ALDEN BRUCE CARPENDER

     Alden Bruce Carpender was born December 13, 1938. He was born to Daniel David Carpender and Gladys LaVonne Wolcott Carpender. Bruce had two brothers, Donovan (Joann) and Marion (Lois), and three sisters, Phyllis (Chester Stahn), Glenda (Herb Larson), and Shirley (Ronald Biesinger). Several years later, Bruce's youngest brother, Richard, was born, but died in his first year of life. His parents were do-it-yourself, hard-working people. When Bruce was very young, his father hand-dug one of the first irrigation wells in the Ainsworth, Nebraska area for agricultural purposes. However, during the first year of having the well, World War II was raging and the U.S. Government purchased the Carpender family farm to become a Strategic Air Command airbase.

     Bruce was four years old when the family moved to Caldwell, Idaho, where a few relatives already lived. Bruce's Father died suddenly and unexpectedly a few years later. This catastrophe created serious problems for the young family; everyone went to work to provide for the needs of the family. Bruce experienced great loneliness while his siblings and Mother were working.

hh In 1955, Bruce's Mother moved to Parma, Idaho where she began teaching school. Bruce began his junior year at Parma High School. Bruce and Joan Reynolds became friends, started dating and quickly knew there wasn't anyone else for either of them. They married March 14, 1959 and their marriage has always been filled with unending love and service for each other and family. They have five children including sons, Brian (Tawnya), Brent (Laurel), Blair (Tiffany), James (Sarah) and daughter, Shari (William Lewis II). They have 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

      Because of Bruce's genuine concern for helping others and his hard-work ethic he blossomed in his military career. He constantly learned new skills in military schools, which gave him opportunities to work with new technologies and programs. He moved up the ranks quickly and was recognized by the military many times for outstanding service. He served as First Sergeant of the Idaho Air National Guard. He was recognized and honored by Idaho as Guardsman of the Quarter and later as Guardsman of the Year. He also represented Idaho at the Air Force's National convention in Washington DC. Additionally, with 250 specially chosen airmen from across the nation, Bruce represented the Idaho Air National guard as a student at the Air Force's Senior Non-Commissioned Officer's Academy and was one of six recognized as Outstanding Graduate. Bruce obtained the highest, enlisted rank in the US Air Force – Chief Master Sergeant. It is very difficult to attain this rank.

     Bruce was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a counselor to three bishops, as well as serving in various scouting positions. He spent years backpacking scouts into beautiful wilderness areas of Idaho. He and Joan served a mission as managers of the Bishop's Storehouse in Boise. In addition, they cooked for the Idaho State Senate and their staff for two years.

     Bruce and Joan purchased their home on South Cloverdale Road in 1964 and have lived there since. Bruce worked hard to improve and beautify the property and home to make it a family home. But the best thing about Bruce is that he has been a wonderful husband, loving, supportive Father, and a contributing, caring Grandfather. Bruce left this life with a perfect driving record and has always been a law-abiding citizen of this great country that he has loved so deeply. So many neighbors and friends have been helped by Bruce and his willingness to be of service. He's always been quick to do what he could for anyone he felt needed his help. He will be missed so very much and remembered with unending love.

     He is preceded in death by his Father and Mother, all three of his brothers, a sister-in-law.