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
Livre de visiteurs
Jeff Jackson
Wib Neal
Till we meet again old buddy!
Roy & Sharlene Matacheskie
Deeply sorry for your loss
Maggie Glennester
My heart is with you all.
When I was little, Uncle Garnett always called me midnight because I was always so tan and I always called him snowball because he was always so white. 🥰
His sense of humour and his love for Aunt Nancy was always on full display. 
See you later, Snowball. 💖🥰
Love and hugs to the family.
Tim Demmons
I first met Garnet during the Covid lockdown where we would meet over Zoom to tie flies with Steve and a couple friends. He was an incredibly talented fly tyer, and was always happy to patiently give me advice as I started to learn the craft. He was quick to laugh and always wanted to hear about my life and family. It was always heartening to hear the banter back and forth between Steve and Garnet, who both took so much joy from their shared interest. My thoughts go out to Nancy, and Steve and Melanie and his family as they learn to live without his presence in their lives.
Betty and Larry Romard
We are so saddened to hear the news of Garnet’s passing. We first met Garnet and Nancy during our joint posting to Marville, France. They were married two weeks before us. One year we shared a wonderful trip to Holland to celebrate our anniversaries. We’ll always remember Garnet’s friendly smile, his special touch in the kitchen and his love for his family.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to Nancy, Earl, Steve and their families during this difficult time. Rest in Peace. 🙏🏻
Brian and Tammy Stewart
Our deepest condolences to Nancy,Steve, Earl and all the families. 🙏
Greg Williams
Garnet was my cousin but also a good friend, I'll miss him very much, a true gentleman.. condolences to the Family and all who knew him.
Mila
Deepest sympathy Nancy, Earl and Steve. I have nothing but fond memories of having Garnet for a cousin. Dave was mentioning yesterday of the fun times he had with Garnet when you all would be visiting Rodney, snow mobile trips during storms at Christmas time, when there may have been some beverages enjoyed. RIP Garnet
Cathy Boucher-Enright
Garnet, my neighbour, always stopped to chat, whether walking with Nancy or on his own in his car. We shared Nova Scotia and RCAF roots. I didn't know he was a WO as was my Dad. I do know he loved my fish chowder! Keep smiling on us. Garnet.....
A real gentleman who will be missed. I did fly tying with him - impressive skill at that and a mentor to many.