Robert L. Carpenter, 42, lifelong Sunnyside resident, died January 19, 2025 at Kadlec Medical Center after a courageous decades long battle with the complications of diabetes.  Rob was born January 11, 1983 in Sunnyside to Jim and Vickie (Becker) Carpenter.  He attended Sunnyside schools and graduated with the Class of 2001, playing football and in the marching band.  Like many Americans, his first job was at the local McDonald's and he eventually worked at the Walmart Distribution Center until health concerns forced his retirement.

Rob tended to be quiet by nature, but he was always paying attention and would often offer a funny or insightful comment to the conversation.  He enjoyed figuring out how things worked and fixing them if they broke.  Like his Grandpa Carpenter, he liked making things out of wood and he had a talent for photography, photographing many Northwest waterfalls during some of his camping trips with his brother and friends, and he enjoyed using a smoker, barbecue and making good food.

Rob is survived by his parents, Jim and Vickie, his older brother James Jr. (JJ), and his dog Lady, all of Sunnyside.  He is also survived by his brother from another mother Matt Engel, several aunts and uncles and numerous cousins and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Bob and Ethel Carpenter, and maternal grandparents David and Gerri England Becker (Golden) and several beloved pet companions.  At his request, he was cremated and no formal services are planned at this time.