Obituary for Robert Merrill “Bob” Hogaboom
Fairfax – Robert Merrill “Bob” Hogaboom, 88, passed away at his home in Fairfax, on Friday, June 24, 2022. He was born to the late Frank and Marion (Dean) Hogaboom, on June 14, 1934, in Richford, VT. He married the love of his life Shirley (Elwood) on February 13, 1960, in St. Albans, Vermont.
Dad grew up on a farm in Richford VT and had several jobs before moving to Colchester, VT. In his earlier years, he was a volunteer member of the Malletts Bay Fire Department. For many years, he was a bus driver for Vermont Transit Lines/Greyhound Lines, as well as operated dump trucks for Whitcomb Trucking Co. and Barrett Trucking Co. After retiring from professional driving, he moved to Florida for several years with his wife Shirley and Mother-in-law Gladys Elwood. He then returned to Enosburg VT, where he went to work as a mail carrier for the Enosburg Post Office. Upon his second retirement, he and Shirley moved to his last residence in Fairfax.
He is a life member of the Mason’s Seneca Lodge in Milton VT, as well as the Order of the Eastern Star Chittenden Chapter. While in the Mason’s, dad also went on to be a member of the Scottish Rites. Dad was proud and honored to belong to the brotherhood of the Masons and was a very active member.
Dad was known for his kind heart, gentle ways and a big smile that would light up the room. Everyone who met dad said there was something about him and he held a special place in their hearts. Dad made and left many caring friends at his current residence. The kindness they showed for dad is forever etched in our hearts.
Dad had many happy times and special people in his life. He enjoyed going to the hunting camp in Pennsylvania with his grandsons, brother-in-law and son-in-law. He carried fond memories in his heart for his lifelong friend, James (Irish) McGill. Irish was a constant friend for more than 45 years and they shared many adventures together. His son-in law and partner in crime Fabian Parent, with whom he shared a special bond. And, his friend Edward Campbell, who he met when he began driving bus and has known for close to 40 years.
Dad loved to collect tie clips and has over 200 hundred in his collection, as well as collecting model cars. He loved all animals, especially the dogs in his life. He was predeceased by his special companion pup Tasha. He loved to watch wildlife from birds to chipmunks and squirrels from his rocker near the window in his apartment. He loved old westerns, country music, going out for breakfast and dancing, and oh could dad dance. But most of all he loved spending time with his family.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 62 years , Shirley Hogaboom, his children Lisa Campbell and husband Brian of Colchester, Deborah Eldwood-Lanoue and husband Skip of Orange City, Fl; Bryan Hogaboom and wife Margit of Adams, New York; grandchildren, Dean, Celeste, Chris, Chad, Le-Ann, Melanie and Scott. Many great and great-great grandchildren along with nieces, nephews and cousins. Bob was also predeceased by his son Robert Hogaboom; daughter Bonnie Mathieu, grandson Freddy Mathieu, granddaughter Rita Mathieu and his brothers Horace, Dick, Norman, Gary and Larry.
The family would like to thank Bayada Hospice in Colchester for the kindness, care and support for dad during the past year. A special thank you to his nurse Jessica Jennings who cared for dad over the last few months and was there in his and our time of need. To his aide Bridget Stanhope who always brought a ray of sunshine whenever you where there. Words cannot begin to express how we feel. And, to the volunteers of Meals on Wheels who lent dad a helping hand when he needed it.
Visiting hours will be on Tuesday July 5, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at noon at A W Rich Funeral Home – Fairfax Chapel. Burial will follow in the family lot in North Fairfield Cemetery, Fairfield. Memorial contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to Franklin County Humane Society, 30 Sunset Meadows, St. Albans, VT 05478. Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.
Dad grew up on a farm in Richford VT and had several jobs before moving to Colchester, VT. In his earlier years, he was a volunteer member of the Malletts Bay Fire Department. For many years, he was a bus driver for Vermont Transit Lines/Greyhound Lines, as well as operated dump trucks for Whitcomb Trucking Co. and Barrett Trucking Co. After retiring from professional driving, he moved to Florida for several years with his wife Shirley and Mother-in-law Gladys Elwood. He then returned to Enosburg VT, where he went to work as a mail carrier for the Enosburg Post Office. Upon his second retirement, he and Shirley moved to his last residence in Fairfax.
He is a life member of the Mason’s Seneca Lodge in Milton VT, as well as the Order of the Eastern Star Chittenden Chapter. While in the Mason’s, dad also went on to be a member of the Scottish Rites. Dad was proud and honored to belong to the brotherhood of the Masons and was a very active member.
Dad was known for his kind heart, gentle ways and a big smile that would light up the room. Everyone who met dad said there was something about him and he held a special place in their hearts. Dad made and left many caring friends at his current residence. The kindness they showed for dad is forever etched in our hearts.
Dad had many happy times and special people in his life. He enjoyed going to the hunting camp in Pennsylvania with his grandsons, brother-in-law and son-in-law. He carried fond memories in his heart for his lifelong friend, James (Irish) McGill. Irish was a constant friend for more than 45 years and they shared many adventures together. His son-in law and partner in crime Fabian Parent, with whom he shared a special bond. And, his friend Edward Campbell, who he met when he began driving bus and has known for close to 40 years.
Dad loved to collect tie clips and has over 200 hundred in his collection, as well as collecting model cars. He loved all animals, especially the dogs in his life. He was predeceased by his special companion pup Tasha. He loved to watch wildlife from birds to chipmunks and squirrels from his rocker near the window in his apartment. He loved old westerns, country music, going out for breakfast and dancing, and oh could dad dance. But most of all he loved spending time with his family.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 62 years , Shirley Hogaboom, his children Lisa Campbell and husband Brian of Colchester, Deborah Eldwood-Lanoue and husband Skip of Orange City, Fl; Bryan Hogaboom and wife Margit of Adams, New York; grandchildren, Dean, Celeste, Chris, Chad, Le-Ann, Melanie and Scott. Many great and great-great grandchildren along with nieces, nephews and cousins. Bob was also predeceased by his son Robert Hogaboom; daughter Bonnie Mathieu, grandson Freddy Mathieu, granddaughter Rita Mathieu and his brothers Horace, Dick, Norman, Gary and Larry.
The family would like to thank Bayada Hospice in Colchester for the kindness, care and support for dad during the past year. A special thank you to his nurse Jessica Jennings who cared for dad over the last few months and was there in his and our time of need. To his aide Bridget Stanhope who always brought a ray of sunshine whenever you where there. Words cannot begin to express how we feel. And, to the volunteers of Meals on Wheels who lent dad a helping hand when he needed it.
Visiting hours will be on Tuesday July 5, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at noon at A W Rich Funeral Home – Fairfax Chapel. Burial will follow in the family lot in North Fairfield Cemetery, Fairfield. Memorial contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to Franklin County Humane Society, 30 Sunset Meadows, St. Albans, VT 05478. Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.