1932
Harry
2017
Harry Carpenter
October 5, 1932 — May 31, 2017
Harry A. Carpenter
When someone met Harry and asked how he was, he always replied with an enthusiastic, "INCREDIBLE!" This one word answer sums up a life well lived.
Harry died on Wednesday, May 31 after a courageous 18-month fight with cancer.
He was born on October 5, 1932 in Sterling, Colorado. However, he lived most of his early life in Madras, Oregon, with his parents, sister and twin brothers. Harry often told stories of the challenging circumstances they all faced as they worked a large farm, went to school, worked to support the family and tried not to knock the house down when the brothers started roughhousing.
A 1954 graduate and life-long supporter of Oregon State University, Harry worked on the west coast of America for almost 20 years as he became well known in the livestock industry, managing sales for several companies including the California Livestock Marketing Association. His sharp eye and even sharper negotiating skills were in high demand and helped him rise quickly through the ranks.
In 1978, Harry took on a special project with Texas A&M University to support USAID (Aid to International Development) and moved to Tanzania. There, he helped develop the infrastructure for the country's effort to grow its livestock industry.
Harry returned to the U.S. in 1980 and began work as a management consultant, traveling frequently in Europe and the U.S. which brought him to northeast Ohio where he met his future wife, Dawn (Thompson) whom he married in 1982.
He relocated to Kent, Ohio, and continued to work and volunteer in a variety of local companies and service organizations. He was a member of the Suffield United Church of Christ and a past president of the Kent Kiwanis. Harry loved gardening, read books constantly and loved his family. His deep laugh as he told stories was easily recognized at any gathering - and will be missed by all.
Harry is preceded in death by his parents Florian "Slim" & Margaret Carpenter; sister Virginia (George) Jansen, son-in-law Tom Boatman and in-laws Roy & Slyvia Thompson.
He is survived by his wife Dawn, brothers Garry (Kathy) of WA & Larry (Sue) of OR; sons Michael Carpenter, CA; Mark (Cindy) Carpenter, UT; Frank Carpenter, UT; daughters Linda Boatman, AZ; Donna Stephenson, AZ; devoted and loved daughters (by marriage) Jaime (Scott) Baughman, OH; Allyson Westover, OH; 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren with four more due this year.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Suffield UCC and/or Summa At-Home Hospice, P.O. Box 2090 Akron, OH 44309. The family deeply appreciates the support and care provided by Summa At-Home Hospice.
Cremation and a private burial service have taken place.
A celebration of Harry's life will take place at the Suffield UCC on Monday, June 12. Calling hours at 2 p.m. and service at 3 p.m.
When someone met Harry and asked how he was, he always replied with an enthusiastic, "INCREDIBLE!" This one word answer sums up a life well lived.
Harry died on Wednesday, May 31 after a courageous 18-month fight with cancer.
He was born on October 5, 1932 in Sterling, Colorado. However, he lived most of his early life in Madras, Oregon, with his parents, sister and twin brothers. Harry often told stories of the challenging circumstances they all faced as they worked a large farm, went to school, worked to support the family and tried not to knock the house down when the brothers started roughhousing.
A 1954 graduate and life-long supporter of Oregon State University, Harry worked on the west coast of America for almost 20 years as he became well known in the livestock industry, managing sales for several companies including the California Livestock Marketing Association. His sharp eye and even sharper negotiating skills were in high demand and helped him rise quickly through the ranks.
In 1978, Harry took on a special project with Texas A&M University to support USAID (Aid to International Development) and moved to Tanzania. There, he helped develop the infrastructure for the country's effort to grow its livestock industry.
Harry returned to the U.S. in 1980 and began work as a management consultant, traveling frequently in Europe and the U.S. which brought him to northeast Ohio where he met his future wife, Dawn (Thompson) whom he married in 1982.
He relocated to Kent, Ohio, and continued to work and volunteer in a variety of local companies and service organizations. He was a member of the Suffield United Church of Christ and a past president of the Kent Kiwanis. Harry loved gardening, read books constantly and loved his family. His deep laugh as he told stories was easily recognized at any gathering - and will be missed by all.
Harry is preceded in death by his parents Florian "Slim" & Margaret Carpenter; sister Virginia (George) Jansen, son-in-law Tom Boatman and in-laws Roy & Slyvia Thompson.
He is survived by his wife Dawn, brothers Garry (Kathy) of WA & Larry (Sue) of OR; sons Michael Carpenter, CA; Mark (Cindy) Carpenter, UT; Frank Carpenter, UT; daughters Linda Boatman, AZ; Donna Stephenson, AZ; devoted and loved daughters (by marriage) Jaime (Scott) Baughman, OH; Allyson Westover, OH; 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren with four more due this year.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Suffield UCC and/or Summa At-Home Hospice, P.O. Box 2090 Akron, OH 44309. The family deeply appreciates the support and care provided by Summa At-Home Hospice.
Cremation and a private burial service have taken place.
A celebration of Harry's life will take place at the Suffield UCC on Monday, June 12. Calling hours at 2 p.m. and service at 3 p.m.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Harry Carpenter, please visit our flower store.
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