Roy Chapman

William Royden (Roy) Chapman, age 91, of Ancaster, died peacefully on Monday, 3 June, 2024 at Birch Trail, St. Joseph's Villa, Dundas after a brief illness. Born in Swansea, South Wales, on 4 June, 1932, Roy was the son of the late Jack and Florence (Garland) Chapman. The eldest child in a family of six, Roy (Llew, as he called in Welsh) spent his formative years in Swansea attending school, serving with the Royal Air Force, and getting his apprenticeship as a steam fitter. In 1957, he fulfilled a long-time dream by emigrating to Canada. Settling first in Hamilton, Ontario, it was there where he met the love of his life, Jeanette Pitts. Roy and Jeanette were married on 11 February, 1961, settling in Ancaster in 1962 where they built a lifetime of memories together.

Roy worked many years as a steam fitter, first with Comstock, then Dominion Bridge and other steel companies. His skills and great experience in this area took him to cities throughout Ontario, Ohio, and Nova Scotia, and he was a highly respected member of the United Association of Journeyman and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada. In recognition of his longtime service to the Association, he will be posthumously awarded his sixty-five-year membership certificate in the weeks ahead.

Roy was honored to have received his Canadian citizenship and always deeply, deeply proud of his Welsh heritage. His true love was his family. He and Jeanette traveled the world together and spent many fun-filled trips with family and friends. When not travelling to exotic locales, they hosted family visits at their home - their door was always open and laughter was a constant presence. Roy loved working around the house and could put his hand to anything that needed to be repaired. He was a true woodworking genius, and lucky were those who received a beautiful hand-made piece of furniture, a toy barn (completely wired for electricity), or a stunning Victorian-styled doll house, all created by him.

Roy was predeceased by his parents and siblings Wendy, Pam, and Keith. He is survived by his loving wife Jeanette (Pitts) Chapman, brothers Dudley (Audrey) and Stephen, many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. He was an integral part of our family and will be profoundly missed.

A private gathering in memory of Roy was held at St. Anne's Roman Catholic Church, Ancaster, officiated by Father Peter Tuyen Nguyen. The family would like to thank the staff of Birch Trails, St. Joseph's Villa for their remarkable care of Roy during his stay there and acknowledge the ongoing support from friends and extended family during this time. Donations in Roy's memory may be made to St. Joseph's Villa in Dundas, Good Shepherd Hamilton, or a charity of one's choice.