Dallas Benjamin Chapman

Dallas Benjamin Chapman, 80, died after a long and courageous battle with cancer on February 27 in Fort Collins, Colorado. Dallas, the son of Byron Eldon Chapman and Dorothy May (Smith) Chapman, was born in South Bend, Indiana on August 25, 1938. He was a graduate of North Central College in Naperville, Illinois and earned a Master's Degree in Education from Northern Illinois University. Dallas spent his professional life in education, first as a teacher and then as Dean of Admission and Dean of Students at several colleges and universities. And finally, after nearly 25 years with American College Testing Program (ACT), Dallas retired in 1999 as Assistant Vice-President serving the 14 states of the Western Region.

Dallas was a consummate people person. One of his remarkable qualities was that everyone who knew him felt he or she was his best friend. He made people feel important to him because they were. Dallas had a passion for reading and loved to try new things; after he retired he had the time to do just that. He threw pots, made glassware, made beautiful wooden tables, benches and candle holders and was delighted when his kids and grandkids shared some of those passions. Very recently he took up painting. His many beautiful paintings grace his home and the homes of friends and family. Dallas loved traveling, entertaining family and friends, spending time in Colorado's mountains and enjoying the oasis he created in his own back yard.

Dallas is survived by the love of his life, Mary Lou (Hildebrandt) Chapman, four children and step-children, Andrea (Chapman) Johnson, Matthew Chapman, Paula Hildebrandt and John Hildebrandt; three grandchildren, Ryan Johnson, Alex Johnson, and Makenna Dahmer; and a sister, Miriam Chapman. He was preceded in death by his brother, David Alden Chapman, and his parents.

A wake to celebrate this amazing man will be held Sunday, March 3, 2019 from 4 – 7 p.m. at Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524. Memorial gifts may be directed to the UC Health Northern Colorado Foundation for the Cancer Center and Oncology Services or to your charity of choice.