Dennis Nolan Chapple

Dennis Nolan Chapple passed away on May 7, 2025, in Portland, Oregon. Born on April 9, 1941, in Ogden, Utah, Dennis was the only son of Royal Harold Chapple and Sarah Virginia (Simpson) Chapple. At the age of three, he moved with his family to Portland, where he remained a lifelong resident.

A graduate of Parkrose High School, Dennis was a talented musician who played several instruments including the cornet, trumpet, tuba, and sousaphone. He flirted briefly with a career in music but, discouraged by his parents, he opted to pursue electronics. After serving as an avionics technician in the U.S. Navy at Sand Point Naval Air Station (now Magnuson Park) in Seattle, he began a long career as a broadcast engineer with KOAP-TV, later KOPB. Dennis often shared stories of his time maintaining transmitter towers and navigating incidents during live broadcasts.

Dennis was deeply involved in his church community at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Portland, where he had been a member since 1985. He contributed his musical talents to the choir and handbell ensemble, participated in the clown ministry, and frequently played cornet during services. His technical expertise was invaluable to the church’s audio-visual needs and theatrical productions.

An avid ham radio operator known by call sign K7SFB, Dennis built much of his own equipment. He was also an outdoor enthusiast and member of the Mazamas mountaineering club, having climbed Mount St. Helens before its eruption and summited Mount Hood multiple times. His hobbies included hiking, backpacking, skiing, gardening as an OSU Master Gardener, nature photography, and traveling.

Dennis and Deirdre (Roberson) married in 1972 and welcomed son Kent Mallory Chapple in 1978 and daughter Katrina Danielle Chapple in 1987. He is survived by Deirdre; son Kent of Seattle; daughter Katrina of Portland; and sister Susan Chapple Langemack (Will) of Bainbridge Island. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and sister Sandra Chapple Lotton.

Memorial donations may be made to Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1700 NE 132nd Ave., Portland, OR 97230.