Randy Chapman

Randy Chapman, a 76 year old resident of Shelton, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, July 9, 2023. His nephew Rick, and his niece Connie, were at his side when he took his last breath.

The youngest of three children, Randy was born in San Jose, California on August 10, 1946, to Ken and Jerry (Haggerty) Chapman. Due to a traumatic birth, Randy was developmentally disabled. His family relocated to the Chapman Family home on Hood Canal when Randy was only six years old.

In 1955, Randy and nine other children enrolled in Roger's School at Sanderson Field. From that was born Exceptional Foresters, Inc, (EFI) a vocational program to train the young men in commercial production of forest resources. In 1957, Randy was a member of the original six young men enrolled in the forestry training program. He developed lifelong friendships with the other boys and learned valuable social and trade skills.

Randy remained a client of EFI from its inception until his death. He was a beloved client who charmed his way into the hearts of staff over the decades. Randy loved unconditionally and gave the best bear hugs. He will be deeply missed by both his biological and his EFI families.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Ken and Jerry Chapman and his older brother Craig Chapman. He is survived by his sister, Sheridan (Chapman) Holman, of west Richland; his nephews Rick (Mary) Chapman of Shelton, Steve (Monique Van Herksen) of Amsterdam; his nieces, Connie Chapman of Lacey, and Stacey (Spain) Abney of West Richland; six great-nieces and nephews, and six great-great-nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at St. Edward's Catholic Church on Friday, July 28, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a celebration of life in the church hall at noon. Guests are encouraged to wear Seahawks and Mariners' attire to honor Randy's love for them.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to the 'Craig Chapman Fund' at EFI.