Don Alan Carpenter

It is a rare gift when you find your soul mate and love of your life who shares in the partnership of life. I found all of these rare gems with my husband of over 40 years, Don Alan Carpenter, and for this gift, I feel blessed. I was honored to be his wife and partner. I will miss him until I take my last breath. He loved our family of humans and dogs with great depth. If you met Don you knew he was a caring soul with a big heart.

Don Alan Carpenter was a renaissance man. He was a great problem solver and creative critical thinker when it came to anything to do with engineering issues. If there was a project, he would tackle it effortlessly. He could do anything from working on IT issues, designing complex Wi-Fi systems for large organizations, building a workshop or a house, designing an electrical system.  You name it and he could do it. He loved nature and had respect for environmental issues. Being a gentle soul, he had a great love of animals. Don has been involved in animal causes and rescues whether it be through hands-on help building fences for chained dogs, volunteering in

animal shelters, serving on boards, or supporting through donations. Don also supported organizations that promoted social justice, freedom of speech, and democracy such as the ACLU. He was wickedly smart thriving in environments that promoted forward thinking and innovation.  Don worked in the IT engineering field until his retirement several years ago, but continued to do consulting work in the field. He could figure out anything technical, which is why he was often called “the professor” for his vast knowledge.

Don was born in Pontiac, Michigan to Allister and Dorothy LaLone Carpenter. He spent the later part of his life in North Carolina living his Southern roots. He declared that his soul was that of a Southern gentleman by the grace of God. Don enjoyed fishing and boating, the beach place at Surf City, camping, gardening, cooking, hanging out with his family, reading, learning new skills, music, and concerts. He became an avid fan of NC State Wolfpack football because as he said, “he married into it”.

Don leaves to cherish his memory and their lives together his soul mate and wife Dr. Pam Page Carpenter and his dogs Eli Shark, Zelda, and Mr. Prescott. His shared daughter Heather Bagley, and her husband Chris and granddaughters Miranda and Morgan. He leaves behind many family and friends. I am thankful for the great care he provided for my Dad, uncle, and Mom the last several years.

A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to one of Don’s favorite rescues: Charlotte Cocker Rescue, PO Box 1050 Kannapolis, NC 28081.

Fly high and farewell until we meet again my love, Don. You were an example of a life well lived leaving your impact behind on the Earth and those left behind.

“The purpose of life is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference you have lived and lived well.” Ralph Waldo Emerson