Bryan John Chapman

Bryan John Chapman had the spirit of a warrior, the heart of an artist and the soul of a romantic. He was witty, with a quirky sense of humor and a ready laugh. Bryan thought deeply about life, love and the paths we travel.

On March 30, 2015, Bryan left this world, his family by his side.

Born January 29, 1965 to John F Chapman and Dayma Chapman, Bryan was a brother to Sheilla Longshore and Teresa Curl. Bryan married Kim Renee Ruckman in 1985, and had a daughter, Catherine, in 1988. In 2009, his grandson, Robert, was born.

Bryan grew up in Lewiston, Idaho. He graduated in 1983 from Lewiston High School and in 1985 from Lewis Clark State College with an AA degree in mechanical and electrical drafting. He lived in the Tri Cities, Walla Walla and most recently, Dayton, where he and his family set up home in 1994.

Family was very important to Bryan. His wife, Kim, was everything to him. His daughter, Catherine and his grandson, Robert, were his pride and joy. He welcomed with love, his son-in-law, Joseph Cripps.

Bryan was an artist. He translated his rich imagination into drawings that brought you into magical places. Willow Twig Studio was where he created his art, which he described as, “fantasy illustration of the wizarding community.” At the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism), he shared his artistic talent by working on scrolls for awards.

Bryan was a writer. He had a blog called, The Willowed Path, were he expounded on art, food, drink, gardening, and as he called it, “the fogey-centered lifestyle.” Bryan was eloquent – a natural writer who was articulate in presenting his point of view.

Martial arts – Eastern and Western – were a big part of his life. He started in high school and continued to have a love for it throughout his life. For Bryan, it wasn’t just the motions, but also the philosophy behind martial arts that mattered.

He had a wide range of other interests. Growing up, Bryan enjoyed camping with family, motorcycle riding and weight lifting. He liked gaming with friends. Bryan was an avid reader; he also loved movies, music, and television.

Bryan’s employment history includes working at several pizza establishments; working at drafting companies, as a mechanical and electrical draftsman; and he was also a technical writer and freelance artist.

In addition to his wife, Kim; daughter, Catherine; grandson, Robert; son-in-law, Joseph; mother, Dayma; and sister, Teresa; Bryan is also survived by his mother-in-law, Joe Ann; sister-in-law, Connie, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial funeral service for Bryan will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder, Walla Walla, Washington, 99362.

Bryan battled cancer for two and a half years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bryan’s name may be made to St. Mary’s (PSMMC) Cancer Center.