Tributes paid to Diss businessman Ken Chapman who died age 89

Tributes have been paid to a much-loved Diss businessman and community figure after his death aged 89.

Ken Chapman was best known as chairman of the Rotary Club, his involvement with Diss Methodist Church, his role as director of Chapman & Co and for fund-raising for defibrillators in the town.

Mr Chapman died on July 8 after a battle with cancer.

Mr Chapman is survived by wife Kath, sons Trevor and Paul, five granddaughters and four great-grandchildren.

Trevor said: “He will be greatly missed by friends and family. It has been quite an emotional time.

“He worked as an electrical contractor for 50 years, including 30 at the head of his own companies and employed half a dozen electricians.

“He was also an avid pilot, enthusiastic about light aviation, but also loved golf and skiing.

“He worked with many farmers and business owners in the area and was highly regarded in both the Rotary Club and Methodist Church communities.”

Mr Chapman joined Diss Rotary Club in 1987 and served as president from 1994 to 1995. He helped organise Proms in the Park and the Christmas Tree on the Mere.

At its last meeting, the club held a minute of silence in his memory.

Earlier this year, he was nominated for ‘honoured citizen’ of Diss.

At Diss Methodist Church, he served as treasurer for six years and was involved in the building’s refurbishment in 2023.

Mr Chapman’s funeral is at Diss Methodist Church next Friday at 2pm.