Dunbar Carpenter

Dunbar Carpenter
1915-2008

Dunbar Carpenter, was born January 17, 1915, in Medford, Ore., and died in Medford, Ore., on April 13, 2008.

He grew up outside of Boston, Mass., graduating from Harvard College, in 1937. He moved to Chicago, Ill., and in 1942, married Jane H. Carpenter, who died in December 2007. During World War II, Dunbar trained pilots and flew Pan American clipper planes for civilian contractors with the military. After the war he moved with his family to Medford to take over operation of a pear orchard and farm that belonged to his great uncle. Dunbar and Jane had three children; Karen C. Allan, Dunbar Scott Carpenter, and Emily Carpenter Mostue; and five grandchildren, Robin Allan, Alison Mostue, David Mostue, Dunbar Nathan Carpenter, and Joseph Carpenter.

Dunbar grew pears and apples, and also raised beef cattle, pigs, chicken and hay. In the 1970s he planted wine grapes, selling grapes to several Oregon vineyards before he and his family began producing Rocky Knoll claret in 2005. He was active in agricultural organizations, including the Oregon Horticultural Society, Medford Pear Shippers, and Oregon Egg Producers. He was also active in the Chamber of Commerce, serving as President. He was one of the founders of KDRV channel 12.

Dunbar was active in arts organizations, including the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Rogue Valley Art Association, Craterian Performances, Oregon State Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts. He was a member of the board of trustees of The Carpenter Foundation from its founding in 1958 until his death, and served as treasurer for most of those years.

Contributions may be made to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Box 158, Ashland, OR 97520, or The Carpenter Foundation, 711 E. Main Street, Medford, OR 97504. No service is planned.