Obituaries (06/02/08)

Posted on June 2, 2008 |

Rev. Robert Wright Capen

FORESTDALE — Rev. Robert Wright Capen, 82, died Monday, May 26, 2008, at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington. He was born in Proctor on July 22, 1925, the son of Charles and Julia (Wheeler) Capen.

He received his education in Brandon schools. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Marine Corps. Following his honorable discharge in 1945, he returned to Brandon.

On September 22, 1945, he married Esther Mabel Osgood in the Forestdale Wesleyan Church.

In his earlier years he worked as a chef in several area restaurants and inns. He later relocated to Ticonderoga, N.Y., and worked with the Wilcox and Regan Funeral Home for several years.

It was during this time that he changed his career and became a minister; for many years he served as the pastor of the Chittenden Wesleyan Church.

He drove the “Champagne Special” in Long Lake, N.Y. He and his late wife were instrumental in forming Community Christmas as well as other helpful organizations. He enjoyed playing Santa Claus at various organized Christmas parties for children.

He was a member of Brandon American Legion Post 55. Following his retirement he was know as “Grandpa Bob” while working as a greeter at K-Mart in Rutland, as well as the coffee shop at Rutland Regional Medical Center. He had also worked as a Foster Grandparent at Neshobe Elementary School.

He was a member of the Forestdale Wesleyan Church, where he served as a deacon and layman. He also served on the board of trustees.

He is survived by his wife, Laurie Kay Capen of Forestdale, whom he married July 21, 2000; a son, John Capen of Brandon; three daughters, Laurie Beth Lesprence of Rutland, Aimee Capen of Moriah, N.H., and Donna Capen of West Proctor; two brothers, Erwin Capen of Schenectady, N.Y., and Richard Capen of Mechanicsville, N.Y.; two sisters, Roseline Capen of Malta, N.Y., and Linda Handbridge of South Burlington; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his first wife on Nov. 24, 1998; a son, Robert Capen; a sister, Eva Gemmell; and two brothers, Charlton Capen and Maurice Baird.

The funeral service was held on Friday, May 30, at the Forestdale Wesleyan Church. The Rev. John McDonald, pastor, officiated. The graveside committal service and burial, with military honors, followed in Forestdale Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be made to The Robert Capen, Memorial Fund, c/o Miller & Ketcham, 26 Franklin St. Brandon, VT 05733.

Gertrude J. Visser

ADDISON/WHITINSVILLE, Mass. — Gertrude J. Visser, 91, died on Tuesday, May 27, at home with her loved ones by her side. She was born April 28, 1917, in Whitinsville, Mass., the daughter of the late Ray and Jennie Jorritsma.

For the last 18 years she spent summers in Vermont and winters in Nevada. Even with limited mobility she enjoyed being with her family and friends and liked to sit on the deck to watch the birds and flowers. She was a member of the Champlain Valley Christian Reformed Church in Vergennes.

She is survived by her two sons, William Visser of Boulder City, Nev., and Ray and his wife, Swanee, of Addison; two brothers, Ray Jorritsma of Whitinsville, Mass., and Martin and his wife Wilma of Northbridge, Mass.; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Stuart Visser; her brother Jake; and her sister Eva.

Funeral services were held Saturday, May 31, at the Champlain Valley Christian Reformed Church in Vergennes. Pastor Tom Albaugh officiated. Burial was on Monday in Whitinsville, Mass.

Memorial donations may be made to Addison County Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753, or to Champlain Valley Christian School, Capital Campaign Fund, P.O. Box 138, Vergennes, VT. 05491.

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