Bill Chapman, an active and valuable member of LWVBAE for many years, passed away in early April. Please see memorial details at the end.

Bill was a Board member for several terms, serving as Treasurer, and he often carried his camera (wearing a “Hemingway” fishing vest to carry film and other photographic items). Bill helped negotiate favorable conditions for our rental lease when we moved to our current office.

“Quiet and witty, wonderfully competent and full of valuable ideas,” former president Sherry Smith said. “It was always good to have Bill around.”

Another former Board member, Angharad Jones, remembered him as “A gem.  Gentle, kind, funny and such a good listener and advisor.  He was the best.”

Gail Schickele said, “It was always a pleasure to be in his company and to have him on the team.  I still have the photo he took of me at an annual League meeting in Berkeley, as my Google ID.  His memory is indeed a blessing.”

And Adena Ishii, the Mayor of Berkeley, had this remembrance:  “I am devastated by this loss.  Bill was a dear friend and mentor.  He championed the League’s work at Berkeley Community College and is the reason I got connected to LWVBAE.  We got to know each other at the weekly BCC Civic Engagement Club meetings.  He attended to connect the club to League opportunities, and he also shared advice on our events.  Bill nominated me for the Spirit of the League Award, supported my run for LWVBAE President, and encouraged me when I was considering running for Mayor.  I will miss him.”

Bill stepped back from active League participation when he wanted to devote his time to writing a book about critical thinking, targeted towards a high school audience.  Bill was a credentialed social studies teacher, workshop leader and instructional materials developer. His website Classroomtools.com provided lesson ideas and teaching tips. He was a leading contributor to a national social studies chat on Twitter/X.

On May 4 at 2pm there will be a memorial service on Zoom for Bill Chapman. ATTEND HERE