James Richard 'Dick' Chapman, 89
James Richard “Dick” Chapman (dubbed “JR” by his children, to the dismay of his wife) passed away on Friday Aug. 14, 2020. He was 89, just two weeks shy of his 90th birthday.
His 90 years were full years. JR was born in rural Ohio, September 2, 1930, and spent his teenage years managing the family farm. His rural work ethic carried him far; common sense, physicality and can-do attitude led him to convince a job foreman to jump on a bulldozer that he’d never operated before and successfully demonstrate he was up for the task. He went on to successfully run his own construction company for decades.
In 1952, at age 21, he married Dolores, “Dolly”, a young woman he met at work at the Caterpillar plant; she was 19. Their family was comprised of 5 children: Chris, Deb, Cheryl, Rick and Diane. Once JR realized how quickly his kids were growing up he bought a camper trailer, threw his 5 kids in the back of a pickup with a topper (not always fun with 5 siblings in close confinement) and headed out on explorations in the middle of his busiest work season. Their explorations led them to the Northwest where they fell in love with Montana. JR and Dolly moved to Montana in 1978 where 3 of their children had already relocated for college or work. JR & Dolly sold their Ohio farmhouse and 1886 historic barn and bought the quintessential log house with an equally impressive barn in Rollins, Montana, to rival the Ohio barn they left behind. That became JR’s “ranch” and his grounding as a Montanan. He loved his equipment, his tractors, hunting, four-wheeling, horseback riding, and he was an impressive gardener.
He was a funny, intelligent man with a knack for mischief. As kids we were told to “go long” in the grocery aisles as he would lob paper towel rolls or similar items at us to retrieve, only to be scolded by his wife. He was a bit of a rule bender, playing badminton with 2 rackets instead of one, and launching numerous birdies all in flight at the same time. He was an amazing whistler, giving impromptu performances, whistling impressively to Dolly’s classical music. He was known for his off-color jokes and toasts that he would dust off and bring out on each family holiday. Family gatherings were huge for him; he was always down for a party – and good food.
Our many thanks to Pleasant View Home which cared for JR in his last years, and courageously took him back after his hospitalizations when he needed extra care and love. Their welcoming of JR each time was especially appreciated in these precarious times.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Dolly, who he missed right up until the end.
JR dearly loved his wife, his extended family and his ranch. He will be similarly missed.