David John Chapman

David John Chapman, 65, of La Grande died of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) on Sunday January 8th at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho. Dave was born in Corvallis to Earl Laverne Chapman and Tennie Steele Chapman. He was raised and schooled in Corvallis, graduating from Corvallis High School in 1964.

Dave came to La Grande in 1966 to attend Eastern Oregon State College, majoring in biology. He rode bulls and bareback and was president of the EOSC rodeo club. He took up bullfighting and contracted as a clown in the P.R.C.A. Later he enjoyed team roping, and competing in AQHA cow cuttings. He worked for Power Transmission Products, eventually buying that business and creating Logger Supply and Four Seasons Fly Shoppe. He was an outdoorsman and loved fly fishing, rafting, and hunting.

Dave was married and divorced twice. He first married Nanci Goodwin in 1975; this marriage blessed him with his son Benjamin J Chapman. Dave later married Suzann Schoenmoser in 1994 and was blessed with two more boys, Justin and Tyson Schoenmoser.
Dave was a strong Christian, leaving behind many fond memories in the hearts of those who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his sons, Benjamin John Chapman of Brisbane, Australia, Justin Schoenmoser of San Francisco, CA, and Tyson and wife Eileen Schoenmoser, also of San Francisco; sister, Diana Joan Chapman Ballard of Harrisburg, OR; a granddaughter, Parker Rose Campbell.

Dave chose to be cremated, with no service. Memorial contributions can be made to the Retha Mae Shirley Nursing Scholarship Fund at www.ohsu.edu/son/giving/enotes-0403.shtml.

.