On January 2, 2019 Len died peacefully and with dignity, surrounded by loving family and friends, in the home where he built many cherished memories with his beloved late wife, Dallas.
Len was born in New Westminster, B.C. to Edgar and Jess Chapple on February 7, 1922. He began his long and distinguished broadcasting career at CKMO in Vancouver just shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War, during which he served in the Royal Canadian Air Force. His work as an Executive Producer with the CBC and other networks took him to the Olympic Games in Mexico City, Munich, Montreal, and Calgary; the first World Masters Games in Toronto; and the Goodwill Games in Seattle. In 1978, he led the CBC as host broadcaster for the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton.
After making their home in Victoria in 1990, Len and Dallas enjoyed a philanthropic and active life of service to their community, culminating in Len’s recent legacy donations to the Victoria Symphony and Saanich Peninsula Hospital. Living in Victoria allowed Len to continue to work on his golf game, travel the world with Dallas and spend many happy winter holidays in Hawaii with their wonderful circle of friends.
Len was predeceased by his cherished wife Dallas in December 2017, brother Norman and sister Josephine. He is survived by his children Norman (Sharon) Chapple, Vernon, B.C., Lindsey (Mel) Russell, Langley, B.C., Nancy Chapple Smokler, Beeton, Ontario, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces and cousins in Canada and abroad.
As Len’s physical health deteriorated over the past year, his family would like to thank the many kind and constant friends and caregivers who made the past twelve months so much better for him – in particular, special thanks to Joan Firkins, Mike and Debbie Cridge, Dr. Ambrose Marsh, and Vaclav Trumpes and his many other caregivers from Bayshore Home Health.
At Len’s request, there will be no funeral service. A private interment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Len’s memory would be welcome to the Victoria Symphony Foundation (victoriasymphony.ca) or the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation (sphf.ca).
Aftercare arrangements provided by McCall Gardens Funeral and Cremation Service – Royal Oak.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Alan Hollingworth
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Mark Alan Perry Len and Dallas were an amazing couple. Dallas quickly sold our house in Oak Bay back when the market was challenging and later we spent an enjoyable evening with them at their beautiful town house overlooking Brentwood Bay. And of course Len was legendary at the CBC! RIP you two.
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Anne Russell Nancy and family, you were my first neighbour and my first friend, back in Coquitlam back in the day, and remain my dear friend more than 50 years later. I have fond memories of both your parents, and of course you, in that magical little house in the rainforest. Deepest condolences on the loss of your gregarious dad, Len.
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Jim Nicholl I was sorry to hear of Len’s passing. He was a real gentleman in the TV broadcast industry. I had the privilege of working with Len for TV New Zealand’s origination of the 1994 Victoria Commonwealth Games from CHEK-TV. It was a great success and in life, so was Len. He will be missed.
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Eleanor Richmond Dear Nancy & Family:
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your Father and Grandfather. May he rest in peace in the Garden of Eden and may you never know any more sorrow.
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Nancy Egunza It was an honour taking care of an amazing man full of spirit, love and a sense of humor. He impacted so many lessons to me, understood me and we worked very well as a team. Thanks to Debbie, Mike and Joan for being always present to support me and other caregivers in taking care of an honourable man. You are truly going to be missed. Rest easy my dear friend. My thoughts are with your family.
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McLaughlan Len will be sadly missed by his mates in Australia. Our condolences to the family. We will always remember his dry wit and knowledge.
Dallas and Len will always be remembered as a wonderful couple and beautiful human beings.
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Norma and Walter Sorry to hear the news of your dad Norm. Always a difficult time.
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Libby McCready Nancy, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your father was a great love of life. I remember that brunch like it was yesterday! That’s a beautiful picture you’ve chosen of him and Dallas. My heart is with you and the boys.
Although I had worked with Dallas on the Symphony board, I did not have the pleasure of meeting Len until late September of 2018. On that occasion, I joined other Symphony representatives for a celebration of the magnificent donation to the VS from Dallas and Len. He was in good form and I really enjoyed meeting him, chatting and thanking him. Obviously, he enjoyed a long, productive and active life.
Len and Dallas have left a lasting legacy to others that will live on for many years to come. All of Victoria can be grateful for their contributions.