Edward Lee Carpenter

I first met Ed in 1980 when my wife and I started attending the church where Ed and his family were. We became good friends over the next few years. I was working as a carpenter (he used to say that I was a real carpenter, and he was in name only) and Ed had his fence business. I often helped him when he needed an extra hand.
In 1984 I was complaining about working for someone else and wishing I could have my own business and Ed encouraged me to take the leap into self employment. He also loaned me $500 to help me get started. He also lent me a hand when I had jobs that were too big for one person alone. That's the kind of friend he was.
A man only has a few really good friends in life and Ed was one of the best friends I have ever had. We haven't been in touch in many years, and I was saddened to learn of his death.
My deepest condolences to the family.