Ryan "Hooli" James Chapman
Ryan James Chapman was born on October 6, 1975 in the Stettler Hospital to Wendy and Jim, and a couple years later welcomed younger brother Ricky to the family. After being a town kid for a couple years, they made their move out to the family farm.
It was on the farm he developed a love of animals, all animals whether they had hair, fur or feathers.
It was also on the farm that he teamed up with his cousin Sean and soon to follow his cousin Damian and their adventures on the farm began. They could either be found at home, Aunty Linda's or Gran's place, depending on who had the best snacks that day.
Ricky and Sean used to run off and leave Damian behind, so rather than face the wrath of Aunty Linda, Ryan being Ryan with his kind and gentle nature would always wait for Damian. The normal trials and tribulations of four young boys growing up on the farm kept his Mom, Aunty Linda and Gran on their toes.
As they grew older, helping with the cows, general farm chores and sports kept them busy.
Ryan went to Waverly School from Grade 1 through to Grade 9.
When he started High School in Stettler, he started playing football. Ryan started out on the youngest team of football players and kept playing right up through Senior High with the Wildcats. Ryan won many football awards.
When he finished school Ryan tried various careers from electrician apprentice to pipe lining, to well testing and finally found the career he wanted, with Canadian Enviro Tub (Manson's Welding), where he worked towards becoming a journeyman welder.
It was while writing his 2nd year in Red Deer that he met Sheena and ever since had been planning to make the transition back to a city boy.
Ryan passed away on September 29, 2017 in Stettler, Alberta at the age of 41 years. Ryan will always be remembered as a very kind and gentle soul, who has many friends and will be sorely missed by all.
Ryan is survived by his loving family: girlfriend Sheena Hoff of Red Deer; mother Wendy Erickson of Stettler; father Jim Chapman (Win Litvak) of Stettler; brother Ricky Chapman (Tabitha Shaefer) of Stettler; gran Eunice Chapman of Stettler; step gran Madeleine Chapman of Stettler; aunts and uncles: Dee (Gordon) Pidoborozny of Rochon Sands, Connie (Ted Gowler) Erickson of Calgary, Danny (Linda) Chapman of Stettler, Marnie (Clark) Hoskins of Red Deer, Lee (Sarah) Chapman of Erskine, Kim (Kelsey Hoetmer) Chapman of Stettler; cousins: Lori (Larry) Spiak, Shane (Heather) Pidoborozny, Sean (Jessica) Chapman, Damian Chapman, Wayne (Christy) Hoskins, Trina Hoskins, Branson Chapman, Katie Chapman, Jack Jr. Chapman, Joel Hoetmer and Claire Hoetmer; numerous other family and many dear friends.
Ryan was predeceased by his maternal grandparents Orpha and Leif Erickson, his aunt Penny Lee Erickson and his paternal grandfather Jack Chapman and uncle Timmy Chapman.
A celebration of Ryan's life was held on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at the Stettler Funeral Home with Jan Richardson of Stettler United Church officiating.
In memory of Ryan donations are gratefully accepted to any local animal haven / rescue charity or the Canadian Transplant Association-Alberta c/o Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium, Box 1780, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0, 403-742-3422, who have been entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.
To send or view condolences to Ryan's family, please visit www.stettlerfuneralhome.com