Obituary of Bob Capson

It is with profound sadness that the family announces the death of Robert (Bob) William Capson, who died peacefully at home on Thursday, May 23, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born on January 8, 1941, in Saint John. He was the only child of Robert and Mabel (Gibson) Capson.

Bob will be greatly missed by his loving wife and best friend, Janet (Wanamaker) Capson. They were devoted to each other in marriage for 53 years. He will be lovingly remembered and missed daily by his children: Brian Capson of London, ON, Gwen Karatzios (Dino), and Patti Kinsella (Kory), both of Saint John, NB; his beloved grandchildren: Maggie, Gracie, Oliver, Zoe, Nikolas, Lauren and Logan; as well as his many friends and other family members.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his father-in-law, Dr. Frank Wanamaker.

Bob began a career at NBTel/Bruncor Inc. in 1963 that lasted 33 years. He held many management positions that ended with him as Assistant Secretary Treasurer of NBTel, then Assistant Corporate Secretary of Bruncor Inc. when he retired in 1998.

Bob devoted countless hours volunteering to make his community a better place for all to live. His take-charge personality and ability to solve problems made him invaluable to many organizations. He was an active member of the Saint John Y’s Men’s Club for 42 years, where he held many positions, including the Canadian Area President for two years. Bob was a hockey coach who never minded driving around the city to pick up players without drives to the rink. He was chairman of the Referees and Officials for the 1985 Canada Games, sat on the board of the SJ Horticultural Association, and served as chairman of the board of Credit Counselling Services of Atlantic Canada. Closest to Bob’s heart was the Lily Lake Pavilion, where he was a founding member of the committee to have it rebuilt. While there, he helped establish and organize the annual Pond Hockey Tournaments and Soap Box Derbies, raising funds for various children’s programs at Rockwood Park. This year he was named the Derby’s first honourary Race Marshal.

In retirement, Bob travelled extensively with Janet through Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Mexico, the United States, and Canada. One special memory for him was in 2014 when he took his entire family on a wonderful trip to Disney. His passion for skiing, boating, and trailering allowed him to make countless fantastic memories with family and friends. Bob was a jack of all trades who spent much of his time fixing things, and doing favours for his kids, no matter how old they got. His grandchildren loved spending time with their Papa; skiing, swimming, building, boating, having movie nights, and Sunday night dinners. He was always their favourite babysitter.

Special thanks and appreciation go to the wonderful Oncology staff at the Saint John Regional Hospital, especially the care given by Dr. Michael and his nurse, Stacey. A big thank you to the staff of Extra Mural for their daily support, especially Carol Thompson.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424). In keeping with Bob’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral. However, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Lily Lake Pavilion, 55 Lake Drive South, Saint John, NB on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 4 pm, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Bobby’s Hospice, or Lily Lake Pavilion Community Programs. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.BrenansFH.com.