Aubrey Merriell Chapman age 70, of Amherst passes away Thursday, December 3, 2009 at Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, Upper Nappan, N.S.
Born in Baddeck, Cape Breton on September 10, 1939, Aubrey Chapman and his family moved to the Amherst area in mid - 1940's
He was a son of the late Otis and Pearl (Miller) Chapman.
After completing his elementary and high school education, Aubrey went to attend St. Charles Commercial School and upon graduation became employed on a full-time basis as an office manager in the construction and trucking industry. After spending more than two decades in that position, he resigned and accepted and appointment as sheriff of Cumberland County, a position he would hold for a period of 16 years until poor health forced him to resign in 1991.
He subsequently underwent a life-saving cardiac transplant a short time later in September, 1991 and in March 2007 underwent a second cardiac transplant.
A dedicated community volunteer, Aubrey was an active member of the Kinsmen Club of Amherst and chaired the club's Dickey Park Pool operation for several years. He served on various boards and committees at Trinity St. Stephen United Church in Amherst and completed two terms on church council as chairman of the Worship Committee.
He served on the very successful Search Committee and was proud to have played an instrumental role in the recruitment of two ministers to lead Trinity St. Stephen's into the 21st. century. He was an active member of Acacia Lodge No. 8 and was raised to Master Mason in May of 1960. He would go on to serve in all offices including Master in 1971 and Past Grand Lodge officer.
Aubrey served for several years as a member of the board of directors of the Amherst Masonic Society and was a loyal supporter of its many fund-raising projects. He was past member of Cumberland Chapter No. 13 and Beausejour Preceptory and at the time of his death was a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, the Order of the Eastern Starr, Philae Temple A.A.O.N.M.S. in Halifax, as well as the Cumberland County Shrine Club of which he was also past president.
Throughout the years he had the task of arranging travel and medical treatment for several area children at the Shriner's Crippled Children's Hospital in Montreal and burn unit in Boston. In 2006, Aubrey had the honor of being presented with a Meritorious Service Medal from Acacia Lodge No. 8 which is the highest award a Lodge can bestow upon a member in recogniton of long-time service. To the Lodge and his community involvement. The award was presented to him by his son, V. W. Brother Allan Chapman whom is also a member and Past Master of Acadia Lodge No. 8.
He was a 32-year member of the Amherst Rotary Club, having served as chairperson of the Rotary Van Committee for an impressive 18 years. He also served a two-year term on Amherst Town Council from 1989-1991 and was a volunteer on the Board of Directors of the Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association (CREDA) representing the town of Amherst for a total of 11 years.
At the time of death, he was serving his second term on the management board of the Cobequid Housing Authority. As a result of his CREDA membership, he served as a member of the Provincial Association of Regional Development Authorities. He also served three terms as a member of the Provincial Forestry Technical Advisory Committee reporting to the Ministers of the Department of National Resources on a wide range of forestry issues. He also served two terms as a member of the Management Board of Cape Chignecto Provincial Park in Advocate Habour.
Following his retirement in 1991, Aubrey developed his woodlot by building a cabin and carrying out sivilculture work, replanting several acres of new forest. He enjoyed playing bridge and cribbage regularly at his camp and was an avid deer and bear hunter.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marilyn (Legacy), daughter Heather and son-in-law George Coon of Edmonton, Alberta as well as a son Allan and daughter-in-law Karen (Beers) of Amherst. He also leaves behind five grandchildren; Ashley, Lucus and Nicholas Chapman and Brianna and Morgan Coon. Aubrey is also survived by sisters Jean (Rod) Porter of Tidnish, NS and Barb (Jim) Coates of Amherst, one brother Keith of Amherst Shore and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by sisters Joyce, Connie and Shirley Rose.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm in Campbell's Funeral Home, 98 Church St., Amherst (667-9906) with Acacia Lodge #8 AFAM memorial service held at 7 p.m.
Funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Trinity St.- Stephen's United Church, Amherst with Rev. Susan Estabrooks and Rev. Patti Blundell officiating.
Memorial donations in Aubrey's memory may be made to the Heart Transplant Clinic at QE II Health Science Centre, the Philea Temple Shriners, Trinity St. Stephen's United Church or the charity of your choice.
A private interment will take place at a later date.
Please sign you donor card.
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