Robert David Hepburn

Robert "Bob" Hepburn, 62, died of natural causes at home in Eden, Vermont, on January 27, 2026.

Born July 9, 1963, in Worcester, Massachusetts, Bob moved to Hyde Park, Vermont, in his teens and graduated from Green Mountain Tech Center, the vocational program at Lamoille Union High School. It was there that he discovered his talent for automotive work.

Bob was a gifted mechanic and proud gearhead with a stellar reputation in the field. He was a Certified Master Technician in GM and Jeep/Chrysler, and was sought after at his shop, Hepburn's Auto Clinic. He later worked at auto shops throughout the county.

In 2014, Bob began a new chapter with Stowe's Parks & Recreation Department as a seasonal groundskeeper. The work suited him, and he was later promoted to Parks Foreman.

Bob married Gretchen Burmeister in 1986. They were married for ten years. He was a proud father to their son, Brandon, and shared with him a passion for classic cars and the outdoors. Together, they were diehard Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins, and Celtics fans. Brandon will never forget his dad's dynamite pot roast.

Fishing is where Bob came alive. He fished year-round and took pride in his third-place trophy in a 1996 bass fishing tournament on Lake Memphremagog. In a childhood letter to his parents after a long day fishing on Lake Champlain, Bobby tallied the 75 fish he'd caught that season, describing in detail who caught what, where, and how many. He even noted spending his last $2 on a fishing knife for his brother-in-law. That letter is a rare window into Bob Hepburn-observant, capable, generous, and proud of his skills.

He loved NASCAR and rock 'n' roll-The Doors, KISS, and Aerosmith-all loud, raw, and unfiltered, the opposite of his quiet exterior.

His beloved dogs-Jessie, Nightstarr, Gemma, and Biggie-were constants in his life.

Bob is survived by his son Brandon Hepburn, of Eden, Vt.; stepson, Ethan Lanpher, of Boulder, Colo.; sisters, Nancy (Ken) Kaplan, of Morrisville, Vt. and Dottie (Ivan) Provost, of West Topsham, Vt.; niece and nephews, Bri Johnson, of St. Johnsbury, Vt., Brett (Kelly) Johnson, of Tyngsboro, Mass., David (Katy) Provost, of Fuquay-Varina, N.C., and Grant (Meaghan) Provost of Barre, Vt.; and four great-nieces and nephews, Nekeisha, Ava, Ryan, and Sawyer.

He was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Dorothy Hepburn.

Bob held his thoughts close. Those who knew him will remember his work and the quiet way he moved through the world. He leaves behind family and friends who will miss his presence. We can remember him by connecting with each other.

A public celebration of Bob's life will be held later this year. In memory of Bob, please consider donating to North Country Animal League (NCAL) in Morrisville, or making a gift in his name to benefit students at Green Mountain Technology & Career Center at Lamoille Union High School (Attn: Karen Collier, 738 Rte 15 West, Hyde Park, VT 05655).