Tribute to Dr Francis Clement Chapman

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-110867

Hansard session: Fifty-Seventh Parliament, First Session (57-1)

Tribute to Dr Francis Clement Chapman

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (17:58):

:06 It is with a heavy heart I inform the House of the passing of a local legend in our community, Dr Francis Clement Chapman. Dr Chapman, or Dr Frank as he was endearingly known, passed away on Tuesday 12 May at around 4.00 a.m. He was 88 years of age. They were certainly 88 years packed with joy, passion and achievement. Frank was born in Taree. He attended Taree High School and The Shore School in Sydney. He was a gifted musician who played the violin. He excelled in maths and science. Upon leaving school in 1950, he placed in the top 20 in the State. He began studying medicine in 1951 at the University of Sydney and resided at Wesley College.

After graduation, Frank completed his residency at St George hospital, which is where he met his future wife, Ann. Frank remained at St George hospital for 50 years, working in his chosen fields of obstetrics and gynaecology. Dr Chapman delivered thousands of babies over the years, often for multiple generations of the same family. He was grateful to be in a position to deliver babies to the mothers he had delivered 20 to 30 years earlier. In this sense, Dr Frank had a special and unique relationship with the local community. For many locals he was the first person they met; he was their first interaction with the world. During Frank's eulogy, his son, Dave, reflected on the number of times he heard, "Oh, yes, Dr Chapman. He delivered me, my kids, my sister and my brother."

I can only imagine how rewarding this must have been for Frank. His passion for his work was evident: He saw it as a vocation, never as a job. Fittingly, Dave Chapman shared that even when he was organising Frank's thanksgiving service, he would answer the phone and hear, "Dr Frank? I'm so sorry! He delivered me", or, "He delivered my kids." Dave also shared that Dr Frank never lacked formal recognition. His academic excellence and professional proficiency gained him entry as a fellow of several royal colleges of medicine. There is no doubt that it takes a gifted man to excel as Frank did. But beyond that, it takes a great man to leave such an impression on so many people. Those who know Frank do not refer to him just as a wonderful doctor, but also as a wonderful man. In Dave's words, "Kind, considerate, thoughtful and compassionate, Frank really did bring joy into the world and we who loved him most know it will be a lesser place for his passing."

Violin and Bow Makers of Australia

Part of Frank's popularity was his range of interests outside of his profession. Frank had a strong passion for music. He was a fabulous violin player and in later years he was a violin maker and a violin teacher. His students gave him reviews that were just as good as those his patients gave him. Dave shared that his music even catalysed his relationship with Ann when he asked her to accompany him on piano at a social gathering where he was playing the violin. One of his colleagues vividly remembers Dr Frank sitting in the labour ward one day waiting for a delivery, entertaining staff and patients by playing the violin to help pass the time. Like all things Frank did, he did it well, later gaining the distinction of being recognised in the publication. Over time, he made 10 violins and two cellos. He was working on a third cello when he passed away.

One of my last interactions with Frank was when I met with him and Ann at St Mark's Anglican Church, South Hurstville. I remember Frank being typically positive, chirpy and upbeat. What also struck me, as it always did, was Frank's and Ann's beautiful marriage. Frank put his obligations as a father and husband above all else, which is something I strive to replicate in my life. There is no doubt that our community will be poorer for the loss of Dr Francis Clement Chapman. His life brought so many other lives into the world and left a lasting impact on our community. Above all, he will be remembered as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, colleague and friend.