Chapman, Paul - Age 83, formerly of Howie Centre, Nova Scotia, and most recently a resident of Glen Haven Manor in New Glasgow, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025. Born in Halifax, he was the eldest son of the late Sidney and Kathleen (Creighton) Chapman. Although he primarily grew up in Dartmouth, the place he felt most at home was Cape Breton.
Paul set his sights on a career at sea early in life, leaving home in his teens. His lifelong passion for taking things apart and putting them back together led him to the engine rooms of the ships he sailed on. He quickly earned his Chief Engineer's ticket, paving the way for a distinguished career with Irving, CN Marine/Marine Atlantic, and Fednav. When he started in 1972, he held the distinction of being the youngest Chief Engineer to serve on the Nova Scotia–Newfoundland ferry runs. At Fednav, he contributed to the design and construction of several ships, including projects in shipyards in Norway, Korea, and Dubai. Paul finished his career "on the hard" with Transport Canada’s Ship Safety Division in Ottawa and Dartmouth, retiring as manager of the Sydney office. He never lost his yearning to be at sea.
Deeply committed to his community, Paul was a dedicated volunteer with Sydney’s Kiwanis and Kinsmen Clubs and the Coxheath Volunteer Fire Department. His retirement did not slow him down -- he continued to lend his time to many events in the Sydney area, became a Cruise Ambassador, and was a longtime volunteer at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. He was especially proud of his involvement with the Orangedale Station Museum, which allowed him to indulge his lifelong fascination with trains.
Paul is survived by his daughters, Laura and Dawn; son-in-law, Mark; grandchildren, Maddison, Nathan and Drew. He also leaves behind his sister, Leda; brothers, Michael (Carol) and Perry (Pat); sister-in-law, Joan; nieces, Pamela, Nicola and Sarah; nephews, Grant, Chris, Rob, Michael and Andrew, as well as his Chapman and Creighton cousins. Paul was predeceased by his parents and brother, Bob.
Paul treasured his many friends over the years and always spoke of them with great warmth, such as Donnie MacRae who kept a close and caring eye on him as his health declined. He particularly enjoyed his morning gab and Tim's coffee with "the boys" in Sydney. Once in Glen Haven, he was blessed with the friendship of Van MacLeod who delivered his favourite medium black dark roast on a daily basis, always staying for a chat to enjoy Paul's stories.
The family extends much gratitude to brother, Michael for his stewardship of Paul's medical and personal affairs when he became ill during the height of the pandemic and continuing this responsibility even now. Special thanks also to the compassionate staff at Glen Haven Manor for their care and support throughout Paul’s time there.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 70, Stewiacke, NS, on June 2 at 2 p.m. Donations in Paul’s memory may be made to Caleb’s Courage with the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation (calebscourage.com) or to a charity of one’s choice.
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