Donald Wallace Chapman

Donald W. Chapman was born on September 18, 1930, in Los Angeles, California. He will be remembered as a family patriarch, dedicated scientist, passionate outdoorsman, and lifelong adventurer.

Raised during the Great Depression, Don's early years were shaped by humble beginnings and the strong example of his mother Jessie. He grew up in Los Angeles, where he became involved in the Boy Scouts of America, earning the rank of Eagle Scout and creating his love for the outdoors. He attended UCLA before transferring to Oregon State University, where he pursued studies in forestry and fisheries. There he met and married Patricia Tucker Chapman. During this time, he was also a firefighter, smokejumper, and Boy Scout counselor.

Don served in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer, including time in Austria during the early Cold War, where he learned to ski. After his service, he returned to academia, eventually becoming a professor and leading fisheries programs at the University of Idaho. His professional work took him across the United States and around the world, including extended assignments in Africa and South America with the United Nations. His research was widely published and he continues to be regarded as a foremost expert in anadromous fish.

Don loved fly fishing, hunting, skiing, flying, golf and a cocktail at the appropriate hour. He was a skilled pilot, a certified ski instructor, and a dedicated DIY guy (sometimes with mixed results). In later years, he made his home in McCall, where he continued to enjoy the outdoors, travel and avidly follow current events.

He shared forty-six plus years with his beloved wife Dolores, with whom he built a life full of adventure, companionship and "morning board meetings". Together they created welcoming homes in Boise, Arizona and McCall; and made countless amazing memories for their grandchildren; including dining room table talks, couch time, hours of Cover and Pass card games, Camp Gramp, Easter egg hunts, and always celebrating with a bit of dancing. He was particularly proud that all of his progeny were accomplished skiers and spent many hours encouraging the little ones down the slopes of Brundage.

Don is survived by Dolores; his children Cindy (Paul) Barney, Tena (Bob) Lokken, Scott (Lori) Chapman, Teresa (David) Ducharme, Richard (Pam) Scott, Dan (April) Scott; fourteen grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and his devoted sidekick Bella.

A graveside service will be held on June 20th at 11 am at the McCall Cemetery. For those wishing to honor Don, the family suggests donations to the University of Idaho Foundation for the College of Natural Resources.

Online condolences may be left at www.mccallfunerals.com

Arrangements in care of McCall Funeral Home.