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.
