Us Mob Cherbourg radio host Harold Big Chance Chapman farewelled

Moving scenes and emotional tributes have taken place in the Burnett where a large crowd of friends and family gathered to farewell the man affectionately known as ‘Big Chance’.

Friends and family gathered in Cherbourg on Friday to say goodbye and celebrate the life of Uncle Harold James Chapman at the Cherbourg Community Hall.

Friends and family gathered in Cherbourg on Friday to say goodbye and celebrate the life of Uncle Harold James Chapman at the Cherbourg Community Hall.

Harold “Big Chance” Chapman was a popular radio announcer with Us Mob Cherbourg radio, and was known affectionately as Bally, a “remarkable caring man” who loved to laugh and had a “beautiful smile”.

Mr Chapman died unexpectedly on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at the age of 62.

One of his cousins fought back tears as she told her personal stories about Uncle Harold and the heartbreaking moment she found out the sad news.

“I was over in Western Australia when I got the news ... it was so hard,” she said.

Uncle Harold James Chapman died unexpectedly age 62.

Uncle Harold's casket was placed in the middle of the hall with a large bouquet of flowers on top.

The emotional crowd sat on both sides of the hall as friends and family spoke of their fond memories and the full life of Uncle Harold.

He was born in on June 16, 1961 at Cherbourg hospital, and grew up in the community with his parents and two sisters.

Memories were shared of him when he was a child running around with the other children, playing in creeks and fishing.

He left Cherbourg briefly when he was 13, to work with his dad in North Queensland, but returned after a few months.

In the 1970s, he met “the love of his life” - Doreen Rose Chapman. The two went on to have three sons, Desmond, Michael and Brandon. Uncle Harold also became a father figure to others in the community.

He held many different jobs over his life, including working on the railway, as a painter, a policeman, a school bus driver, a volunteer firefighter;; then had his final job at the Cherbourg radio station. He was also a keen musician.

Tragically, his wife Doreen died in 2019.

Uncle Harold James Chapman died unexpectedly age 62. Friends and family gathered in Cherbourg on Friday to say goodbye and celebrate his life at the Cherbourg Community Hall.

During the ceremony the crowd stood to sing the hymn What a friend we have in Jesus, a reflection of Uncle Harold's deep faith which was mentioned throughout the service.

One speaker described how he was always happy when she would see him.

“He would bring happiness and joy … we have all been enriched knowing this man,” she said.

Uncle Harold is survived by his three sons, his grandchildren and great grandchildren.