Robert Alan Merrihew Obituary – The Burlington Free Press

Robert Alan Merrihew

Richmond – Robert Alan Merrihew died on May 11, 2022 in Richmond, Vermont. He was born on March 18, 1946 and raised in South Hero, Vermont. Bob would often say that when he was 18 he would do anything to get off the island. However, when he was ready to retire he would do anything to get back on the island, and he did, spending many happy years in both South Hero and Grand Isle after raising his family in Colchester, where they lived in an amazing neighborhood.

In 1969, Bob married Cathie Penrose. They enjoyed many adventures through the years. They were privileged to take many cruises and their favorite trip was to Italy to celebrate their 25th anniversary.

Bob proudly served his country during the Vietnam War as a member of the Vermont National Guard 131st Engineers. He served in the Vermont National Guard for a total of 27 years. He was a proud member of Grand Isle VFW post 10854. He was a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Colchester for many years, serving in many different capacities.

Bob was a renaissance man. He was a welder and worked for Vermont Structural Steel for years and when the plant closed he went back to school and earned his degree at New England Culinary Institute. He spent happy years catering occasions and working in the Burlington restaurant industry. He particularly enjoyed his time working at Chef’s Corner in Williston. When Bob semi-retired he decided to become Chef Bob to the children of Folsom school in South Hero, where he once attended.

Bob was an avid baseball fan, and he would clearly tell you that while he enjoyed watching the Red Sox games, his first love of baseball came from listening to the Brooklyn Dodgers on the radio. Baseball was never the same once the Dodgers left Brooklyn.

Bob would tell you that his happiest times were when he was surrounded by family.

He leaves his wife Cathie after 52 years of marriage. He also leaves two daughters and their families, Liza Rixon and her husband, Luke and Katie Campbell and her husband Mike. His three grandsons have been his pride and joy. Papa would light up for Zachary Lovejoy, Andrew Lovejoy & Charlie Rixon. He always wanted to know what they were up to and kept up with all of their events. Bob also leaves his siblings, Gerry Merrihew and his wife Jane of Enterprise, Alabama, Brenda Jewell and her husband Tom of Orlando, Florida and Scott Merrihew and his wife, Barbara of Vero Beach, Florida. He also leaves many beloved nieces and nephews. Bob also had the gift of many special friendships spanning a lifetime.

Bob and his family would like to express our gratitude for the love and care shown by so many including, the team at the Burlington VA clinic, Dr. Paul Reiss, Rachael Parker and the exceptional care team at Sterling House of Richmond, Kandi Poulin and Gloria Lewis of Bayada.

A Celebration of life will be held at St. Andrew’s in Colchester on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 11:00 am with military honors to follow. In lieu of flowers please send donations to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church General Fund, 1063 Prim Road, Colchester, VT. 05446.

Arrangements are in care of Corbin and Palmer Funeral Home, 9 Pleasant Street, Essex Junction, VT.

Posted online on May 12, 2022

Published in Burlington Free Press

Service Information

Service

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church General Fund, 1063 Prim Road, Colchester, VT. 05446

May 21, 2022 at 11:00 AM

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