Frank Chapin

Willian FRANK Chapin was born 89 years ago and left his earthly walks for new trails with Jesus on January 25,2020.

He leaves for now his wife Carolyn along with children Lynnette and Dan, grandchildren Chris and Jessica, Dan’s children Kyle, Thomas and Zack as well as Carolyn’s children Dawn, Keith and Cari and grandchildren Addison, Felicity and Pearce.

Frank accomplished much, being good at many things. He has well-loved the beauty of God’s great outdoors and shared it often. He taught backpacking and survival skills for many years at Olympic College. As a ski instructor, he taught at Snoqualmie and Mt. Bachelor.

A photographer extraordinaire, fly fisherman, Max the horse owner, gardener, especially for roses, berries and apple trees.

Arlington, WA was his growing up home where his academic abilities were apparent, receiving commissions from both West Point and Annapolis but unable to attend as vision hindered his admission when he arrived at West Point.

Returning home, he entered the Navy in Bremerton, completing his four-year service and staying in Bremerton.

He spent his entire thirty-five year work career at Puget Sound Naval in Combat Weapons Systems.  He completed a fire control apprenticeship during which time he earned the shipyard’s apprentice of the year award.  He started retirement from being the Division Head for this group.

Having thirty years of retirement gave him new opportunities for travel with Carolyn and family.   And more hiking and photo ops.   They were able to enjoy many trips in the Northwest, including cruises to Alaska, where of course he loved the mountains. Trips to other parts of the world were enjoyed by both.

A wonderful legacy Frank has given is in the introduction of many to the beauties of nature through being in God’s outdoors. This includes his wife who would have never known up close the beauty in the mountains like streams and waterfalls, wildflowers, the greenery of the vegetation he knew well.  He enabled many to become lovers of all of this like himself.

We are all so grateful for this gift of Frank.

Celebrating Frank service to be held at his residence for this last year: Weatherly Inn,  @ 6016 N. Highlands Parkway in Tacoma.   Not far over the Narrows Bridge.

This will be on Saturday, February 8 @ 1:00 in the Harborside Room on the third floor.   Please carpool if possible.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the Washington Trails Association.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frank Chapin, please visit our floral store.