The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: gunman42782 on February 18, 2008, 07:59:30 PM
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From Michael's blog:
My friend Ray Chapman, one of the fathers of modern pistolcraft, died on 2 February in Austin. Ray was, of course, the founder of teh Chapman Academy in Columbia, MO, which, along with Jeff Cooper's API in Arizona, helped define the use of the handgun. Here's a bit of his obituary: A Patron member of the National Rifle Association, Mr. Chapman served as a Marine during WWII seeing action in the Pacific theater island campaigns and again during the early stages of the Korean Conflict. After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, he worked as a fireman in Oregon while completing his education. Upon receiving a degree in Civil Engineering, Ray moved to California and began a career with State of California Highway Department, and also worked part time as a police officer. It was while he was in California that he became acquainted with the Southwest Pistol League, and began to hone the shooting skills that would culminate in his winning the First World Combat Pistol Championship in 1975 in Zurich.
With the help and urging of his friends, he opened the world-renowned Chapman Academy of Practical Shooting in Columbia Missouri. This training facility became the home of the Bianchi Cup - the most prestigious pistol competition in the world - and is still in operation today. Mr. Chapman retired from the Academy in 1995 and moved to Dripping Springs, just west of Austin. Here he enjoyed visiting with his friends, working in the motion picture industry, and relaxing at his home. All who know him will miss his loyal friendship, his honest, bluff way of expression, his sense of humor and his bright smiling blue eyes. He was a true gentleman, and the best friend a person could hope for. Ray was scary for a newbie...arms crossed and scowling while I asked my stupid questions about grip and stance. But he spent a lot of time with me, patiently taking me through the modern technique, so very long ago now. Thanks, Ray.
We must never forget that all of us stand on the shoulders of giants, and their passings leave holes in the world that are never filled.
Go with God, my friends...
posted by Michael Bane at 5:39 PM on Feb 18, 2008
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I searched the internet tonight,,,, to find that classic picture of Jeff Cooper, Jack Weaver, Thell Reed, and RAy Chapman,, in their prime, I failed... Maybe Michael has a copy.... As WE know,,another GIANT, has left the range.
God Bless.