Obituary of Joseph William Carpenter

It is with grieving hearts and a profound feeling of love and pride for a life well- lived, that we announce the passing of Joseph William Carpenter, on March 27th 2025, in the arms of his loving wife Sylvia of 42 years. Best friend to son, Jeff. After an illness bravely fought, Joe’s final days were a testament of his unwavering strength and courage. Predeceased by his best friend and brother Tom, of Bayfield, (2024), Gerry of London (2023), parents Joseph and Alice Carpenter (nee Syndenham) of London. Joe cherished his siblings, brother Bob (Judy), sister Jo-Anne, and brother Dave. Fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews. Joe worked at McCormicks/Beta Brands for forty years until he decided to take an early retirement. He worked in the bake shop on the baking production of crackers and cookies. His energetic spirit, with an unyielding love for life, are qualities he carried with him throughout his life. Joe was the most honest man, was a hard worker, with an easy-going style. Joe always believed a handshake was a man’s word. In retirement Joe lived life to its fullest. Joe was a very social person, who enjoyed being with people. He loved hunting, cutting wood, gardening and everything in between. Everything he did, he enjoyed. Joe was very generous and was always the first one to offer help to anyone that needed it. He gave away most of the garden to anyone that came to visit. He planted way more than anyone could possibly want, knowing he would be giving it away. He gave away bushels of tomatoes every year. There was an apple orchard nearby where he would ask the farmer if he could get the seconds and then would give apples to people. Just so the apples wouldn’t go to waste. Joe’s first passion in life was hunting. From a young boy he would hunt most days. Bringing home rabbits to his mother for family dinners. Sometimes he would even sleep in his truck so he could be the first in line to get into the marsh to hunt. Going to the bush and cutting firewood, or helping a farmer cut down trees on their property. Joe loved it. After a long day cutting trees, and splitting the wood, he worked at sharpening the saws for himself and sharpened many chains for farmers and friends. Joe was the type of guy that was always busy doing something and it was always outdoors. He loved all four seasons. He used to say there were 4 seasons for a reason. Joe was a realist in life, with no time for a make-believe world. He was busy from sunrise to sunset every day and truly enjoyed his days. His favorite place in the world was the family cottage at Kearney, Ontario. He called it God’s Country. Every year in the summer, the family would gather and camp out. Joe would always be the first one up, get the fire going and the coffee on. He made pancakes from scratch cooking them on the open flame, and homemade beans that took all day to cook. His favorite meal was always potluck dinner. At the cottage Joe truly got back in touch with nature. There, he would make friends with the wildlife. One summer he made friends with a wild deer and was able to pet him. Another year he had wild turkeys eating near his feet. He was a farmer at heart, who loved living in the country. His long time and best companion was his dog, Bella. They went together everywhere, riding in the Kubota to the bush nearby or doing errands in the truck. One time Bella was sick, and Joe stayed up all night putting cold compresses on her head so she wouldn’t have a fever. Joe lost Bella in July of 2024, and he missed her every day. Rest in peace my love. You are loved beyond measure, and your memory will forever be a guiding light to all who were blessed to know you. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of Flowers, please tell your family you love them one more time, give them one more extra hug. Pay forward a kind gesture to someone in memory of Joe. Celebration of Life will be held on April 12, 2025, at 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. at his home (drive shed) at 24149 Bear Creek Road, Ilderton, ON. Your messages of remembrance and condolences may be shared at www.ontariocremation.com and RSVP for celebration.