John Rae Chapman

John Rae Chapman was born September 12, 1926 to Clarence A. and Ellen (Johnson) Chapman in Kenmare, N.D. John Rae Chapman, 87, or Canby, Oregon passed away Thursday, April 3, 2014 of pneumonia with other complications. Rae recieved wonderful care at Country Side Living in Canby where he also recieved hospice care. He went to elementary school in North Dakota. He attended Franklin High School (Portland, OR for 3 years and graduated from Gresham High School in 1944. In 1947 Rae's parents, Clarence and Ellen Chapman purchased Chapman's Dairy Farm in Oregon City. Rae's occupations included dairyman, lumber mill worker, cab driver, bus driver, truck driver, machinist, mechanic, dog catcher and disc jockey. His favorite profession was as a musician. His first paid music gig was in Kenmare, ND in 1932 at age 6 with a local band - The Kenmare Nigh Hawks - which included his uncles and a local farmer, Lawrence Welk. Other musicians he played with include T. Texas Tyler, Hank Thompson, Little Jimmy Dickens, Tom Tall, Buddy Allen, Rose Maddox, and Willie Nelson. He started his own Country Western band, The Tune Twisters, in 1958. Rae enjoyed hunting and tinkering on cars and was considered a good diagnostician, able to make many stubborn machines run. He had a special gift for working with animals; the most stubborn would readily come up to him. As a youngster, a local vet would often take him on calls when met with particularly stubborn/wary animals. The animals would calm right down at the touch of his hand and sound of his voice. At least once, an animal was known to save his life. Over the years Rae belonged to the Musicians Union, Big Western Club, Fraternal Order of Eagles and the American Legion. Rae is survived by his wife Nanette; sons Charley of Gresham; David (Dee) of Milton, WA; Michael (Fran) of Inman, South Carolina; daughter Jeri Rae (Carl) Miller of Milwaukie; 11 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren, and his loving dog; Squeaky. He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Ellen Chapman; and sons Barry and Kevin. There was a Memorial Service for John held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Woodburn, Oregon Monday, April 14, 2014 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Thelma's Place (a nonprofit resource center serving senior and families affected by memory loss) 352 NW 2nd Ave, Canby, OR 97013. Arrangements entrusted to Canby Funeral Chapel. www.canbymolallafuneralchapels.com