Ronald C Carpenter

Ronald Carpenter, longtime resident of Granite Falls and Lake Stevens, WA and great-grandson of Granite Falls homesteaders, Isaac Nathan and Anna (Clark) Carpenter, passed away Sunday, December 29, 2019 in Everett, WA. Ronald Craig Carpenter, son of Lytton and Florence Carpenter, was born on August 12, 1932 in Granite Falls, WA. He attended school in Granite Falls and graduated from Granite Falls High School in 1950. Soon after he served his country in the Air Force in Korea, receiving several medals. He was a vehicle and motorized equipment engine mechanic at Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming and at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas. He was a staff sergeant at Lake Charles, Louisiana following his service in Korea. After 4 years of military service, he worked in the timber industry with his dad Lytton, and his brothers Rodney & Lindall. He also worked for Scott Paper Co (24 years), Pat Sygitowicz (2 years), and James R Fay (9 years.) He began his lifetime work setting chokers and was a timber cutter until he retired in 1994. Ron was baptized and confirmed at Messiah Lutheran Church in Marysville, WA where he and his wife made their first home in 1972. He first met his wife Janice when she was vacationing in the Northwest with her aunt and uncle. They were married at Messiah Lutheran Church in Seattle on June 3, 1972. After living in Marysville for a year and a half, they moved to Lake Stevens in 1973. He enjoyed hunting, trout and steelhead fishing, hiking and climbing many a mountain. He had grown to manhood near the northern Cascades, which he continued to love his entire life. He and his wife, daughter, and son enjoyed hiking and fishing in the mountains and oftentimes with friends. When the grandchildren began growing up, they became hikers as well. There were far and few trails off limits. He was also a carpenter by trade and was skilled at making household furnishings. He built a playhouse for his daughter and son and then rebuilt it for his grandchildren. In retirement, he enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events and socializing with friends. He was a Mariners and Seahawks fan. He was a member of the Granite Falls Historical Society of which his parents were founding members. Ronald is survived by his wife, Janice, whom he was married to for 47 years; daughter Christine (Ben) Pfiester of Lake Stevens, WA; and son Paul (Juniper) Carpenter of Mount Vernon, WA; as well as four grandchildren, Audrey and Amanda Pfiester, Max and Liam Carpenter. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lytton and Florence Carpenter; his brother Rodney Carpenter and his wife, Betty. He is survived by his brother Lindall Carpenter and his wife Myrna; five nieces Sharon (Jim) Szekely, Diane (Greg) Joyce, Marci Carpenter (Raymond), Catherine (Bill) Oehler, Michelle Flores, their families and three cousins. The family extends warm thanks to the Providence Hospital & Hospice teams who cared for Ronald with tender love and mercy. A private family graveside service will be held at the American Legion Cemetery, Granite Falls, WA. A memorial service will be held to remember his life on January 18, 2020 at 2:00 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2521 Lombard Ave, Everett, WA. Remembrances may be made to Granite Falls Historical Society and Museum, PO Box 1414, Granite Falls, WA 98252; to Lutheran Indian Ministries, 15400 W Capital Dr Ste 201, Brookfield, WI 53005; or to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Everett or Lamb of God Lutheran Church, Lake Stevens.