one more round.

Ray enjoyed traveling, especially in the western U.S. and Canada. Camping, hiking, fishing and hunting were some of his favorite activities. He and his best friend and son-in-law, John, had many hunting and fishing adventures together. Ray explored national parks, natural areas and the Canadian Rockies with his family, passing his love of these things on to his girls. He had a great curiosity and desire to see what was over the next horizon. He loved reading literature in many forms including classics and historical novels, as well as publications such as National Geographic and Smithsonian. He studied and contemplated many subjects.

Ray passed away peacefully Monday, July 20, 2015, surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife, Sandra of Missoula; daughter, Valorie (John) Dersam of Missoula; daughter, Jennifer Beauchamp (Glen) of Menlo Park, California; daughter, Hilary Getz (Dean) of Vancouver, Washington; grandchildren, Scott Dersam (Sari), Hilary (Adam) Woods and Madeleine Getz; and his sister, Jean Campbell of Spokane. Ray is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial is planned at the Linda Vista Golf Course Reception Center at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9.
Read Ray Chapman's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.