My family would like to offer our condolences to the Chapman family on the passing of Rollie Chapman. My kids (now adults) were students at Brooke Elementary in the late 1980's. Whenever I saw Rollie he would always ask about Michael and Jennifer. He was always sincere and caring. He was well liked by many and will be missed. Thank you Rollie for your kindness, caring and loving nature. Chris Lee and family.

My childhood would not have been complete without Mr. Chapman as my principal while I was a student at Brooke Elementary.  He was a supportive and caring man, always taking the time to speak with students and made a lasting impression on me. I remember his loafers and fish tie, the gentleness of his voice and those great hugs.  I last saw him 10 years ago, and as soon as I heard his voice say “Miss McCrae”, I instantly knew who it was and turned to greet him with a huge smile on my face.   I’ve thought of him often throughout the last 30 years and am so grateful to have known him.  To his family and friends, I mourn his loss with you and celebrate the incredible life he led. 

Shauna McCrae


I have fond memories of your Dad when I taught and coached (track and field hockey) at Seaquam for six years in the late 70s, early 80s as 'Miss Corcoran'...a fellow BPE (and French teacher) at that time.  He was a very supportive person and made a positive impact on me. My condolences to Marilyn and all the family. 

I was saddened to read of Roland’s sudden passing.  Roland was not just an outstanding educator and administrator, he was an amazing human being.  Roland was the Principal when our family came to Holly Elementary and stayed to see both kids move on to secondary school.  His welcome on the first day was next to no other.  We brought some unique challenges to him and he brought us great peace of mind daily as we always knew Roland was watching and keeping two young girls safe while they were on site at his school.  Roland was always available and supportive and on one occasion he actually wrote the Supreme Court of Canada on behalf of one of his students. He truly did know every student’s name and he also knew most of the parent’s names as well.  The students enjoyed running to find and greet Mr. Chapman in the morning as they all wanted to check out what tie he was wearing.  He would often be out shooting hoops with whoever would shoot with him.  There wasn’t an event that he didn’t attend with great pride in both his students and staff.  It was evident the Holly staff was a family in itself and was made up of many of the many staff would follow him as he moved from school to school during his career. Education in British Columbia and Canada has lost a very special and dedicated teacher and administrator and our UBC PHED alumni have lost a star grad.  My sincere condolences to Roland’s family.  May you find comfort in reading the many accolades and memories others will share.

Roland loved his family, was a generous and loyal friend and an outstanding teacher and principal.  
He was dedicated to his students and staff and worked to bring out the best in all of us.  I had the pleasure to teach with Roland at Brooke Elementary and he remained my mentor throughout my career.
Roland's gift of a beautiful killer whale that he carved reminds Gord and I of our talented and thoughtful friend and the fun times we shared with Marilyn and him.
He will be missed.
Our sincere sympathy to Marilyn , Danny, Tracy, Cathy,  Sean, Lindsey and their families.
Gord & Susan Annand

I am so sad to hear of Roland's passing. I met Roland at the Ron Zalko gym 5 years ago.  He became a  great friend who I would talk to every day when we were both at the gym. I grew up in North Delta and was attending Chalmers elementary when Roland was a principal at Brooke Elementary. We never crossed paths during my childhood but I am very grateful to have gotten to know him and become friends as an adult.  We shared a passion for sports, especially golf and baseball. I never grew tired of hearing his stories about the British Open.  He often asked me about my curling competitions, and about my brother's golf tournaments and  I looked forward to updating him about our successes and failures.  I will miss his phone calls and emails.  I have a framed picture hanging in my apartment that Roland drew and gave to me. You will be remembered forever.

Chris Gomes

I had the privilege of working for Roland in all three of the schools I taught at in Delta.  He was a wonderful principal who cared for all of his students and was always walking around talking to them and sharing in their lives.  He brought out the best in me as a teacher. Through him I learned a love of coaching gymnastics and teaching grades seven and six.  I loved hearing about his children’s lives and sharing in their activities.  I remember watching Danny play basketball for North Delta and seeing Tracy and Cathy mature into two wonderful women.
I am so sad to see Roland gone so soon.  He was a man who prided himself on staying fit and healthy.  I am going to miss your phone calls checking up on me and my family.   I will be forever grateful for all the memories I have of you.
All my love to you, Marilyn, Danny, Tracy, Cathy, Sean, Lindsey and your grandchildren.  I know it is going to be hard being without your greatest cheerleader!

Roland was a very special part of my life.  I was privileged to work for him at all three schools that I taught at in Delta.  He was always my strongest supporter who encouraged me in every aspect of teaching.  Through him I learned to love coaching gymnastics and teaching grade seven and then six. I am so sad to see him gone so soon.  He was a man who prided himself on being active and fit.  I will truly miss your phone calls checking up on me and my family.  I am so grateful for all of the memories I have of you and your family.  All my love to Marilyn, Danny, Tracy, Cathy, Sean, Lindsey and the grandkids.

My prayers and condolences for the loss of Roland, a great loss and a wonderful man.  We worked together at Brooke elementary and he was  witted, fun loving and always keenly interested in the students’ achievements. 
May he Rest In Peace and Marilyn, May you and your family find solace and calm in the days ahead. 
With sympathy, Mary Louise Veltri

Mr. Chapman was an amazing individual. He was my elementary school principal who made a positive impact on so many students, including myself. I won’t name how many years ago it was, but I still remember him making a point to learn the students names and I’ll never forget singing his favorite song at his retirement ‘The Rose’ by Bette Midler. My family remained friends with Mr. Chapman and a few years  following his retirement, I remember him welcoming us into him and his wife’s beautiful home in Whistler. As years went on and I moved away from Vancouver, I would still call my Dad to ask how Mr.Chapman was doing, as he made a huge impression in my life. I am sorry to hear of this news and am thinking of all the people that were so close to him. Although he may be gone physically he will always be with so many of us, as he helped mold the individuals that many of us are today. My thoughts are with all his family and friends.

Roland Chapman was a principal who knew and loved all the students in his school. He always had a smile and often a hug for them. He will not be forgotten.

I met Roland many years ago at Ron Zalko’s Gym!!  We became fast friends and went for coffee on a regular basis ! Roland was quite the character who seemed to know a lot about everything! He was well versed in house construction and renovations! This he demonstrated when he visited several of my renovations and gave my carpenters and plumbers renovation advice!! He was also a wonderful artist, this I discovered when he gave me a beautiful pencil drawing  of a woodpecker!!  I, along with his other gym buddies will miss him and his wonderful humour and wit!  Our deepest condolences to his wife Marilyn and his extended family!! Rest in Eternal Peace My Dear Friend!!!  Brian Zelenika 

Roland's dry wit, quick retort, network of friends, and deep caring for his students and teachers impacted us all.  He will be sorely missed.  Our thoughts are with you, Marilyn, and with his children and grandchildren.  We all felt treasured by Roland and we all have fond memories to cherish.
Faye Brownlie, Kim Young

Dear Marilyn and family,

Don and I were so very sorry and sad to hear of Roland's passing. 
He was such a wonderful man and such a great principal to work for. 
I remember him walking into my room when I was teaching or playing the piano during the day.  He  always told me I was a good teacher and that meant a lot to me. 

Don remembers  all the tennis matches they played together and how they really liked bugging each other.  I remember all his  " Oh, Cowan"  utterances when they got into a recap of the game !
My only regret is that we didn't  get to see a little more of the two of you , but we are all so busy with our own families etc..

Please know we are thinking of you with love,

Sincerely,
Louise

So sorry for your loss Marilyn.  Such a great guy.  He will be missed for so many positive reasons.  Take care of yourself.   With deepest sympathy, Nancy & Garry Gordon

OBITUARY

Roland Franklin Chapman

May 27, 1939 – September 10, 2020

Mount Pleasant Universal Funeral Home

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