OBITUARY
Dr. Martin Chipman
June 16, 1930 – February 12, 2021
Dr. Martin Chipman passed away peacefully on February 12, 2021 at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was 90 years old and lived a remarkable life. Beloved by family and friends, he will be missed dearly. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on June 16th, 1930 he was the oldest child to Naomi and Nathan Chipman. Martin excelled personally and professionally. He had a classic education from Harvard University where he graduated cum laude. After a short stint in the Air Force, he entered Baylor College of Medicine. Martin served 38 years in the military, both Air Force and Army, focusing on medical and other research and development, patient care, and education. His diverse assignments brought him and his family to Thailand, Israel, and multiple locations in the U.S. After a prestigious career in the military, he retired as a Colonel and practiced neurology in private practice and at the veteran's administration hospital in Fayetteville, North Carolina for another 24 years.
Known for his social personality, compassion and sense of humor, Martin was an avid tennis player into his seventies and had a prodigious appetite to read on nearly every subject, particularly history and biographies. A true night owl, he enjoyed admiring his stamp collection, watching movies, and reading late into many evenings. His favorite snacks were chips, ice cream and pickles, which delighted his children and grandchildren. His spirit of adventure was reflected in his joy of traveling, for both work and pleasure; he visited almost every country in Europe and Asia.
He once said, “It’s been great fun, at times frustrating, but always awesome, exhilarating and above all, a great privilege living all these decades.”
Martin’s greatest legacy is his family. He will be forever remembered and loved by his extraordinary wife, Sandra Pluta Chipman; his children, Dawn Chipman (Peter), Peter Chipman (Lisa), Cy Chipman (Rebecca), Seth Chipman (Jeanne) and Joseph Chipman (Nancy). He will also be lovingly remembered by his sisters, Shirley Keezing and Barbara Wizansky; and his grandchildren: Jack, Andrew, Luke, Jonah, Cairo and Nylah.
A funeral service following Covid restrictions will be held at 12:30 pm at the Hebrew Cemetery on February 21, 2021. You can view/review the ceremony over Facebook Live at the link on this webpage's service tile or at: https://www.facebook.com/HebrewCemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Martin’s name to the North Carolina Muscular Dystrophy Association (https://www.mda.org/clinic/university-north-carolina).
Services
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Graveside Service/Livestream at Hebrew Cemetery Favebook Site
Sunday, February 21, 2021
Memories
Dr. Martin Chipman
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYJanet Bowdan
February 24, 2021
I'm so sorry for your loss. I always thought of Martin as one of the lovable, brilliant, funny adults that were part of my parents' inner circle, that is, part of the family I love. Even though I didn't see him much, he was so frequently part of the conversation--my dad's stories, Shirley's--always to be counted on...and it is a grief to lose him, though a gift to have had him for so long.
Peter Marshall
February 24, 2021
An homage and appreciation of my lifetime friend and mentor...
As I look back at my life, I can identify with clarity one person who, more than any other made a difference in the path I chose in my life and the person and professional that I have become. That person was Marty Chipman.
I met Marty in the summer of 1965 when I traveled to Southeast Asia to spend a “gap year” with my family in Thailand. My father was a civilian scientist and Marty was a Captain in the medical corps, both assigned to SEATO Laboratory in Bangkok performing medical research. I was 20 years old, and I had struggled during my first two years of college which caused me to question the wisdom of my lifelong and strongly held plan to become a physician.
Marty sensed my interest in medicine and invited me to follow him when he made rounds at the hospital. This was the first time in my life that I had a chance to see what doctors really do, and I could not have asked for a better mentor! Watching Marty making his rounds made a deep and lasting impression on me. He was an exemplar of the best and highest standards, values and culture in medicinal care. He was unfailingly polite, conscious of patients privacy and autonomy, and he showed me by example the importance of listening to the patient, carefully examining the patient and through it all showing compassion and empathy for their suffering and their illness. For Marty, the patient always came first! [There is much more to this memory but unfortunately, the word count in this space is limited.]
Tommer Wizansky
February 21, 2021
My memories of Martin are mostly those of a child spending time with a beloved uncle. And, yet, I remember with crystal clarity the intelligence, warmth, kindness and laughter. He was indeed beloved and my thoughts and love go out to his family and friends.
Lisa Wilson and Jane Lubischer
February 21, 2021
Thank you, Uncle Martin.
Thank you for so many fond memories. Visiting Aunt Sandra and Uncle Martin and (a very young) Joseph in Maryland when I was a kid. Gathering for Thanksgiving at Fort Bragg and for so many celebrations at Figure Eight. And later, you and Sandra making the trek to visit with us in Fuquay Varina for the holidays.
Thank you for so many wonderful conversations, for your graciousness, your great smile, your wonderful laugh. Thank you for being such a kind and loving presence in our lives, and for welcoming us into your life as well.
Thank you for your many kindnesses, especially honoring Dzadzu’s memory by carrying on our Polish tradition of a Christmas Eve blessing – that meant the world to us.
Yours was truly a life well-lived, and we miss you dearly.
Lisa & Jane
ilya semionoff
February 21, 2021
Dear Sandy,
I received the news from Joseph and we are so sorry for your loss. My heart is completely broken. But it was a privilege to know Martin and he is for me a reference of education and way of life.
I will alway be in admiration and never forget each word he told us.
I would love so much to give you a hug even stronger that the last one we shared almost 9 years ago after Joseph and Nancy weeding.
I spoke with alain and Lucette, they share the same pain.
We will be online the next 21fr .
Ana, ilya & Xavier
Judy Wilson Ginger Humphrey
February 20, 2021
It was such an exciting, cold and snowy day, 46 years ago when Martin married our sister Sandra in Syracuse, New York. Shortly after that their travels around the world began. Our times together were somewhat limited because of his various assignments while in the Army. We were excited when his final Army position was at Ft. Bragg in Fayetteville. Since all of Sandra’s family lives in Wilmington, we would finally be able to spend more time together. That’s when we began to realize what a special addition Martin was to our family.
When we did gather together for special occasions, Martin was the star of the show. He always wanted to know what was happening in our lives and we wanted to hear about the latest books he read and the stories about all his travels. There was never any dull conversation when he was around. Martin really appreciated different family traditions. He was always eager to participate in our very special Polish Christmas Eve Dinner Celebration. Being the oldest, he gave a blessing to each family member and then we enjoyed delicious food and wonderful conversation as we shared family memories.
It was great to have our sister and Martin nearby as we all grew older together and began to experience many life changes. As medical issues arose at various time, Martin was always available to listen, talk, and make sure we received the best medical care. He would consult with our doctors and help us to better understand the problems. When our parents and other family members died, his compassion and support helped all of us to move forward with our lives.
Martin had such a zest for life and wanted to engage fully with all the people around him. He touched everyone deeply with his joyful spirit, kind words of wisdom, and very special love.
Judy Wilson
Ginger Humphrey
Alain Semionoff
February 20, 2021
To the Chipman family ,
Sometimes Lucette and I, we remember and speak about the few days you have past with us during your short tour in France.
It was an happy time.
Now we are sad. We share your pain.
Tomorrow Sunday 21, Lucette and I shall be with you in the memory of Martin.
Amicaly.
Lucette and Alain.
Nabila Kelada
February 20, 2021
Deepest condolences, may God repose his soul and grant the family peace.
Joe Chisholm
February 19, 2021
Dr. Martin Chipman and I first met during the summer of 1945. We enjoyed together with friends the boyhood games of our era, and our friendship was vital to one another for 76 years. He was a graduate of the Norwood (Mass.) Senior High School, class of 1948 with honors. Each of us were members of the tennis team and played in singles and doubles. He loved the sport, and many of his placements were winners - always when needed. Marty was recognized by his classmates as a superlative friend and student, with fine marks in English, Latin, Algebra and Geometry. He graduated from Harvard College cum laude - starting a series of accomplishments which only ended during his final days. His devotion and love to family and friends etched in our memories, are part of our souls and shall never end. (photo is Marty and Joe at a Norwood High School reunion.)
Todd Morton
February 19, 2021
I said a prayer for you, that God would touch you with his healing hands and give you comfort, support and peace you need to get through. We are so sorry for your loss and wanted to reach out to you to let you know we are here for you.
David Wizansky
February 19, 2021
I am very very sad to hear of my uncle Martin) having died. In my eyes he was a person full of kindness, love, wisdom and great humour. I have wonderful memories of him.
Love to your family ❤
Debbie Isenstein
February 18, 2021
I was sad to hear the news of Martin’s passing. I know Martin was the figure head of his family. And I know how much Herman respected Martin.
Jane Myers
February 18, 2021
His was no ordinary life. His was a life well-lived and well loved, a life that will be deeply missed
Marie and Samir Mikhail
February 18, 2021
May God bless his soul and give you strength and comfort 🙏
Joe and Joan Chisholm
February 17, 2021
He will always be with you in spirit. You will be with him one day in the after life! We appreciate that Martin’s loss will be heartbreaking for you.
We are happy he was able to celebrate “90” ! 🎂”
Richard Gilman
February 17, 2021
To all the Chipman family, I knew Marty first, but not as well or as you, or as often as I may have wished. He stayed with us when visiting his mother, and when he came up for medical meetings. We enjoyed a class reunion together, and visited your summer Island home.
Marty was a pragmatist but with a keen sense of humor. He was my last classmate friend. We kept in touch primarily by email. Knowing he is no longer with us hurts, but the pain must be even more intense for his loving wife and all the family.
There is no way to ease this kind of pain or fill this vacuum. Death is a terrible thief. Cynthia's and I add our condolences for our loss.
Ilya Semionoff
February 17, 2021
I received the news and we are so sorry for your loss. My heart is completely broken. But it was a privilege to know Martin and he is for me a reference of education and way of life.
I will alway be in admiration and never forget each word he told us.
I would love so much to give you a hug even stronger that the last one we shared almost 9 years ago after Joseph and Nancy wedding.
I spoke with Alain and Lucette, they share the same pain.
Ana, ilya & Xavier
Santi (Nephew Michael Keezing)
February 16, 2021
Will I'm filled with sadness at the passing of my beloved Uncle Martin, but also gratitude and much appreciation for his remarkable, full, and truly admirable life. All of my memories of Martin are happy ones, mostly from around holidays and vacations, from gatherings of family and friends that came together because of the deep love that Martin shared with his parents, sisters, and close friends -- a love that ensured these gatherings were regular features throughout every phase of my life. I am greatly blessed to have an abundance of such memories of such peaceful, happy times together, whether of sitting around the holiday table together or lounging on the beach at Figure Eight Island (where Martin and Sandy many times made us all welcome). One particular memory that comes to mind is of Martin taking me aside when I was about twelve -- an age when I was bursting with enthusiasm for science -- sitting me down next to him on the sofa, and giving me a beautiful impromptu lesson and conversation about the human brain. This was his area of expertise, of course, as a neurologist. I remember him drawing a picture of a neuron for me, and explaining neurotransmitters and receptors... a whole friendly lesson that spilled over into many related topics, all motivated by his kindness, and his interest in my welfare. He was my very much beloved uncle, and I'll miss him dearly.
Christian Seidel
February 16, 2021
I am an old friend of Martin's son Joseph. Many years ago Martin, Joseph and I were sitting together in the downstairs living room of their house in Fayetteville watching one of the first episodes of that all new tv-show "Curb your Enthusiasm". Although it has been quite a while since that day I can still see clearly the three of us laughing out loud on Larry David being with his wife in his car, driving over to a friend's house for a party, constantly squabbling hard about which direction better to take. Of course they are getting lost. It's hilarious! And for some reason it's always that very picture of Martin - just like Joseph and me - almost rolling on the floor laughing popping up first in my head when thinking of him. I could not think of any more pleasing way of keeping someone as kind and subtle in mind.
Jonathan Keezing
February 15, 2021
Martin gave me inspiration of how to be both strong and organized, ,and also gentle loving and joyful. He loved me so much that he launched a campaign (I know that I'm not the only one!) to have me (a free spirited musician) to attend West Point! I always felt that this was a sign (perhaps a LITTLE misguided!) of love in belief in me.
Diane Weeks
February 15, 2021
I will never forget the encouragement and advice he shared with me while we were at Figure 8 about my health etc. I will never forget it and always appreciate it. I will always treasure the times they allowed me to share with them at Figure 8. Thinking of you Mrs Sandra and your family during this difficult time.
Prayers be with you.
Diane Weeks
Rhonda Scott
February 14, 2021
I met Dr. Chipman @ WAMC in 1985, I was privileged to be his EEG tech for the next 28 years. He not only taught me everything I know about Neurology, but he was also my mentor and I considered him as my Father. He guided and directed me as a single parent raising three girls. Our lifelong daily talks were my most precious memories. I learned so much about life by just listening. I often took Joseph to synagogue to prepare for his Bar mitzvah, I found myself singing Hebrew during the ceremony, he thought that was funny. He was so proud of all his children, he would speak of each individually, he shared all their tribulations and attributes as I would mine. He shared the first time he laid eyes on his wife Sandy, saying, “I’ve never seen such a beautiful woman”. We loved, lived and laughed together. His patients loved him. I was amazed in reading his consultations, his Assessments were 100 percent accurate whatever the case was presented to him. He never needed a tool or test to know what was the matter with someone, he was a genius.
I watched him do Neurological exams on each and every beneficiary that was being run through a med check clinic at the hospital. He said, “these people have to be seen” and so he did, by the thousands. He retired as the highest ranking Colonel in the medical Corp, it was easy to leave the govt. and join him in private practice. I will be forever grateful for the love he bestowed on my family and for the expertise in Neurological care he gave to those that were recipients. He was the Founding Father of Cape Fear Neurology Associates and a gem to all that knew him.
Jim Bobenmoyer
February 14, 2021
I will always remember our talks sharing stories of our military escapades or life in general. The man seemed to always know something about whatever it was we were discussing except computers haha. He was one of the smartest men I ever knew and I will miss him and his big smile. I remember working with him and doing his slide show on Neurology he was doing for a conference it seemed to go on for months cause he kept wanting to add stuff must have done a hundred slides if not more it was great and he was so meticulous on how he wanted it to look it was a lot of fun. He was not only a scholar but I was proud to call him a friend.