Winston Gwathmey Chapman

Wednesday, May 8, 2024, Winston Gwathmey Chapman, 65, left this world while cross-country skiing above the tree line in Breckenridge, Colorado. 

The third son of the Honorable Robert Foster Chapman and Wince (Mary Winston Gwathmey Chapman), Winston was born November 11, 1958, in Spartanburg, SC where he grew up surrounded by a large family and many friends. Baptized into the First Presbyterian Church, he attended Spartanburg Day School. After his father was appointed United States District Judge, Winston moved with his family to Camden,
SC and later graduated from The Bolles School in Jacksonville, FL and the College of Charleston where he played competitive tennis. After graduation, Winston participated in the National Outdoor Leadership Program held on the Wind River Range of Wyoming where he met the love
of his life Anne Murray of Canberra, Australia. Anne and Winston were soon married in his parents Camden, SC garden on Fair Street.

Anne returned to Perth, Australia to work for The Outward Bound School, and Winston followed her once he received an Australian visa with assistance from Senator Strom Thurmond. For eighteen years they lived in the “Land Down Under” where they began their family with the birth of twins, Kate and Ian and followed by brothers Cameron and Daniel. In 2000, the family returned to Camden where they lived briefly before moving to Breckenridge where the children excelled in the Summit County School System.

Winston is survived by his wife Anne of 42 years and their children and grandchildren: Kate and husband Tim Zander (Logan & Rowan); Ian and wife Sarah (Win, Jubilee, & Tillie); Cameron and wife Allison (Bennett & Olive); Daniel and wife Emily (Jack). Also surviving Winston are brothers Edward Bates Chapman (Jeanette) of Camden, Foster Chapman (Ruth) of Spartanburg, and beloved Uncle Ned and Aunt Kitty Gwathmey of Vail Colorado plus numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends from around the world.

Winston was a prolific writer of contemplative, lengthy letters best read while sitting down. Always upbeat and enthusiastic, he composed his treasured epistles in a stream-of-consciousness style straight from the heart. Also an accomplished photographer, Winston aptly chronicled his
lifelong love of travel, outdoor adventure, and living on the edge in the wilderness. As an active member of his community, Winston was a lifelong Christian gentleman, outdoorsman, environmentalist, and professional builder who practiced a faith of loving others. Skiing fresh-fallen snow, Winston’s sanctuary was beneath the open blue sky, and with his infectious smile, dynamic personality, and strength of character, he encouraged others to be kind, charitable, and to love one another.

Our beloved Winston is gone but will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.

A celebration of Winston’s life will be held at Dillon Community Church, Breckenridge, Colorado June 1, 2024, at 4:00 pm. After the service, the family encourages guests to share “Winston” stories. Memorials can be made to Summit County Youth, PO Box 604, Breckenridge, Co 80424.

The family also plans a Celebration of Winston’s life at a luncheon at The Country Club of Spartanburg on June 14, 2024, at noon.