David Craig Chapman, 77, passed away peacefully on Aug. 31, 2023 after a five-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born in San Luis Obispo, California, on Oct. 16, 1945, to Clara Smith, a young nurse who served on the European front during World War II, he was adopted into the Chapman family with parents Gordon and Charlotte, and siblings Clarke and Janet.

David grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, and was actively involved in the church where his dad was the minister.

David graduated from Arizona State University in 1967 with a degree in American cultural history. In 1975 he received his doctor of religion degree from the School of Theology at Claremont (STC).

While attending STC, he met his future wife Myra while helping a friend move. They were married in Vermont, then moved to Goleta, where David took a job at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). He would work there primarily in Communications Services until his retirement nearly 40 years later.

David was a very involved father to his kids Jonathan (1977) and Karen (1981). Birthday parties were known to include odd activities including candle-making and art projects using a large pendulum drawing table that he designed and built himself.

He served as a school board member for many years (including a term as president) and was heavily involved in bringing technology to several elementary campuses (sometimes pulling the cable himself).

David was an active do-it-yourselfer where he learned many trades through trial and error (and swearing). He enjoyed his gardens, which took over not just his yard, but the neighbors’ yards, too.

He also enjoyed taking annual trips with his siblings and cousins all over the country; they could often be seen on the Santa Ynez Wine Trail sipping Merlots with funny hats on.

After retirement, David did not slow down much. He volunteered with Habit for Humanity through the Jimmy Carter Foundation and the Santa Barbara Chapter, where he managed several projects including two in Haiti.

He was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Santa Barbara, where he was part of the choir, and, again, brought technology and the internet to the facilities.

He also explored the country on his own, driving thousands of miles in his Prius seeing many National Parks along the way. He would later move to Colorado, where his son, daughter and Myra had all settled.

Not long after, he would be diagnosed with cognitive decline that would lead to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Numerous doctors said he probably had this condition for some time but was able to keep it at bay through his intellect. He would fight this disease for several more years before coming to live in Memory Care in Longmont, Colorado. After a year of rapidly declining memory issues, he eventually succumbed to the disease.

David connected to everyone he met, it did not matter if it was a co-worker, friend, waiter, or stranger on the street, he would make an impression on them.

He was the master of dad jokes and could command a room with his speeches. He had strong political views, but was fair and thoughtful to anyone he spoke with.

His charm was legendary, his hugs sought after, and his laugh infectious.

On his last day, the nurses and caretakers came to say good-bye and share how much they loved his charm, personality and kindness.

He never wanted to be a burden to anyone and put everyone else first. While his last days did require more support from family, we are all comforted by what we think his final words would be for us, “Thank you, and take the rest of the day off!”

David is survived by his children Jonathan Chapman (Katy) and Karen Dias (Mark); four grandchildren Caden, Molly, Madison, Hazel; his ex-wife Myra (with whom he remained close); and many extended family and friends whose lives he touched.

He is preceded in death by his sister Janet Craig, his brother Clarke Chapman, and his sister-in-law Ardis who was part of David’s life from his teenage years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Habit for Humanity supporting a community of your choosing:

Carter Work Project | Carter Work Project (habitat.org)