BRIAN J. CHAPLA
FORT FAIRFIELD

Brian Joseph Chapla, 66, passed away suddenly at his home in Fort Fairfield on December 4th, 2022.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Brian spent the first half of his life in the city, on Long Island, and in Northern California, before eventually settling in rural Northern Maine. Having grown up in a densely populated urban area, Brian had always dreamt of a life in the woods. He loved it here and he never wanted to leave.

An avid reader and autodidact, Brian earned undergraduate and master’s degrees from The University of the State of New York and California State University by postal correspondence, several decades before remote-learning became mainstream. After coming to Maine, Brian devoted his career to mental health and social services. Most recently, Brian worked for 27 years at Community Health and Counseling Services (CHCS), a non-profit community-based healthcare organization, where he served for over 25 years as regional manager for the area spanning Lincoln to Fort Kent.

Brian’s coworkers regarded him as a father figure and a moral compass. A remarkably sensitive and generous man, Brian was a strong believer in the Golden Rule—that one of the most important lessons in all the world’s religions is to practice kindness and treat others the way you would like to be treated. Brian always spoke his mind and was always sure to let someone know when they were “doing a wonderful job.”

In addition to his work in social services, Brian was the published author of a novel and several short stories. Among other things, his work addressed the amazing power of kindness, the overwhelming love of all creation, and the oneness of the universe. In his free time, Brian loved camping, working in his garden, and taking naps in the sun.

Aside from the “occasional” off-color joke or political rant, “The Professor” was much the same in private as he was in public. He treated his family with warmth and compassion and never hesitated to tell them how much he loved them, how lucky he felt to have them, or how proud they made him. He was a tremendous source of love and light in all of our lives and he will be dearly missed.

Brian was predeceased by his mother Marilyn, father Robert, and sister Karen. He is survived by his wife Vickie, ex-wife Julie (and husband Dave), stepdaughter Liz (and husband Dirk), son Shawn (and fiancée Emmalee), daughter Hannah (and husband Simon), and two grandchildren Theodore and Eden.

A celebration of Brian’s life and memory will be held in the Spring of 2023. Further details will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Brian’s honor to one of his favorite charities. Brian’s family invites you to think of him and perform an act of kindness as often as you feel compelled.

To learn more about Brian’s favorite charities and/or to sign up for email notifications about his upcoming celebration of life, please visit https://brianjchapla.memorial. Arrangements have been entrusted to Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 144 Main Street, Fort Fairfield. Online condolences may be expressed at www.gibersondorseyfuneralhome.com .