Woodstock, Vermont

Fred Beebee, age 52, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus at Mountain View Center in Rutland, Vt. On April 28. He was the son of William and Ruth Beebee.

Born with Down Syndrome, Fred accomplished many things beyond expectation. He began his preschool education at the Vermont Association for Crippled Children in Rutland, Vt.. Afterward, in the early 70's he attended the newly established Woodstock Learning Clinic, which accepted children with varied developmental disabilities. Through the dedication and love of the instructors and the volunteers from the high school and community, Fred learned to speak, read and write and more.

Eventually, Fred was mainstreamed into the Woodstock Elementary School, and then was transferred to the Diversified Occupations program at the Hartford High School from which he graduated in 1989, giving him much pride.

Fred was employed as a bagger at the Woodstock Grand Union for a few years and then as a dishwasher at the Woodstock Inn for 19 years before retiring.

Fred's hobbies included included swimming, bowling, drawing, playing the harmonica, making potholders, and latch-hooking. He had been active in Special Olympics, church AWANA club, in Cub Scouts, and for a short time in the Boy Scouts. He was an active participant at Zack's Place, and an avid Red Sox fan.

Fred was active in the Congregational Church, becoming a Sunday School teacher's assistant for many years, and was a self-appointed candle snuffer and punch-pourer at coffee hour.

Fred, in his own special way, brought his family, his church, and his community closer together. He loved people, and they loved him back.

Fred is predeceased by his parents, William and Ruth Beebee, and leaves behind his siblings: Rhonda Bruce and husband Dan, Mary Ellen Schwartz, Myron Beebee, Lenora Beebee, Doreen Streeter-Sherman and husband David, and also nieces and nephews, a great niece and great nephews and all of his beloved friends at Zack's Place.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Zack's Place, 73 Central St., Woodstock Vt., 05091

A celebration of Fred's life will be held on Fri. May 17, at 3:30 p.m., with Rev. Doug Warren officiating at the First Congregational Church of Woodstock.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock, VT an on line guest book can be found at cabotfh.com