Howard Chapman 1940-2015
Posted March 7, 2015
It is with a heavy heart that I pass along news of the passing of Howard Chapman.
Howard passed away tonight after complications following surgery. That is all that I know at this point I am afraid.
Howard was a former Supervisor of Officials for Baseball BC and the 1985 IBAF Official o the Year. A Baseball BC Roll of Honour member, Howard was a great inspiration to many of our younger officials and has left a lasting impact on our sport in both BC and Canada. He will missed by the entire baseball community.
I will be sure to keep you all updated once we learn more more about any service.
RIP Howard.
Howard Chapman is in many respects the face of baseball umpiring in British Columbia. With more than 40 years in umpiring, and more than 30 years leading the vocation in British Columbia, his achievements are remarkable.
From his base in BC, he has been a major force and presence in Canadian baseball umpiring, and has represented Baseball Canada nationally and internationally. Howard has championed umpire development, and strongly advocated for quality umpiring that is recognized and promoted by all baseball organizations. He has been a forceful voice on behalf of the sport, of officiating generally, and with a fierce loyalty, on behalf of “his” umpires.
Howard’s love of umpiring endures, and while he is leaving his post as provincial supervisor of umpires in BC, his role will evolve as he extends his legacy of developing Canadian umpires and umpiring.
The Baseball Canada family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Howard Chapman, a long time umpire in British Columbia and former National Umpire Supervisor with Baseball Canada.
After his professional umpiring career concluded in the 1970’s, Mr. Chapman became the first Provincial Umpire Supervisor in BC and held the position for 35 years (1974-2009).
Mr. Chapman was a mainstay for years at Baseball Canada National Championship events working and supervising countless tournaments across the country. He was also no stranger to international baseball working eight events and in 1986 was named IBAF Umpire of the Year.
Baseball Canada President Ray Carter was a dear friend to Mr. Chapman and had this to say about a man he has known for over three decades.
“Baseball lost one of our true characters. Baseball was his life. Howard called me every week for the past thirty years when I was home. I will miss him - the entire baseball community will miss him.”
Howard Chapman was 75 years young.
