Dennis Chapin

Dennis was born in Grants Pass on October 9, 1948, and spent most of his childhood in Grants Pass. His father, Roy, was a Command Sergeant Major in the Army, so some of his childhood was spent in army camps such as Fort Lewis and Fort Erwin and even Germany. His mother, Jeanne, loved Grants Pass, and wanted her two sons raised here. He graduated from Grants Pass High School in 1967 and was drafted into the United States Army right out of High School to spend the next ten years as an Army soldier with three tours in Vietnam and one in Korea. He was awarded three Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Bronze Star and numerous other honors while serving his country. He reached the Staff Sergeant rank of E6 before leaving the Army. He married Daylena Thomsen in 1973 and raised a daughter, Chelsea Chapin here in Grants Pass. He graduated from Rogue Community College with an AS in Automotive and a Certified Welders certificate. During his working career, he worked for Pape’ Bros. and Hyster and spent the last several years as a full time Diesel Technology Instructor and Department Head at Rogue Community College. He retired in 2007 when he became ill. He was a member of the American Legion and the Vietnam Veterans of America. He loved fishing and spending lots of time with friends and family. He was also an avid football fan and loved watching the Rams or any other team play. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Daylena; his daughter Chelsea who resides in Medford with her husband Patrick Hagan; a brother Mike who lives in Wyoming and several cousins, nieces and nephews here and in Portland. There are no services planned at this time but he will eventually be buried at Eagle Point Veterans Memorial Cemetery.