The Canadian field hockey community recently lost one of its pioneers as Dr. John Chapman passed away at the age of 93 on June 9th.
Chapman was the president of the Canadian Field Hockey Association from 1972-74 and was instrumental in growing the game locally, nationally, and internationally through its nascent stages in Canada.
At a celebration for his 90th birthday in 2013, many of his colleagues and friends stressed three key themes of Chapman’s career: his contributions to Higher Education in British Columbia, his teaching and research of the geography of natural resources and energy, and his playing and organizing of field hockey in Canada.
It is said that one of the highlights of his involvement in the sport was hosting the Junior World Cup in Vancouver.
A professor emeritus of Geography at the University of British Columbia, Chapman was the second Head of UBC’s Geography Department from 1968-1974 and oversaw the creation of the B.C. Atlas of Resources.
According to his obituary, John’s legacy will live on through his son Ian and daughter-in-law Judy and their children Ryan, Sara, Craig; and his great-grandchildren Caleb, Allie, Ella, Charlie, Andrew, Margo, and Clare.
A celebration of his life will be at Cecil Green Park House in Vancouver onMonday, June 22nd, 2015.
Field Hockey Canada would like to convey condolences to Chapman’s family and friends and recognize his great contributions to the sport in Canada.
