CARPENTER, Darrel
Posted: February 25th, 2025
Carpenter, Darrel Lane Mr. Darrel “Lane” Carpenter of Courtenay, British Columbia passed away peacefully at the Palliative Care Unit in Nanaimo on Friday January 31, 2025.
He will be dearly missed by his wife Heather; his sisters Jeanne and Tamara, and family and friends.
Lane was born on January 29, 1959 to Darrel and Barbara Carpenter in St. Louis, Missouri. Lane grew up surrounded by nature and animals. He was very imaginative and adventuresome and started hunting and fishing at a young age which continued throughout his life.
He completed a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge. Following this he spent many years teaching guitar privately, playing in bands as well as performing solo. After a number of years in the music business he changed his career focus and trained as a Financial Planner. He worked for Sunlife before retiring to Vancouver Island. There he spent many days, often with his good friend Cam, doing what he loved best, fishing in the ocean.
Throughout his life he enjoyed sports including basketball, volleyball, wrestling, judo and karate. He trained for a number of years with Sensai Taka Kinjo and obtained his black belt in karate. His other love was meeting his friends for coffee, especially his friend Al.
Whatever Lane did, he did with great focus and passion – always striving for excellence. He will be remembered for his integrity, inquisitive mind and quick wit.
Most important though was his love for his family and friends. He cared deeply about people and will be remembered for his kind and gentle nature.
He is survived by his wife Heather of 42 years. He is also survived by his sister- Jeanne (Gordon) Wilson of Clinton, Washington and their family: Tim (Amy) – Ada and Oscar; Peter – Davina, Miles, James, Alice and Jack; Antoinette – Mila; and Amanda (Colin) Guy. He is also survived by his sister Tamara (Brent) Mottershead of Spruce Grove, Alberta and their family: Chad (Taylor); Travis (Victoria) -Theodore and Colette; and Megan (Troy) Rush.
He is survived by his brother-in-law Mark (Diane) Lencucha and their family: James Livingston – Emiko and Reiko; Amanda (Jeff) King – Liam, Joel and Etta; and Morgan Lencucha (Bret Beddome). Also survived by his brother-in-law Craig (Lesley) Lencucha and family: Jenna (Dave ) Low – Lennon and Boston; Cole (Sarah) – Coen and Remington; Meghan Phillips and children Maya Phillips and Sawyer and Bowie Lencucha. He is survived by his sister-in-law Deborah (Maurice) Hollingsworth and their son Chris (Kanu).
He was predeceased by his parents Darrel and Barbara Carpenter, his sister Dawn Carpenter, his in-laws Wilfred and Theresa Lencucha and his nephew Cody Lencucha.
A special thank you to all his family and friends who supported Lane over the past year and a half. Thank you to Dr. Ingrey; the Palliative Care Team – Dr. Fehlau, Dr. Gilbert, Holly and Blair; the Comox Valley Home Care nurses of the South Team, and to the physicians, nurses and support staff of the Nanaimo Palliative Care Unit.
As Lane requested, there will not be a funeral. Celebrations of his life will be held in Courtenay and Lethbridge in the spring. Details will be announced closer to the dates.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing can make a donation in remembrance of Lane to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of their choice.
To send condolences, please visit www.gonebutnotforgotten.ca
Dear Heather. I was heartbroken to hear of Lanes passing. I still remember how surprised and excited I was to see you up at calgary Airport. Years pass so quickly. You’ll be in my thoughts. Take care❤️
Heather, I am so sorry to hear this news. I loved hanging out with Lane, first getting to know him on our trip to Oklahoma in 1981. What a great individual. Love, prayers, and condolences to you.
Mary
Dear Heather we heard that Lane was very ill we are so sorry about his passing he was a great friend we miss you both.
If there is anything tat we can do please let us know. You are in our thoughts and prayers.Take care Love Andy and Mary-Frances
I knew Lane when we were both students in Lethbridge. He always had a great sense of humour and greeted you with a smile. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing and my condolences to his family and friends.
Heather, Nancy and I were devastated to hear from Don Ponech of Lane’s passing. Lane was such an important friend in my life. We shared the stage for many wonderful performances and also some very weird gigs that he had scrounged up. My most cherished times were our many very long phone conversations about what we should do with our musical lives.
I regret that we didn’t have much contact after you two moved to coast but Lane called me during the pandemic and we had another of our epic phone conversations and it was wonderful.
Nancy and I loved our many years visiting with Lane while he handled our investments and our son Matthew’s as well. Matthew was very fond of Lane and also sends his best wishes.
Lane made such a positive impact to everyone he came in contact with and I try to live up to his standards.
Much love – Paul