Gilbert Carpenter

Gilbert Carpenter, age 86, who has lived in New Mexico since 1968, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 4, 2014 in Santa Fe. He was born to Clyde E. Carpenter and Gladys H. Bishop Carpenter in Oak Creek, CO on March 10, 1928. He graduated from Fruitvale High School near Grand Junction, CO, then eagerly entered the Navy in 1946, returned home in 1948 after serving in Hawaii, earned an associate degree from Mesa Junior College and married his sweetheart, Patricia O'Dell. Gil's career as a lumberman for Independent Lumber in Colorado and then the A.C. Houston Lumber Company, included serving as that Company's General Manager for many years. His career took the Carpenters far and wide across the west, with one of his responsibilities being the design, construction, and initial operation of numerous yards. These locations included Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, California and Nevada. Their children speak of living in twenty different homes before their college years! Gil was a loving husband and father and thoroughly enjoyed his family and providing for them. He was a treasure to his grandchildren who enjoyed his attending, along with Patricia, their soccer and volleyball games, swim meets and graduations. He was a superb role model for his children and grandchildren and for the managers he trained in the lumber business. Gil's love of playing college football and basketball developed into many joyful years as a referee of high school and college sports. Gil was an active member of the Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the New Mexico Amigos, the Woodmen of America, the Elks Club and the Lions Club. Gilbert is survived by his spouse of 65 years, Patricia; their children, Kelly Carpenter, Paula Cook (Doug), Maggie Dorris (Lizard), Stephen Carpenter, and Becca Fowler (Mick); as well as grandchildren, Matthew Craft, Caitlin Dupuis (John) and Ellee Grace Cook; sisters and a brother, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde Carpenter and Gladys Wells, stepfather, Billy Wells, and sister, Phyllis Clark. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday, April 14, 2014, 11:00 a.m., at St. Anne Catholic Church, 511 Alicia Street, Santa Fe, NM. Interment will follow at the National Cemetery, 501 N Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM, at 12:45 p.m. Pallbearers are Stephen Carpenter, Doug Cook, Lizard Dorris, Mick Fowler, Matthew Craft and John Dupuis, Jr. Gil will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by his family and friends. FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE 505-823-9400