Donald Sidney Chapman was born on 6 December 1946 in Tooting to Ellen and Sidney Chapman and later moved to New Malden around the time of beginning his studies at Tiffin Boys Grammar School. He got a scholarship to go to Cambridge University and studied Biochemistry at Churchill. He would go on to work at the Post Office and several IT companies such as Logica and Boss, mostly as a project manager. His work included time in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. He also went on to do some teaching of IT.

Don got married to his wife Ann in June 1982. He leaves behind a loving family; son James and stepsons Roger and Graham. He was grandfather to his beloved grandson Sean and granddaughters Mollie and Francesca. Don was an avid Charlton Athletic fan. He also enjoyed badminton, table tennis, crosswords and photography, as well as the odd glass of cider.

He held a great passion for lichenology and he held samples from projects undertaken in Antigua and Barbuda. Don delivered workshops on lichens to some of the governmental staff in the Environment and Agricultural Ministries there. He is believed to be the only lichenologist to visit Antigua and Barbuda in such a way and they are considering how to acknowledge his contribution to the plant science and environmental knowledge there. Don maintained a strong affection for Cambridge long after graduating and enjoyed returning to visit with his wife. He will be sorely missed.