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Photo: Mike, center, holding his Papa #1 jersey

When Ronald Frank Chapman—known affectionately to his family and community as “Papa”—began showing signs of illness in late 2018, he had no idea he was living with kidney disease. By the time he went to the doctor a few months later, his kidney function had already dropped to 14%. What followed were endless hospital visits, dialysis training, dietitian appointments, and the reality of managing a life with new strict regimens. But through it all, Papa remained steadfast—committed to his family and friends, his community, and cheering on his son and grandson at all their hockey and baseball games.

For his family, kidney disease meant more than just adapting—it required sacrifice. His daughter-in-law, Joleen, quit her job to drive Papa from his home in Courtenay to dialysis appointments in Nanaimo during the height of the pandemic, a time when even his grandson, Kaleob, was scared to leave the house for fear of bringing illness home and making his grandfather sick. Amidst the struggle, however, the family bond only grew stronger. In late 2022, Papa passed away from vascular dementia, which can be linked to kidney disease. He was surrounded by family and friends, who together reminisced about the great life he lived.

Baseball, Bandits, and Big Hearts

A huge supporter of his family who had a great love of sport, he never missed a Bandit’s game—their slow-pitch team in the top tier of the Comox Valley Slo-Pitch League. Whether cheering from the stands or offering encouragement to his grandkids, he was a permanent fixture on the sidelines. “Everyone in the community called him Papa,” says his son, Mike. “He was just that kind of guy—loving, supportive, and always present. His encouragement of his family’s baseball passion was matched only by the kindness he showed to everyone around him.”

That enduring presence became the inspiration for the Ice Breaker Slo-Pitch Baseball Tournament, held at Lewis Park, Courtenay in early May of this year. The annual event brings together up to 24 teams, hundreds of spectators, and local businesses for a weekend of fun, remembrance, and giving back. “The Ice Breaker Tournament always supports a cause,” Mike explains. “We knew we wanted to take on the first tournament of the 2025 season in Papa’s name.”

As teams took the field, the slo-pitch community came together not only to play ball, but to honour his legacy and to raise funds for a cause, reflecting the generous spirit he brought to those around him.

Through donations, raffle prizes, tickets, food trucks and sponsors, the 2025 tournament raised funds in support of The Kidney Foundation of Canada, bringing in more than $10,000. The Foundation had been there for the family—offering home dialysis training, travel coverage support, and medication access when they needed it most. Now, the family is paying it forward.

Just before the first pitch, a ceremony was held at the spot where Papa and his family used to sit. His ashes were placed in the ground at the field and, with a blessing from the We Wai Kai First Nation Cape Mudge Band, of which Mike and Kaleob are members, the ground was sanctified in honour of the man who never stopped showing up.

Even in spirit, Papa remains part of the team. Mike wears a jersey with “Papa” on the back, and at the tournament the Bandits won all of their games to clinch first place. “He was never one for attention,” Mike shares, “but for the awareness and to help other families, he’d be proud.”

More Than a Game

The 2025 tournament was about more than just sports; it was a chance to educate, honour, and come together. Posters and pamphlets on kidney disease and organ donation were displayed prominently to raise awareness. The annual event has also honoured others in the community—like Robby Thompson, who survived two heart transplants—emphasizing the importance of registering as an organ donor.

“I don’t think people realize how silent kidney disease can be,” says Mike. “Getting blood work done, recognizing the signs—it’s so important. This tournament opened people’s eyes.”

A Lasting Legacy

For Mike and Joleen, Mike’s mother, and the rest of the family, the loss of Papa after decades of shared memories is still deeply felt. “Some days are still hard,” Mike admits. “Even now, I go to call him during a hockey game and realize I can’t.” But through the laughter on the field, the cheers from the stands, and the quiet acts of generosity from local sponsors and friends, Papa’s spirit continues to shine.

“He’s still here,” says Joleen. “Even when you reach for the phone, you know he’s there.” Whether it's Kaleob finding comfort in friends and sport; Kaleob’s sister who lives on the mainland, but for whom distance can never affect the familial bond; or the community rallying each year at Lewis Park, the love Papa poured into others continues to ripple outward.

As the Bandits and other teams celebrated after the May 2025 tournament, the message remained clear: You don’t have to be on the field to be part of the game.