Cape Hospital’s long-time chaplain retires
On Jan. 31, the Rev. Thomas Brenner retired after 20 years of serving as the chaplain at Cape Coral Hospital.
In 1990 he applied for the position at the Cape Coral Hospital because it was the “best job available.”
Brenner who is originally from Minnesota, moved to Cape Coral from Indiana two decades ago to accept the job in January 1991.
Brenner said his fondest memories during his time at the hospital were “basically caring for patients and their families and staff.”
“It’s a job that I loved and I leave it with some mixed feelings,” he said. “I always loved the job as chaplain of the Cape Coral Hospital. I will miss my colleagues and my friends there.”
At the age of 75, he said it is time to wind down and take some time off. Brenner said he will primarily visit with his family before looking for some part-time or volunteer work in the near future.
“I am 75 years old and I thought it was time to take some time off and relax a little bit and do something different,” Brenner said.
During his 20 years at the hospital, he served on the Ethics Committee where he was the chairman for the last six years, along with the Lee County Clergy Badge Hospital Council as the chairman for the past 15 years.
“I served on a number of hospital committees and task forces over the years… always additional activities besides visiting patients and families,” he said.
As a Board Certified Chaplain, Brenner put in 1,600 hours of special training, 800 hours of education and clinical training.
He is also an ordained minister at United Church of Christ.
A farewell reception was held for Brenner on Jan. 26 for hospital staff and local clergy.