Miles Frederick Carpenter Jr. Obituary (1930 - 2017)

Miles Frederick Carpenter Jr, 87, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 29th, at Redington Memorial Home in Skowhegan. He was born January 9th, 1930 in Skowhegan, the son of Miles F. Carpenter and Edith (Young) Carpenter. Miles attended schools in Skowhegan and also Hebron Academy. After graduation, Miles joined the family business, Miles F. Carpenter Insurance Agency, where he worked until his retirement at the age of 82. Miles loved to work and he drove 40,000 miles a year calling on his clients, whom he considered friends. His work ethic and professionalism were highly regarded by all that knew him. Miles enjoyed dancing, skiing, and reading books about history. He had a passion for guns which he shared with his sons. Miles took many trips to Quebec City and loved spending time with family and clients on his boat in Hampden. He had an adventurous side, sometimes skydiving with his son Skip and whitewater rafting with his son Skye. In his later years, Miles enjoyed visiting the lovely ladies at Franklin Savings Bank in Skowhegan and occasionally dropping off baked goods to the local first responders. But the greatest joys of life were his sons, Skip and Skye. He never spoke to them without expressing how much he loved them and how very proud he was of them. Miles was an extraordinary and unforgettable man who truly epitomized the Frank Sinatra song 'I Did It My Way'. He was very set in his ways and sometimes a bit unconventional. Anyone who knew Miles knows of his strong belief in early to bed, early to rise and his very unique eating habits. He was usually in bed by 7:30 and up at 4:30. He ate a big breakfast every morning, usually consisting of steak, potato, a vegetable, tossed salad, and a dessert. Another daily routine that Miles' swore by was a tablespoon of local honey, a tablespoon of vinegar, and a glass of room temperature water. He also had a tremendous sweet tooth and an affection for cheap red wine...two 6 ounce glasses not to be consumed before 4pm. Miles was a terrific storyteller and conversationalist. After talking with him you couldn't help but walk away repeating his signature phrases like "I'll be diggered!", "Holy Hannah!" and "Jumpin' Moses!". Miles often spoke of the many changes he had seen in the world throughout his lifetime and how he would never choose to be any younger than he was. He expressed sincere gratitude for all that he had in his life and considered himself to be very lucky, though it was through hard work and an incredibly strong will that Miles created his own luck. Miles was predeceased by his parents, Miles and Edith Carpenter, a brother Charles Carpenter, a sister Betsy Schoenthaler, and his wife Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Carpenter. He is survived by his son Miles (Skip) Carpenter and wife Staci of Jonesboro, his son Schyler (Skye) Carpenter and wife Carrie of Norridgewock, and three grandchildren, Laura Carpenter, Drew Abelon, and Cheyenne Malloy. Also by special friends Diane, Jamie, and Bonnie at Kyes Carpenter Insurance and his longtime friends and neighbors Dick and Germaine Goulette. The family would like to thank the following people for their amazing service and support these last four months: •Ann Marie, Eunice, Darlene, Denise, and all of the staff at Redington Memorial Home •Leslie, Candy, Tracy, John and all of the staff at Beacon Hospice •The staff at Redington Fairview General Hospital, Cedar Ridge Nursing Home, and Norridgewock Health Center There will be a celebration of Miles' life at 2pm Sunday, May 7th at the Federated Church, on Island Ave., in Skowhegan. If attendees would like to wear something yellow (Miles' favorite color) in his honor, it is encouraged but certainly not required. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine. In lieu of flowers, Miles requested donations be made in his name to the Skowhegan Fire Department, 16 Island Avenue, Skowhegan, Maine 04976.