Ernest R. Carpenter

Springfield, NH-Ernest R. Carpenter, 71, of George Hill Road, died Monday, January 12, 2009 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. He was born on Nov. 12, 1937 the son of Earle and Ruby (Collins) Carpenter. Ernie was a native and lifelong resident of Springfield. He worked for the State of NH Department of Transportation for over 30 years first as a heavy equipment operator and retired in 1997 as foreman. He worked for Star Lake Farm in Springfield from 1997 until Christmas of 2008. Ernie loved to work on his farm and was happiest being at home. He took a great deal of pride in his animals. Most recently, he was busy with his cows and loved his rescue dog, Sugar, and cat, Meanu. He was predeceased by his wife, Helen (Partridge) Carpenter, in 1995, his son, Robert, in 1974; and two siblings, Earle Carpenter, Jr. and Evelyn Pearson. He is survived by three daughters and husbands, Martha and Howard Eaton of South Newbury, NH, Kathy and Bob Bergeron of Tampa, FL, and Debbie and Dan Keyser of South Sutton, NH; a son and daughter-in-law, Lawrence "Butch" and Tonya Carpenter of Lebanon, NH; 12 grandchildren, Sarah, Amy and her husband, Jamie, Howard Jr. and his wife, Kate, Benjamin, Jennifer and her husband, Brandon, Jillian, Delia, Robert, Ashley, Megan, Steven, and Jacob; two great grandsons, Michael and Brandon; three sisters, Eleanor Farr of Etna, NH, Frances Palmer of Castville, NY, and Ella Pickering of Blackstone, MA; nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends may call at the Chadwick Funeral Home, 235 Main Street, New London, NH on Friday, January 16, 2009 from 2-4 P.M. and 7-9 P.M. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. in Pleasant View Cemetery, Springfield, NH. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Upper Valley Humane Society, 300 Old Route 10, Enfield, NH 03748 or I Care-Pet Adoption Agency, P.O. Box 1062, Melbourne, AR 72556 www.ICARE-ark.com