WO (retired) Garnet Gardner Chapman

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