In Loving Memory: Joel Joshua Carpenter

Joel Joshua Carpenter known by family and friends as “Joey”, or “Big Joe” passed away unexpectedly on January 16, 2013. Joel was 38 years old, he was born August 12, 1975. What made Joey’s birth so special was that he arrived unexpectedly and was delivered by his sister Shelly who was only 14 years old. Joel was a proud member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe. He participated in the Jump and Deerskin dances. When Joel was a teenager, he went on a spiritual Vision Quest to Nevada, where he participated in a Sun Dance, he was proud of the scars obtained in the sacred ceremony.

Joel was proceeded in death by his father Chancey E. “Eddie” Carpenter Jr., sisters Shelly Carpenter, Chelsea Matilda Carpenter, Uncles Tim Melendy Sr,, Rob Roy Latham Sr., Cousins Jeff Melendy, Michael Pat Kyle, and Traci Melendy O’Rourke. He is survived by his mother Kathleen Carpenter and siblings Robin, Devery, Chance III, Brenda, and Tamisha. Joel was an especially proud uncle and there was nothing he would not do for his nieces and nephews. Kalyla, Natalia, Chance IV, Winnie, Edward, Grant, Micah, Kinsey, Eddy, Bunners, Misha, Eric, Heather, Great nephew Kaydence, and Great Niece Shelly. Joel is also survived by his aunts and uncles. Sandra Kyle, Mike and Darlene Melendy, Deirdre and Geno Young, Mary and Roger Britton, Patrick and Andrea Melendy, Jamia and Jackie Melendy, Rochelle Encinas, Laura, Liz, Kevin and Sugar, Lester and Gloria, Brenda and Jim, and Wanda Latham. He also leaves behind cousins Jimmers, Gary, Bradley, Patrick, Kenny, Tim, Angie, Rob Roy Jr., Michele, Aimee, Jim-Bob, T.R., Marshall, Billy, Chris, Cher, Masi, Kamimila, Kevin, Josh, Megan, Chawkin, Warren, Rhonda, Mary, and Yolonda.

Family left behind will miss Joel deeply. We know that the struggles which brought him so much pain are over for him but will continue to plague far too many young people of our Valley. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, a small donation should be made to the Friendship Hoese, Assoc. of American Indians, San Francisco, CA. in hope that in some small way our loss might help provide some help for someone trying to overcome addiction. A memorial service officiated by William “Billy” Carpenter will be held on Wednesday, January 23, 2013, 1:00 PM at the Hoopa Valley Tribe’s Community Center. Joel’s ashes will be scattered by the family at a later time.

http://friendshiphousesf.org/funders.html

There will be a gathering following the services at the Hoopa Community Center.