Edward Y. Chapin IV ’67

Chattanooga businessman and civic leader Ed (“Chape”) Chapin died Aug. 6, 2011. He was a renaissance man of boundless intellectual interests and achievements. A local newspaper observed, “If the shoes of this community asset are ever filled, it will require a roomful of dedicated public servants.”

At Princeton, he was an electrical engineering major, sales manager at WPRB, and member of Key and Seal. He earned an MBA from Emory.

In addition to serving as president of his family tourism business, Rock City Gardens, Ed was the Chattanooga region’s first Apple computer dealer. He was owner/operator of WLOM-FM and founder or leader of many technological organizations. He led the establishment of Chattanooga’s 911 system, served as president of civic organizations, and received many awards. He worked behind the scenes to support and fund civic programs.

Ed exuded intellectual curiosity. He was an avid sailor, astronomer, private pilot, master gardener, woodworker, and winemaker.

Ed had unbounded love for his family. He was devoted to his wife, Linda Standefer Chapin, for 45 years until her death in 2009. The class sends sympathy to his children, Betsy, Ted, and John; his grandchildren; his father, E.Y. Chapin III ’44; brothers Garnet ’72 and Jim; sister Mary; and his nieces and nephews.