David Duncan Carpenter, 78, died Friday, February 23, 2024 at 3:30AM. His partner of many years, Ginger Alonzo, was with him. He was born in Los Angeles, CA, on January 12, 1946 to Joseph Sylvester Carpenter and Mary Duncan Whitlow. He grew up in and Around San Francisco. He graduated from high school early and after determining he was not yet ready for the social scene at college, he enlisted in the Air Force with parental permission at age 17. He served for four years in France during the beginning of the Vietnam War where he worked on top secret radar/radio equipment. Upon his honorable discharge, he attended college focusing on math and computers. He graduated with a BS from East Texas State University in 1972. He was elected to Alpha Chi National Honor Society in 1972, a top national honor society who recognizes exceptional student scholars and is certified by the Association of College Honor Societies. His programming expertise and love of computers allowed him over the years to use his talents as a computer engineer to work in France, Texas, CA, MA, CO, OR and WA. He always loved the problem solving involved in programming. He was a lifelong learner from new computer languages and new computer program development to trainings like the Dale Carnegie Course.
Upon moving to WA David was introduced by mutual friends to his partner for over 30 years. Ginger Alonzo. They lived in Bellevue, Auburn and Mill Creek, WA. In Mill Creek, David served on the first few Boards for Mira Vida Condominiums and held several positions including President.
David began his own company, Software Maker, working on contract as a part of software development for several companies. Software Maker also developed InnOvation, a successful registration software for bed-and-breakfasts.
David’s quick and quirky sense of humor was always present. David loved playing tennis, board games, cross country skiing, sailing, hiking, walking, bicycling and traveling around the country and Canada by car and train and around the world by riverboat. He was a member of the Mountaineers for years and a member of several Parkinson’s support groups. He enjoyed going to movies, including the Seattle International Film Festival and had season’s tickets to the Seattle Repertory Theatre. He enjoyed modern ballet. He supported Seattle Art Museum and enjoyed many of their exhibits. He actively participated in the annual Pedaling for Parkinson’s and the Walk for Parkinson’s fundraising challenges. He volunteered to work in local campaigns to get out the vote and volunteered to help with the Census. He loved eating out. He loved being with his friends. He joined EUUC in 2016 as he felt it was a place of hope, even for atheists. He continued to watch Sunday services on line.
David’s family expanded to not only include his own but also Ginger’s. He enjoyed visits to see her brother, niece and nephew, grand nieces and grand nephews.
David was preceded in death by his sister, Carol Carpenter whom David made sure was cared for until her death during Covid. He was also preceded in death by his father and mother and his grandparents. He was preceded in death by the parents of his partner, Ginger, Virginia Catherine Lennep and Charles Paul Alonzo, Sr. and Ginger’s brother, C. Paul Alonzo, Jr. David is survived by his partner, Ginger Alonzo, and their family Alicia Alonzo, niece, Scott Reynaud her husband and grand nieces Amelia and Aurelia and Adam Alonzo, nephew. Madison Keels his wife and grand nephews Abram and Maverick. He is also survived by his cat family, Donald and Daphne.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the Royal Anne Senior Family Home Staff who supported him well for 2 ½ years. They also wish to express their gratitude to Kaiser Permanente Physicians and other Specialists who were with David over the 25 years he fought and did not bow to the diseases of Parkinson’s , Kidney Disease and Dementia. And also thank the Alpha Health Hospice Services who guided and comforted his last days.
David did not want a formal service. There will be a small gathering to celebrate his life at a later date with invitations through text and/or e-mail.
In lieu of flowers or cards, please consider a donation to the Green Mountain Club, Waterbury Center, VT; Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation, Seattle, WA; National Park Foundation, Washington, DC; Planned Parenthood of Western Washington, Seattle, WA; KUOW National Public Radio, Seattle, WA; Edmonds Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Edmonds, WA; YMCA of Snohomish County, Mill Creek, WA; Loaves and Fishes Centers, Portland, OR; or the charity of your choice.
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