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November 1999 West Vancouver Historical Society Page 7 MARY CHAPMAN - ONE OF WEST VANCOUVER'S OWN Those of you who live on the North Shore will, no doubt, already be aware that Mary Chapman died on October 12 th, 1999 at the age of 82. Mary, a founding member of the Society, served as the Society archivist for many years, prior to opening of the West Vancouver Archives. Of course many of you will remember her wonderful contributions to History-Onics. Mary also played a crucial role in establishing the West Vancouver Archives. The following paragraphs are written by her friends and colleagues who wish to share their memories of Mary with you all. Past-President, Peter Hall: "When I joined the Historical Society in 1987, Mary Chapman was already one of the small cadre of members who made things happen. She was at every meeting, at every public event, a contributor to History-Onics, and a regular worker in the "work room" then at Pauline Johnson School. Her first love was the Archives. To Mary they were magic - the past come alive in living colour! She headed up a group of volunteers who collected, sorted and catalogued West Van's past under the supervision of a professional, when there was money to hire one, and using what she had learned from the pros when the pot was empty. Such was her dedication to the Archives that one year she convinced the Society's Board of Directors to give the Municipality $1500 so that they could continue to employ their part-time Archivist for another three months. But what I will remember best about Mary was her spirit. Always enthusiastic, always positive, always ready to go the extra mile. She inspired those around her and did so with grace and good humour." Barbara Johnson: I remember Mary( Burns) Chapman as a little girl, 3 years younger than me, at Hollybum School. She was a lively, active person and grew up a lively, interested and interesting adult. As a child she loved the activities in the old Hall at the foot of 17th Street; dancing, roller skating, whatever was on. We did not meet her again until the start of our Historical Association, gathered around a big table at Pauline Johnson School, holding a "Show and Tell" session, from which rich beginnings our Association grew and flourished. Mary was a mainstay in Archival collection during the early years and those who were there can never forget her evening program telling us of West Vancouver's early years. We will always remember Mary with warmth and affection as well as appreciating her years of faithful duty for West Vancouver Historical Society. Mary Chapman with her Heritage Achievement Award, 1998. Photo: Gladys Lee Edith (Allan) Hawirko: I first knew Mary when we attended Hollybum School. Later, at West Vancouver High, we both took the Commercial course. Years later our paths crossed again and we became fast friends, reminiscing about our West Vancouver roots. There was no end to our talking ,and never a dull moment when I was with her. As my son remarked when he got to know her, "Mary is a neat lady." At her suggestion, I joined the West Van. Historical Society, volunteering to work in the Archives. Mary had great enthusiasm for this work, especially the Lawson family. If a question came up about the old days, or the identity of a building or a person in a photograph, she would always know the answer, or find out. She kept her eye on the work we were doing, telling us it must be done RIGHT. When she became ill Mary showed tremendous courage and a strong determination to be independent as long as possible She will never be forgotten ,and I am sure that we in the Archives will always feel her looking over our shoulders to see if we are doing it RIGHT.