Charles M. Chapman

Charles M. Chapman passed away peacefully at home in Benton on January 29, 2013 having lived with cancer for over a year. He was born in Dawson, NM, on September 29, 1935. Chuck moved to Benton in 1977, pursuing a career as a Professor of Management at Bloomsburg University. Chuck loved working with students and often spoke of how they kept him young. Highlights of his thirty years at the university include numerous Outstanding Professor awards, leadership of the Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business, and Chairmanship of the Department of Marketing and Management. He worked to increase international awareness in the College of Business and was co-founder of the Institute for Comparative International Management Studies. He retired in 1997, awarded the honor of Professor Emeritus. Chuck is survived by his wife and constant companion of 40 years, Kay. He is also survived by four children: Tom (wife Scotty, son Patrick), Bethesda, MD; Connie, Woodbridge, VA; Susan, Berthoud, CO; and Ed (wife Melissa, daughter Noelle), Brandywine, MD. His surviving brother, Allen, resides at Bonham Nursing Center in Stillwater. His family also includes numerous nieces and nephews, and he enjoyed especially close relationships with several of them. Chuck lived in the Denver, CO, area during most of the first half of his life. As a part-time student, he completed his Bachelor's degree in 1968 at the University of Northern Colorado while holding various management jobs. In 1970 he moved to New York teaching at the C. W. Post campus of Long Island University while completing his Masters degree and doctoral studies at New York University. In all aspects of his life, he endeavored to follow his father's admonition to "give back to your community" and "leave the world a little better than you found it." Among his many activities, he was most proud of his role in the creation of the Northern Columbia Community and Cultural Center. He served on the Benton Town Council for several terms including two terms as its president. He was active with the Columbia County Conservation District and served on its board. He raised registered Angus cattle, and was a past president of the Pennsylvania Angus Association, was dedicated to innovation and improvement of the Angus breed, and was a 4-H leader for 15 years. He was co-founder of the Fishing Creek Watershed Association and served as its president during its active early years. He assisted in recruiting efforts for the United States Naval Academy. He also raised and trained Labrador Retrievers and was an avid woodturner. In recent years he became a fan of bluegrass music and served on the Board of Directors of the O. A. T. S. festival. He was fortunate to have been able to travel extensively. In 2010, he and Kay enjoyed a "bucket list" trip to Alaska. During the lengthy drive to and from Alaska, Chuck added several states to the list of those he had previously visited, completing a proud accomplishment of visiting all 50 states during his lifetime. He also traveled and taught in Taiwan and China and traveled in Canada, Thailand, Bangladesh, India, and England where he especially enjoyed exploring Cornwall and Chapman family ancestral sites. A Memorial Service celebrating his life is planned for Saturday February 23rd at 3:30 P. M. in his home church, Benton United Presbyterian Church, with his minister and friend, the Reverend Allen Lumpkin, officiating. The service will be followed by a reception at the Northern Columbia Community and Cultural Center. Family will provide flowers and suggest that any memorial gifts be directed to the American Cancer Society, Columbia County Unit, 1420 N. Susquehanna Trl., Selinsgrove, PA 17870 or to the Northern Columbia Community and Cultural Center, P. O. Box 305, Benton, PA 17814.

Charles M. Chapman

September 29, 1935 - January 29, 2013