Arnold Barry Chapman, 48, of Baker City, died Sept. 24, 2009, in the Rocky Mountains of Montana.
His memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave. There will be a gathering afterward, the location of which will be announced at the service.
Barry was born on June 13, 1961, at Portland. He graduated from high school at McMinnville.
As a young man, Barry was employed in home construction before working as an elevator mechanic in Portland. He lived on his 50-foot classic wooden Ketenburg sailboat on the Columbia River in Portland and later moved it to Scappoose. He then bought a houseboat and rebuilt it.
Barry moved to Baker City in 2004 where he built handcrafted canoes, kayaks, and furniture. He joined the local Woodland Association and earned a certificate as master woodlander.
Barry was proud of his Native American heritage. He was an accomplished scuba diver and loved kayaking. He was a great cook.
“A bright light went out with the passing of Barry Chapman … he was a big spirit who lived his life with zest. If anyone needed help he was always there to give it. Those of us who knew Barry will be forever grateful that he crossed our paths,” his family members said.
Survivors include his four children, Megan, Ryan, Jonathan and Savannah; father, Frank Chapman; stepmother, Jean Chapman; brothers, Doug W. Kellie, Donald J. Chapman and Mike Crabtree; sisters, Darla J. Bradley and Teralee L. Balcom; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Cancer Association, 433 N.W. Fourth Ave., Suite 100, Portland, OR 97209.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon September 30, 2009
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor