Thomas Kelly Chapman

It is with incredible sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kelly Chapman, aged 59, on August 26, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta, after a short but extremely courageous battle with cancer.

Kelly was born on July 10, 1966, in Kindersley, Saskatchewan. He was the son of Tom Chapman and Darlene Chapman. Many of his growing-up years were spent in Brandon, Manitoba, where he graduated from Vincent Massey High School. Kelly worked for Gelco Express before continuing with Purolator Courier.

Kelly and his wife, Donna, moved their family to Alberta in 1993 and made their home in Airdrie, Alberta, from 1998 to the present day. Kelly was part-owner of ServiceMaster Commercial Calgary South for 10 years before taking a position at Wajax Equipment for the last 22 years.

Kelly dedicated many years of service to 1st Airdrie Scouts, as a cub leader, Akela, and various other positions within the organization. With the help of many great leaders, he put on a great program year after year and so many young people were able to benefit from it. He enjoyed watching the youth grow and always hoped that he had a positive impact on their lives.

Kelly and Donna spent many summers camping with friends and, in the last few years, taking road trips to California. Kelly loved Disneyland and Pismo Beach in particular, and they made so many happy memories on those road trips.

Kelly’s first love was his family. He was so proud of his kids, and he adored his three grandkids. He loved watching them all grow and was so looking forward to Cristianna’s graduation in June.

Kelly loved puttering around the house, fixing things, and he was always happy to take things apart and put them back together. Renovations were always a thing in the Chapman home, and every room in the house shows off his skills. His grandkids proudly gave him a mug that said “If Papa Can’t Fix It No One Can”. He loved working on cars and tending to his yard.

Kelly’s second love was his job at Wajax. He loved going to work every day and was proud to provide his customers with exceptional customer service. He valued his coworkers and will be missed.

His third love was his truck. (One might argue it was his first.) It was most always clean, dust-free, and always had to be parked in the driveway. It lovingly got a coat of wax every spring. While he had many vehicles in his lifetime, his current Dodge Ram was his favorite, and he babied it like no other.

Although his illness was brief, he fought so hard to stay. He lived his last six weeks surrounded by his family, who loved him beyond measure. He never lost his sense of humor and left us with so many funny memories that we as a family will cherish forever.

Kelly was a strong man who lived his life with values and a moral compass. He worked hard to instill those values into his children, just as he watched Kara instill those same values and morals into his grandchildren. He was always willing to give a helping hand to those in need, and he lived with no regrets.

Kelly is lovingly remembered and will be forever missed by his devoted wife, Donna; his daughter, Kara (Wendell); his son, Alex; and grandkids Madison, Cristianna, and Jaxon; along with extended family and lifelong friends.

A private Graveside Service has already taken place.

A Celebration of Kelly’s Life will be held at the Woodside Seniors Club, 411 Woodside Drive NW, Airdrie on October 4th, 2025, from 1pm-4pm. All are welcome to attend this come-and-go celebration as we commemorate a life well lived and cut short far too soon. Everyone is welcome to share memories that the family will cherish.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, www.cancer.ca, in Kelly's name.