Callen “Cal” Chapman
Callen “Cal” Chapman passed away at his home Saturday, March 26, 2022, where he wanted to be, with his loving family around him.
He leaves behind his wife and companion of 38 years, Denise (Lalonde); a son, Colter (Brittney); a daughter, Chanda; and grandchildren, Rakyah and Dane. He also leaves his brothers, Nute (Patricia) Chapman, Chad Chapman, Clark Chapman and Mark (Cathy) Chapman; sisters, Cathie (John) Foeller and Eva (Terry) Taffe; a sister-in-law, Cheryl Orcutt Chapman; a brother-in-law, Jerry Pilarski; three half-sisters, Arlene Crawford, Joan Wright and Jean Cairnduff; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Cal was preceded in death by his parents, Newt Sr. and Helen “Jean” (Fitzpatrick) Chapman; brothers, Charlie and Mick; sisters, Cheryl Sullivan and Connie Pilarski; and father-in-law, Gene Lalonde.
He was blessed to be raised by his loving parents and was number 10 of 11 children, born in 1954. He lived his life in true northern Michigan style.
His family picked berries in season, had family picnics with other relatives, and he grew up knowing his cousins well with some becoming his best buddies for life. As Cal grew older, he learned to hunt and trap with his dad and older brothers. They took many trips to the UP for trout fishing where he developed a skill for casting his pole into a honey hole and pulling out keepers.
In his adult life Cal continued the seasonal traditions with his own family, teaching his kids the rich traditions that make life meaningful.
Tapping trees in the spring to make maple syrup, sucker fishing, mushroom picking and family picnics. He went camping every summer at Shoepac and Tomahawk Lake, making priceless memories with family and friends. Late summer was spent picking berries and harvesting fresh veggies from the garden. Fall time brought the preparation for winter by cutting wood, cutting boughs, riding down two tracks with snacks of pickled bologna, cheese and crackers, and doing one of his favorite pastimes -hunting partridge with his dogs. Deer season was always so much fun.
He loved spending it with cousins that would come “up North” and stay with us. We’d play cards and laugh until tears rolled down our cheeks. Every now and then Cal would pop in at the “Peak” for the spitzer games that went on almost daily throughout the winter. He also enjoyed playing cribbage and backgammon, especially when he won. When the kids were little, we’d join other cousins and families and have sledding parties where Cal was known to pull the kids behind the truck, down a back road, on a car hood or big sled, with kids yelling “faster, faster” from their little red faces. Holidays were always fun with relatives around sharing stories and making more memories.
Cal was a “kid whisperer” – there wasn’t a child that had ever been around him that wasn’t drawn to him. He loved them all, whether he knew them or not. He’d hand a stranger’s kid a dollar or five, or $10 if he saw them at the store and say, “get yourself a treat on me.” He had a kind and giving heart, always for the underdog.
Cal was one of the most strong-willed people to ever walk the planet, but with the tenderest heart. He was blessed with friendships he had since he was a child that continued throughout his life. He adored his grandkids and did everything in his power to make them happy, from reading books to taking them places. They were always on the forefront of his heart and mind. All who knew him called him the “yes man.” If any of the kids wanted something, they’d go to Uncle Cal or Papa first because they knew he couldn’t say no. It was important to him to hold onto his good guy image, and he would move heaven and Earth to maintain it. He was a loving tenderhearted guy and a unique individual. He never hesitated to tell people he loved them and when he said it – you better believe he was sincere.
Cal worked for NEMCSA (Northea
Cal touched the hearts of many; he will be sadly missed by all those who loved him. As he would always say, “Don’t take wooden nickels” and “Give yourself a hug.”
Memorial Donations to honor Cal can be made to Onaway George C. Garms Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5857. A Celebration of Life will be held on Memorial weekend. Cremation arrangements were in care of Chagnon Funeral Home.