Daniel Brian Capen's Obituary
Daniel Brian Capen was born May 28, 1959 in Newfane, New York to Albert T. Capen Jr. and Valerie (Carmer) Capen. But he grew up in Grand Island, New York with his parents and older brother Michael T. Capen. He was always outdoors growing up. Whether that be on the water or in the woods. Daniel would swim or boat in the Niagara River with friends and family. He built forts in the woods with his childhood friends. He also built diving platforms with friends and family in the river. Dan could also be found hunting and fishing with his family and friends. He loved racing motorcycles for fun. Dan attended and graduated from Grand Island High School in 1977. His future wife also attended the same school but they didn’t really meet until later. He ended up marrying the love of his life Edith Capen (Widdicombe). After their marriage Dan and Edie had their daughter, Bonnie. Dan learned skills that he would further put to use years later while being a teaching instructor at American Self Defense karate school and working as a bouncer in Buffalo, New York. He combined these skills with others he would learn at the police academy to serve as a police officer. That is the reason he moved his family and himself to Florida in 1982. Daniel attended and graduated from the police academy. He followed this by becoming an officer of the Clearwater Police Department. After serving with them he went on to serve as a reserve officer for the Treasure Island Police Department. After leaving policing behind Dan went on to work as security and as a private investigator. Following his time working as a private investigator he spent many years as a stay at home dad to his daughter. He once again found solace in the great outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, four wheeling, shooting at both indoors and outdoors ranges, and various other activities. Dan also enjoyed passing on his know-how and experience of these activities to family, friends, neighbors, and even complete strangers. He especially enjoyed night fishing. Particularly during the extreme heat of oppressive Florida summers. Daniel’s favorite target to fight and catch was the often hard to beat snook. This is why he had many pictures hung on the wall of fame in the Baithouse at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach due to their size. Recognition of the accomplishment he achieved. Dan also was an accomplished hunter. Especially when he took down one well remembered giant wild boar. Daniel was quite handy when it came to household or automotive repairs. Generally insisting on doing it himself. Quite the accomplishment if you’ve ever tried to do these things in the hellish summer heat in Florida. Dan later enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren as he got older. He loved passing on what he had learned in life to them. He also enjoyed showing them
his love. He was very proud of Theresa, Logan and Dylan and their successes in life. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Daniel passed away surrounded by love and attended to by family, especially his wife of 44 years Edith Capen at Morton Plant Hospital. He would not want everyone to grieve for him. He would instead want you to remember him by making memories outdoors. Especially doing the activities that he had once so loved.
Daniel was preceded in death by both of his parents Albert T Capen Jr. and Valerie (Carmer) Capen. As well as his brother Michael T. Capen in May. He was also preceded by Brother in Law Tom Brisendine, and sister in law Kyoung-Hui Widdicombe. He is survived by his wife Edith Capen (Widdicombe). His daughter Bonnie Capen. Grandchildren Logan Heffernan, Theresa Capen, and Dylan Heffernan. Brother in Laws Charles R. (Kyoung-Hui) Widdicombe Jr., and Richard (Mary Lee) Widdicombe. Sisters in Law Ann (Michael) Capen, Trudy (Tom) Brisendine, Helen (Dennis) Newkirk, Ginny (John) Ballard and Janet (Randall) McPhee. In addition to numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, grand nieces, grand nephews, etc.
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