Whitchurch-Stouffville
November 28, 2008 11:51 AM
Visitation Friday night for John Chaput
Sandra Bolan, Staff Writer
More than 100 relatives and friends, some from as far as New Brunswick, gathered on the basketball court in Stouffville Memorial Park Wednesday night to pay tribute to John Chaput, who died suddenly last weekend.
“We’re just trying to be together and be there for each other because we know that’s what he would want,” friend Courtney Jacobs said.
They held candles and remembered him as family member, star athlete and good friend.
Ms Jacobs met Mr. Chaput six years ago when she was in Grade 9 at Stouffville District Secondary School and Mr. Chaput was in Grade 11.
“He was so friendly and I was so petrified of the Grade 11s, but he would talk to me,” she said.
Not only will Mr. Chaput be fondly remembered for being an outgoing and kind man, he will also forever be known as a key member of the school’s 2004 senior boys’ championship volleyball team.
“He was an outstanding teammate and player,” Jim Fletcher, who coached Mr. Chaput for three years, said. “(He was) one of the best hitters I’ve ever coached.
“When I run my camps, I show the video of John making (a great) hit (during the 2004 championship game against Newmarket’s Huron Heights) to the kids. I’m constantly talking about him and remembering him.”
Visitation is taking place Friday, Nov. 28, from 5 to 9 p.m. at O’Neill Funeral Home on Main Street.
A private service will be held.