It is with deep sorrow and love that we announce the passing of our beloved brother, Brian Douglas Chapman, affectionately known as “Cowboy” to his friends, on February 16, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona. He was 68 years old.

Brian passed away from a brain aneurysm.

He was born on August 22, 1957, in Palo Alto, California, to Jerry and Juanita Chapman. He was the third of four children and the only son, dearly loved by his sisters.

Brian is survived by his sisters, Gail Chapman and Teri (Steve) Betz; his nieces and nephew, Jessica (Joshua) Packard and their two sons, Samuel and Nathan; Jacqulin (Robert) Carrega; Christina Bennett; and Eric (Ifeoluwa) Malmberg and their three children, Ireoluwa, Ikeoluwa, and Adeoluwa.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his youngest sister, Carol Maheux.

Brian graduated from Granada Hills High School in 1975. In 1978, he joined the United States Army, where he completed leadership courses and management systems workshops. He trained extensively in satellite and microwave operations and scatter radio terminal systems, and he earned an operator’s permit from the Federal Communications Commission. During his service, he was stationed in Donnersberg and Drueznack, West Germany, as well as at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. He was honorably discharged in 1982.

Brian married in 1984, and he and his wife later divorced in 2002.

He was baptized as a nondenominational Christian in August 1999.

After leaving the military, Brian set out to see the country, embracing adventure and independence. Using the technical skills he gained during his service, he worked as a field telecommunications technician with Media One in Los Angeles, an installer with Tucson Cable Vision, and a lineman with Volt Technical Services in Florida. He also spent about a year as a volunteer Deputy Sheriff and several years as a Transportation Security Officer in Helena, Montana.

Brian truly lived life on his own terms. He spent time in Big Bear, California; Port Richey and Stuart, Florida; North Carolina; Missouri; Texas; Arizona; and Helena, Montana. Wherever he went, he made connections and left an impression.

He was a happy-go-lucky soul who never met a stranger. Brian loved hearing people’s stories and was always willing to lend a hand — whether offering a meal, words of encouragement, financial help, or a ride to work or a doctor’s appointment. Helping others was not just something he did; it was who he was. He made it his mission to care for people in every community he called home.

Brian will be remembered for his generous heart, adventurous spirit, and the kindness he extended so freely to others. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Service Information:  A Graveside Service with military honors will be held at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Marana, Arizona, in mid-May 2026. Additional details, including the exact date and time, will be announced to family and friends once finalized.