Robert L. Chapman

Bob passed away peacefully at his home on August 5, 2012, being 87 years, 10 months and 19 days old. He was born on September 16, 1924 in Montana to Wilfred and Margaret Goyette. Soon after his birth his parents divorced and within a few years his mother remarried to Harold Chapman. Bob took Harold’s last name and did not discover his birth name until later in his life but he always felt his was a Chapman. His family moved to Sacramento where he was raised along with two sisters. He graduated from Sacramento High School and as it was during WWII he joined the US Army and served in an anti-artillery unit in Europe. Upon his return he met and married his first wife, Violet Fraser and they had four children that they raised in Sacramento and Yreka, CA. They divorced and Bob, along with two of his sons, moved to Auburn, CA in 1968. Bob then met and married Myra Van Vooren in 1970. They lived in Auburn but moved to Lincoln in the mid 1980’s. Bob had many jobs in his lifetime from PG&E Forman to working in several wood mills and being a handyman. He was a man who gave more to others than he ever got back but was always happy to do so. Bob was preceded in death by both of his parents, his two sisters and one step daughter. He is survived by his wife Myra Chapman. Bob is also survived by his children Michael (Paula) Chapman, Patrick (Rebecca) Chapman, Mark (Koye) Chapman and Linda (Alan) Cox as well as stepchildren Chuck (Linda) Van Vooren, Greg (Jeri) Van Vooren, Myrna (David) Jansen and Harlan (Janina) Van Vooren. One of his great joys was being a grandfather and great grandfather and in that respect he is survived by 24 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren. Bob loved to tinker and make things and during his lifetime made many things for his family and friends. He was an avid gardener as well as fisherman and hunter. He was a member for many years at St Paul Lutheran Church in Auburn. Bob has left an indelible imprint in his family’s memories and we find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared his love. A family celebration of life will be held at a later date.