SALUTE TO ‘ CHAPPY’
FAMILY and friends say Graham Chapman, who died in a tragic crash on Friday, was the “safest” motorcyclist who was meticulous about protective gear. Mr Chapman, 49, known to loved ones as “Grassy” and “Chappy”, was thrown from his Ducati motorbike on Friday morning while riding along Beach Rd in Ayr. Friend Derek Smith said Mr Chapman’s death sent shockwaves through his wide circle of friends and family. “He was larger than life. He had a hundred best friends,” Mr Smith said. “He was the safest man you could know on a motorbike. “He wasn’t a hothead.” Mr Chapman worked at Cape River meatworks before taking a job as an operator at Queensland Nickel. When the refinery shut suddenly in 2015, he helped out struggling colleagues with food drops and providing emotional support. “There were a lot of people he knew who were in a bad way,” Mr Smith said. “One fella, he was really upset, he didn’t know what to do. ( Graham) was b basically counselling him.” Mr Chapman moved from Townsville to Alva Beach last year to start a j job on an algae farm. Ex- partner Michelle Cahill said Mr Chapman had b been a model father to their sons, Aaron, 28, and Kevin, 24. “He did everything with them. If they needed anything, he was there for them,” she said.
Ms Cahill said Mr Chapman loved fishing and having a beer with his mates.
“There was not a bad bone in his body. He would do anything for anyone,” she said.
“If his mates would call, they needed a hand, he’d be off helping them.”
Father Noel Chapman said he was devastated to say goodbye to his son.
“He’s been very likeable ever since he was young. He played a bit of sport, was mad about motorbikes and pig catching,” he said.
Goddaughter Christine Taylor described Mr Chapman as honest and caring.
“He treated people like they were his family, not just friends,” Ms Taylor said.
“He treated me like I was one of his own – took me to Oztag, took me to the drive- in theatres.”
Family and friends were planning to throw a party for Mr Chapman’s 50th birthday, which falls on February 25.
They plan to go ahead with the party to celebrate his life.
The Forensic Crash Unit is continuing to investigate.
A man, 22, was flown from Mount Isa to Brisbane in a serious condition after a crash at Fourth Ave on Saturday. An ambulance spokeswoman said the man came off his motorbike at 8.30pm and suffered head and pelvic injuries.