Douglas Chappell

Douglas Phillip Chappell was born in Toronto on 18 July 1931. He was an only son of Jean and Douglas Chappell. Doug attended Rose Avenue Public and Central Technical School and took special courses at Ryerson Polytechnic Institute.

At the beginning of the Second World War, Doug's father reenlisted in the Canadian Army and was sent overseas in 1940. Doug senior, served in England and subsequently in Europe. During the actions in Normandy, Doug's father was killed on 08 September 1944 and is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery at Caen France. During this war, Doug's mother was employed in war work at the GECO plant in Scarborough. After the war, she worked for the Government of Canada employment branch.

After Graduating from high school, Doug worked at a couple of jobs and then decided it would be a good experience to enlist in the Canadian Army. This decision was based on the experience he had gained from serving in the 48th Highlanders Cadet Corps and the 48th Highlanders Reserve. Doug was posted to the School of Signals in Kingston for training and then to Winnipeg and worked in the Canadian Army Signal System (CASS). Doug took part in Artic winter exercises in Churchill Manitoba and after returning was advised that he would be part of the Canadian contingent tasked to serve with the Commonwealth forces in Korea. Training commenced at Fort Lewis in Washington, USA from where they embarked for overseas duty. After completing his tour in Korea with the 2nd RCHA, he returned to Canada and took a discharge from the Regular Force (CAAF).

Doug then began employment with Bell Canada and made it his career for the next 33 years. He held a varied number of positions while employed with Bell Canada and worked in Newfoundland for a year and in Montreal for 3 years. During the time with Bell Canada, he met and married Stella who also worked for Bell Canada. Doug took advantage of an early retirement package and retired in May 1984 as a Manager.

Doug maintained his association with the Canadian Army by serving in the Reserves. In Toronto it was the 48th Highlanders, and in Montreal he served with the Canadian Signals Regiment and was promoted to CWO and appointed Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM). Upon returning to Toronto he continued his service with the 48th Highlanders and retired from the Reserves (Militia) as the RSM (CWO) of the 48th Highlanders. Doug was closely associated with the 48th Regimental Museum and the 48th Highlanders Old Comrades Association (OCA).

After retirement from Bell and the Army, Doug wanted to continue with community service so he became a Police Constable with the Toronto Auxiliary Police. He continued with the police for ten years until he reached the compulsory retirement age. During his tenure he assisted in the training of the new recruits and became well known among the ranks.

Other associations Doug had, included the Masonic Order and Scottish rite, which he valued greatly. Doug was a founding member of the Toronto Military Heritage Association. An organization formed to preserve the military history of Toronto.

Doug and Stella purchased a new condominium in North York in 1995 and spent many hours planning its design and construction. When it was completed and they moved in they were very happy with the final product. Doug and Stella have enjoyed the condominium life style ever since, especially the close contacts with the other residents.

In their marriage Doug and Stella have shred their love of traveling and have been around the world three times. They have visited China, India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, South America, North Africa, the Middle East and all of the Caribbean. They have toured Europe Extensively.

Monday, May 31, 2016