Garnet Gardner Chapman of Ottawa, Ontario, passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025, after a long battle with cancer.
Born in Springhill, Nova Scotia, on October 8, 1939, Garnet was the son of the late Paul and Frances (Merritt) Chapman. Following the separation of his mother and father, Garnet and his brother, Sidney, were raised in a loving home by the late Earl and Marjorie Austin (Chapman) in Rodney, Nova Scotia.
Garnet joined the RCAF at the age of 19 and his career included postings to the No. 6 Repair Depot in Trenton, Ontario, 1 Wing in Marville, France, 1 Wing in Lahr, Germany, 416 sqn in Chatham, New Brunswick, 15 Wing in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, 17 Wing in Winnipeg, Manitoba and 450 sqn in Ottawa, Ontario. Following his retirement from the RCAF in 1988, he worked with the Department of National Defense as a quality insurance inspector, retiring in 2002.
Garnet was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to all animals. He kept a clean car, took delight in finding bargains, and always brought home flowers for his wife, Nancy. His Sunday dinners were the centre of family gatherings and included much laughter and wine. Garnet always made sure that his family took priority over anything else.
Garnet and Nancy were married on April 23, 1965, in Marville, France, and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Wib Neal of Ottawa was Garnet's best man and remained a life-long friend. Wib’s visits in these past months meant a lot to Garnet.
In his retired years, Garnet enjoyed fly fishing and volunteer work. He was an active member of the Ottawa Fly Fishers Club. Garnet was a superb fly tyer and his framed flies grace many homes across Canada. Garnet was also a member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 641 in Barrhaven.
Garnet is survived by his wife Nancy, and sons Earl (Sheila) and Stephen (Melanie), grandsons Sidney, Alex, William and Samuel. He is also survived by his sister Shelley of Moncton, New Brunswick.
Garnet was very grateful for the excellent medical care he received. We especially wanted to thank his family physician, Dr. Erica Seccareccia, and his palliative care physicians, Dr. Reena Goindi, Dr. Jamie Ray, and Dr. Claire Dyson.
As a retired veteran, Garnet was receiving support from Veterans Affairs Canada. We wanted to thank the hard-working public servants that supported him and continue to support other veterans across Canada.
Garnet's family is very appreciative of the care he received at the Ruddy-Shenkman hospice in his final days. Should you wish, donations to the hospice in Garnet's name would be appreciated by the family.
In lieu of flowers, Garnet wants you to spend time with your friends and family. Take someone you love out for lunch, have a glass of wine, and be sure to tell them how much they mean to you. Call someone you haven't spoken with in a while. Check in on your neighbours and ask them how they are doing.
At Garnet’s request, cremation has taken place and there will be a private family service held at a later date. Internment will take place in the National Military Cemetery located at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa. Messages of condolence may be left at www.beechwoodottawa.ca
Digital Guestbook
Eric Van Benschoten
Carl Chapman & Sheila Teed
Sending our deepest condolences
To Nancy & the family . What a lot of
Wonderful memories you have made
As a family,,”God” bless you all ..
Jim Lang
Mr Chapman was a great man. My father Fred Lang served with him in the RCAF in Europe in the 1960’s. I grew up listening to amazing stories about Mr Chapman. He sounded like a truly great human being. RIP
Grace Lang
So many memories. My deepest condolences to my dear friend Nancy and all the family. Amen
Bruce Clarke
It was truly an honour to have met, worked and learned with Garnet through our various Ottawa Flyfishers Society projects and adventures. There are too few gentlemen of Garnet's caliber and it was my my good fortune and pleasure to have enjoyed his company.
Regina Wright
My deepest condolences to Steve and all the family. While I never met Mr. Chapman, it was clear from working with Steve how much he meant to him and what a wonderful dad Mr. Chapman was. Thinking of you and your family and wishing you strength and peace in the days ahead.
Dennis Nazarenko
I knew Garnet through the Ottawa Flyfishers Society and always enjoyed our conversations. He made fly tying look easy, and I remain grateful for the shadow box of salmon flies he gifted me some time ago. I will remember him every time I look at it.
Carl Chapman
So long old friend…..
Anjala Puvananathan
I had the pleasure of working with Steve Chapman for many years, and hearing Steve speak about his parents was insight into the wonderful family life and special bond they shared. Mr. Chapman was clearly someone adored, accomplished, and earned the love and respect of all who had the privilege of knowing him personally. Steve, I wish you and your family strength during this challenging time, and I hope you are able to celebrate what a wonderful man you had for a father with fond memories and loving anecdotes.
Barbara Stinson
You fought a hard battle with grace. Going to miss our times joking and laughing. You were a wonderful caring man and will be leaving a void in many people's lives. Rest in peace Garnett.
Thank you for being my friend.
Barbara Stinson.
My deepest condolences, having fly tying and related interests he will be missed.