With great sorrow, we say goodbye to our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
Rob was born in Fort William, Ontario where he resided until 1964. The family then moved to Victoria. From then onwards, he would always call the green land and blue sea of the west coast his home. During high school, Rob excelled in academics, rugby and horsemanship. He travelled back to Ontario to the University of Guelph for his BSc and then returned to the University of Victoria for further degrees. Rob was an exceptional, innovative and respected chemistry and biology teacher at Oak Bay, Lansdowne and Victoria High School. His leadership strengths led him to being President of the GVTA and vice-principal at Victoria High School, Spectrum and Central Middle School. He finished his career as the Director of Human Resources, Educational Staffing for SD 61.
Rob was a lover of new technology, and an excellent and creative chef. He was an avid sailor. He built and refurbished his two sailboats, Loon Harbour and Stewball. He raced on his own boats and as crew on friends’ boats in many regattas and Swiftsures. He turned his sights to motorcycles after retirement, riding his BMW 17,000 km across Canada this summer to Newfoundland. In all his activities, Rob taught others the joys of his chosen sports and was always willing to offer help, support, and inspiration.
Sadly, Rob was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late November and died three weeks later. He leaves to mourn and celebrate a life well lived, Cheryl, his wife of forty-three years; Emma (Jacob Galati) and Carly (Kyle Goodwin), his cherished daughters; and Rei Galati, his treasured granddaughter. He will be truly missed by his sister Susan (Glen); brothers Don (Pat) and Richard (Susie) and sister-in-law Karen, and his nieces and nephews. Rob has left behind many valued friends and colleagues.
We wish to thank Dr. Bill Shoichet, Rob’s GP, and the many health care professionals who took such great care of Rob, especially those at the Royal Jubilee Hospital Floors 4N and 8S. Thanks also to our family and friends for their continued love and support.
At Rob’s request, there will be a family celebration at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mustard Seed.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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(Wendy) Kate Fitzgerald
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Jennifer Power I am so sorry to learn of Rob’s (Mr. Chapple’s) passing and offer sincere condolences to Mrs. Chapple and to the family. I had the good fortune to have Mr. Chapple teach me Chemistry 11 at Oak Bay High, and although I never had any particular aptitude for science, he was one of those teachers who demonstrated such a passion for their subject that it was passed on to the student. I hope you are comforted by his strong legacy in education in this province. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this most difficult time.
Sincerely, Jennifer Power
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Richard Bland Cheryl, sorry to hear of Rob’s passing. His life was well-lived and he accomplished a lot. I was pleased to work with both of you. Our thoughts are with you.
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Kevin Neish Rob (Mr. Chapple), was the rugby coach for our Oak Bay High School’s infamous “Guppy’s Raiders” team, when he took us to the provincial championship title in 1974. Over forty years later and I can still remember his wise words and thoughtful leadership. He had a positive impact on me, and so I’m sure there must be thousands more former students and friends like me, who’s lives he improved. I am terribly sorry for his family’s loss, but it’s obvious that his was a life well lived, and I am glad I was able to be a part of it in a small way.
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Jean Bath Cheryl and family, I remember Rob from the many years working with him on the GVTA Executive and his tenure as president. I was very sorry to hear of his passing and wish you all the best in the future.
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Tony and Jill Yonge After show jumping horses Rob played polo with us. He was an excellent rider and was always kind to his horses.
We will never forget his “rumpety bumpety car”.
So sorry to hear of his untimely death.
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Catherine Weir Dear Cheryl and family, I am saddened to hear of Rob’s sudden passing. I wish you strength as you experience your grief and solace as you share it with those that love love you.
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Gail Pohl Our thoughts are with you Cheryl. Rob was a great guy and as Ken said, a good sailing buddy!
Condolences, Ken and Gail Pohl
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Louis de macedo So sorry to hear of Rob’s passing the years he was at OBHS were probably the best years we had, and I will remember him always. Lou de Macedo
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Shari & Larry Yore Dear Cheryl and family, It was with great sadness that we read about Rob’s death today. It was always so nice to have another science teacher around the Wanderers’ clubhouse to talk rugby and teaching on Fridays and after game get togethers. We will be thinking about you and your family during these difficult time–Stay strong. Sincerely, Larry and Shari Yore
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David Morgan Condolences. My thoughts are with you Cheryl and family.
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Marilyn Erickson Such sad news. I had the privilege of working for Rob at Oak Bay High School for twelve years in his Science Department, and it was with great patience and humour he helped teach me everything I now know and continue to love about chemistry! Rob was a dedicated and brilliant teacher, always encouraging his students to go beyond and to team up for extraordinary progress. He also had discovered that fine balance between work and play with his great love for sailing and his family so dear to him. My sincere condolences Cheryl and girls. The world just lost a very good man much too soon.
To Rob’s family,
I worked with Rob at Lansdowne Jr. High for a year and never forgot his kindness, his intelligent mind, and his calm and caring nature. He was a very special man and I learned a great deal of life skills by his example. He had such a wonderful way of working with people that made them feel listened to, accepted unconditionally, and you left his presence a much better person than when you first encountered him. My husband and I also had sailboats so we had many conversations around his love of the water also.
He will leave a huge hole in your lives and I hope that the wonderful memories you all shared together will help heal the grief over time. (Wendy) Kate Fitzgerald