Dr Frank Chapman was not only a much loved gynaecologist and obstetrician over five decades to women in St George and Sutherland Shire, he was also a gifted musician.
A colleague vividly remembers Dr Frank, as he was known, sitting in the labour ward waiting for a delivery and entertaining staff and patients by playing the violin to help pass the time.
Dr Chapman also had a mischievous sense of humour. In 1956, he talked a gate keeper into allowing him and three fellow medical students into the Melbourne Olympics by carrying a sports bag full of ping pong balls and claiming to be members of the French team.
Francis Clement Chapman died on May 12 at 88. A personal notice in the Leader read, "Always remembered for bringing lives, music and joy to the world".
In tributes that have followed, Dr Chapman, who lived at Blakehurst and Sylvania prior to that, was remembered as "a man of overwhelming kindness and generosity", "one of nature's gentleman" and "a truly good bloke".
His careers in medicine and music touched many lives. He was a mentor, adviser and a good friend, greatly loved and respected.
Dr Chapman was said to be"first and foremost a family man" - married to Ann, whom he adored, for 60 years, father to Michael and David, a grandfather and great grandfather.
Dr Jane Hargood, a fellow obstetrician and gynecologist, said, "Frank was not only knowledgeable, he was intuitive. He knew that being a doctor was not just about medicine but it was about understanding and caring.
"He had humanity in spades towards his partners, staff, colleagues and family. There was never a bad word said about Frank and he never had a bad word to say about anyone."
Dr Chapman was born in Taree, educated at Taree High School and The Shore School in Sydney. He was a gifted musician, played the violin and excelled in maths and science. He was in the top 20 in the State in the Leaving Certificate in 1950.
He began studying Medicine at the University of Sydney in 1951 and, after graduation, did his residency at St George Hospital, where he met Ann, a senior nurse.
In 1963, the family sailed to the UK where he undertook further studies in obstetrics and gynaecology. After gaining his MRCOG and working in the UK for 12 months, he returned to Sydney to join Dr Noel Saxby in his practice in Hurstville.
Dr Mark Carlton later joined the practice and so began a most successful partnership which lasted over 40 years.
Dr Chapman joined the staff at St George Hospital and remained there until his retirement in 2004.
Over the years, he delivered thousands of babies and was eventually caring for mothers whom he had helped bring into the world 20-30 years earlier.
As a senior member of staff at St George Hospital, Dr Chapman gave many tutorials. He enjoyed teaching and sharing his vast knowledge of obstetrics with the interns and student midwives. His lectures were legendary, always delivered with his own brand of humour. He was mentor, advisor and friend of many.
When Dr Chapman was asked what he liked about being an O&G specialist, he replied "I was needed. I loved mothers and babies. It was very satisfying."
While working as a doctor, Dr Chapman continued his studies in music, achieving his A.Mus.A. in 1983, the L.Mus.A. in 1988 and his ATCL Performance Diploma in 1986.
Retirement from medicine allowed more time to follow his passion for music. He began playing in orchestras and teaching the violin and theory of music.
His pupils ranged from four to 70 years. Each was special to him and he delighted in their progress and building their confidence.
Dr Chapman became interested in the making of stringed instruments, particularly using Australian timbers.
He began to explore the art of making violins, gaining the distinction of being recognised in the Violin and Bow Makers of Australia publication.
Over time, he made 10 violins, two violas and two cellos. He was working on a third cello when he passed away.
