It is with great sadness that we announce Dan Carpenter Sr.’s (’36) passing on August 21, 2013. His son, Dan Jr., writes, “Even at 91 years old, his loss was sudden and unexpected. His body simply wore out, but his spirit and love for his family remained steadfast right until the end.”
Dan devoted 34 years of his life to Keewaydin Temagami as a camper, trip staff, and assistant director. Since his time as a camper, from 1936 to 1940, Devil’s Island and Temagami were a main cornerstone in his life. “All the routines of canoe tripping or working in the office at camp or building stone walls or hauling fill in buckets in the red boat at the cottage were very important to him. But in the end it was interacting with all the people that touched him the most. We [ the Carpenter family] know that he was something of a legend, but we especially want you to know that your love and friendship meant the world him as well. And also that one of our very last discussions centered around statements such as, ‘I guess they have closed up the Keewaydin kitchen by now’.”
Dan will be remembered for his extraordinary service and dedication to Keewaydin Temagami. Dan’s wisdom, effort, generosity and spirit helped to mold generations of campers, thus passing on the Keewaydin Way. He surely will not be forgotten.
Predeceased by Jane, his wife of 65 years, and son Bill, Dan is survived by sons Dan Jr. and Peter, daughters Debbie Jerome and Jennifer Reid, daughter-in-law Kris Carpenter, and grandchildren Clare, Jennie, Gates, and Sam Jerome.
Arrangements for the service are yet to be determined. Dan’s obituary provides more information about the arrangements and memorials.
Quay Quay Dan!