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Mason Carpenter Obituary

MIDDLETON-Mason Andrew Carpenter passed into the hands of God on Thursday evening, Sept. 22, 2011, at his home with his family by his side after a yearlong battle with head and neck cancer. Mason lived his last year with strength and determination, keeping his positive attitude and fierce fighting spirit to the end. His enduring kindness, caring and generous character will be forever missed. In addition to his beloved Lisa, Zachary and Wesley, all of Middleton, Mason is survived by his parents, Edward and Marjorie, and Lisa's parents, Leon Jr. and Shirley Harris, all of Bakersfield, Calif.; his brother, Elliot (Debbie); sister, Claudia (Max); sister-in-law, Sally (Bret); and brother-in-law, Leon III (Mary). He will be dearly missed by them and their families, including nieces, nephews and cousins. Mason also leaves behind a vast network of friends, students and colleagues throughout the U.S. and abroad. The family is deeply grateful to all the medical professionals who cared for Mason with expertise and compassion. Lisa and the boys will remain forever grateful to all the colleagues and friends from so many corners of their lives that supported the family during the past year. Your friendship is appreciated more than words can express. A Celebration of Mason's Life will be held at ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 6101 University Avenue, Madison, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011, with the Rev. Harold Zimmick presiding. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011, and also at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Wednesday. Those wishing to express their sympathy with a memorial contribution may wish to consider a fund that has been established for the children, the Carpenter Family Fund at M&I Bank (Middleton Branch), 7447 University Avenue, Middleton, WI 53562. Donations may also be made to Camp Kesem UW Madison, Student Activity Center, 333 East Campus Mall, Mailbox #104, Madison, WI 53715. Camp Kesem sponsors summer camp for children who have parents with cancer. Mason, the world is a better place for having had you in it; you touched so many people's lives in a positive way. You will be dearly missed. You may express online condolences www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Avenue (608) 831-6761

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Sep. 24 to Sep. 25, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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Norma Aguirre

September 28, 2011

Dear family
Since graduated, I always remember Mason as a wonderful boy, kind, happy and a good friend.
He is now in heaven. May he rest on peace.
From El Salvador
Norma Aguirre de Francia

September 27, 2011

Dear Carpenter Family,
It brings us much sadness to hear of Mason's passing...it is very hard to believe. Although I did not keep in touch with Mason on a regular basis, I thought of him just last week and was very proud to think he was a professor at Madison, Wisconsin. It's wonderful to hear that he was not only an excellent scholar and professor, but was a man who valued his wife and family deeply. I went to high school with Mason, attended a trip to DC with him and we dated briefly at Humboldt State. He was always a good man and a gentlemen.

I'm glad I knew him, he and your family will be in my prayers.

Christina Zoffman Slater, Tucson, AZ

Jo Ann Merica

September 27, 2011

Dear Lisa,
I am so sorry to learn of Mason's early death while you two were in the prime of your lives. You were a wonderful couple and I know that this loss leaves an enormous hole in your heart. I offer my condolences and my sincere wish that your grief is assuaged by memories of the good times that you shared and of the good man that he was. Blessings, Jo Ann

Bikash Pattnaik

September 27, 2011

Dear Lisa Zachary and Wesley, We just read about Mason and remembered you all. We have some fond memories of Mason helping kids with UW-Marble design competition. May the Almighty give you all the strength at this hour. Although nothing can erase this loss we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Do let us know if we can help anyway. Pattnaiks (Akshita, Akash, Nibedita and Bikash)

Roland Garcia

September 26, 2011

Lisa, I was shocked to just now learn of Mason's passing. Tracy informed some of us TYLAers about this. I so fondly remember you and Mason, you all were the best. Mason was always so supportive of the great work you did for us in Texas. Hang in there Lisa, and please know many of us in Texas are thinking of you and praying for you and the family. If I can help in any way, please let me know. With love, Roland Garcia

September 25, 2011

Dear Carpenter Family ~
I just heard about about Mason and so very sorry you have been going through such a difficult season. I knew him in 7th & 8th grade. He had long curly blonde hair. He was sort of quiet but smiled "all" the time. He spoke through his photos. He took pictures for the B.I.S. Yearbook. I wish I still had my copy to send you. He saw things in a different way than most kids our age. He captured many great moments. I remember him and smile with fond memories. Hope your grief will soon turn to smiles as you think of this great friend from my childhood.
Praying for comfort for all~
Debbie (Burton) Davila

TJ and Lynda Patterson

September 24, 2011

Lisa, Zachary and Wesley:

Our hearts and hands go out to you. Your dad's legacy will live on through you wonderful boys and he will be with you forever in spirit and love.

We are here for you!

With love and prayers,
TJ, Lynda, Charlotte, Jayne, Henry and James Patterson

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