City mourns passing of former Mayor David Carpenter
Former Lethbridge Mayor David Carpenter passed Saturday at age 76.
Carpenter will largely be remembered for his legacy of significant contributions to the community during his five terms as Mayor between 1986 and 2001, as well as his years as a then-Alderman on City Council from 1977 to 1986. As the second-longest serving Mayor (tied with Mayor Hardie) in our city’s history, his tireless efforts helped Lethbridge become a better place.
"I am deeply saddened to hear that former Mayor David Carpenter has passed away," says Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen. "My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time. For all that he meant to Lethbridge, he will be missed."
“The first time I met my friend Dave was more than 40 years ago,” says Rajko Dodic, City Councillor and former Mayor. “Immediately, I was struck by his stature and, it wasn't long after that I realized that his intellect was equally impressive. He was the smartest man I have ever met who devoted his many and varied talents, as well as much of his time, to public service, both locally and provincially. It's impossible to describe Dave in a few comments but suffice it to say that he left an enduring and positive mark on this earth during his all too brief lifetime. I will miss our regular lunch meetings where we debated the problems of the world. My heartfelt condolences go out to Dave's wife, Cheryl, and his children and grandchildren.”
"When I was elected to Council in 1998 at just 23 years old, Mayor David Carpenter welcomed me and helped guide me through the early years of my political career,” says City Councillor Ryan Parker. “He was a true professional, and our community was fortunate to have him as Mayor. His leadership and the direction he set continue to benefit Lethbridge today.”
During his time on City Council, Carpenter was involved with the Railway Relocation Project, later known as the “CentreSite Project,” which started in Mayor Andrew Charles (A.C.) Anderson’s time. It involved the removal of Canada Pacific Railway (CPR) tracks and facilities from the centre of Lethbridge and the redevelopment of the land for commercial and non-commercial uses.
First known for his career as a chartered accountant, as well as his tall stature, Carpenter’s other involvements while on Council included Nicholas Sheran Ice Arena opening in 1986, the 3rd Avenue Extension into Indian Battle Park, the opening of Chinook Regional Hospital, the construction of Park Place Shopping Centre and the opening of the current City Hall in 2000.
After his time on Council, Carpenter was awarded four commemorative medals as Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the 20 Independent Field Battery and Honorary Colonel 18 Air Defence Regiment; he served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Workers’ Compensation Board; he received the Blackfoot name Piita Poot-Ta, “Flying Eagle,” recognizing the relationships he built with the Blackfoot community; and he earned Commendation by Secretary of State for contributions to Canadian citizenship.
In 2015, Carpenter was appointed administrator for Alberta Health Services to provide governance oversight of the province-wide health authority. In 2017, he was recognized with a Senate 150th Anniversary Medal for his long and distinguished record of public service.
In honour of the former Mayor, flags have been lowered to half-mast at City Hall until sunset on Friday. A photo, a bouquet of flowers, a book for condolences and the City of Lethbridge flag, will be on display at City Hall.
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