Gary Capen:
CLASS OF 1966
Natick High SchoolClass of 1966
Natick, MA
University of MaineClass of 1981
Orono, ME
Bangor Theological SeminaryClass of 1979
Bangor, ME
Gary's Story
Life
Dian and I sold our home in Sanford, NC, and now live in a 40' Fifth Wheel RV. We are currently in Missouri for Thanksgiving with Katy and her family. Our 5 children and 7 grand children are doing well. We should add however that in 1990-91 we had an exchange student from Ecuador (while we were in Boothbay Harbor, ME) and she has really become a 6th child of ours along with her two sons. So in some ways we say we have 6 children and 9 grand children.
This summer we traveled to Ecuador to spend a month with Anita and her two sons Felipe and Mateo. What a wonderful time that was and what a country she lives in. We traveled from the Amazon Jungle (all be it the start of the jungle) to the Galapagos Islands. At one point we were also at 16,538' slightly below the summit of Chimborazo - one of the volcanos that formed Ecuador. On a serious note we may at some point spend winters in Ecuador - after all who can pass up gasoline for $1.18 and diesel for $1.03!!!
Previously we shared that our daughter-in-law Sharon (married to our oldest son) suffered from breast, liver and bone cancer. She passed away last year which was a great loss to us for she was truly more a daughter than daughter-in-law. Our 5 or 6 children otherwise are doing well. Of course like every family it has its ills - surgeries - illnesses but that is so true for everyone whom we know and care for.
When we leave Missouri we are heading to Arizona for the winter and then (hopefully) for the next year and a half to two years we will spend our time seeing the western portion of our country and all its beauty. We are "Happy Campers" and looking forward to this chapter of our life.
Just an update, we are in Apache Junction, AZ and will be in the same spot till March 13th - if anyone is in the area give us a holler and lets see if we can get together. We are enjoying the warmer weather with no humidity and the beautiful scenery of the southwest.
We left Apache Junction and we are making our way back toward Indiana, then on to Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, the Dakota's, Nebraska, Colorado, and back to AJ for next winter. This country of ours is amazingly beautiful and we are often asked which state has been our favorite so far. Our response is that we really don't have a favorite but rather they are all our favorites as each state has its own uniqueness which endears us in different ways. Whether it's exploring the "Bridges of Madison County" Iowa and remembering the movie or at John Wayne's birthplace. Or exploring the area around Hannibal, MO and the stories of Mark Twain. Or the Amish com...Expand for more
munities of PA, OH, IN. Or Amarillo, TX and the beef industry there as well as the history of the old west. In Oklahoma City the memorial established for the victims of the Murrah Federal Building and the buildings which surrounded it which is very moving and yet very beautiful in the way they have preserved the memories of so many innocent people which included 21 children both born and unborn. Then in Arizona this winter seeing the Grand Canyon, Old Tucson, Montezuma's Castle, Chapel of the Holy Cross set amidst the Red Rocks of Sedona and unique formations. So much to explore and see and the journey continues - God willing - to be continued . . . .
Workplace
Graduating from Bangor Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity in 1981, I served the United Methodist Church in Maine for 20 years (prior to 1981 I served as a student pastor), and then I was moved to my last appointment at First United Methodist Church for 5 years. In 1999, I went on Disability and remain 100% disabled at the present time. We, my wife and I, live in North Carolina in a home which we purchased in 1991 for our retirement but unfortunately had to use for our "Disability Retirement." I continue to stay active in our local United Methodist Church and share in many outside activities such as singing in the Raleigh, NC chapter a part of the Barbershopers program. I also, along with my wife, sing in our church choir.
I continue to enjoy my other hobbies, such as photography and Graphic Art Design as well as using it in coordination with Web Design for local churches.
Military
I joined the US Army in March of 1967. I served in Vietnam from 1 Feb 1968 to 27 Jan 1969. During that time I was a part of the 7th of the 1st Air Cav - Blackhawks/Garry Owen.
I spent the last year of service at Ft. Benning, GA and rather than serve as a munitions expert/EOD I chose to volunteer (after auditioning) for the Ft. Benning Infantry Chorus.
After leaving the military, I became a United Methodist Minister many years later. I returned to Vietnam in Jan of 1997 to see what type of mission work we might do. Much to my surprise what I thought I had dealt with for nearly 30years suddenly came crashing back on me in Nightmares and Flash Backs.
To date I am on 100% disability for PTSD/Agent Orange and other physical ailments.
Little do we know how the "Vietnam Conflict" affects us till we are suddenly confronted with the memories which had remained hidden for years.
I do however still consider my experience something which has guided me and in each experience. I have begun to find meaning to the rest of my life.
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