Clarence Leander Carpenter, Sr.

Legislative Resolution

View Legislative Resolution File for Clarence Leander Carpenter, Sr.

Biographical Information

Sen. Clarence L. Carpenter died February 7, 1967 and he was replaced as Senator for District 5 by John Gregovich of Claypool  (Journal of the Senate, 28th Legislature, 1st Regular Session, 1967, list of members; Journal of the House, 28th Legislature, 1st Regular Session, 1967, p. 738)

“’We'll just do what the majority wants to do,’ he would reply when asked about what would happen on any bill before the Senate.”  (“Dies of Stroke:  Quiet Clarence Carpenter Ruled Senate for 12 Years.”  Tucson Daily Citizen, February 8, 1967)

The following is from the Legislative death resolution:

The citizens of Arizona suffered a tragic loss when they heard that Senator Clarence L. Carpenter, aged sixty, had suddenly passed away on Tuesday, February 7, 1967, in Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix.

"Carp", as he was known to all of his friends, will be long remembered throughout the State.  His legislative record is impressive.  Senator Carpenter was President of the Arizona State Senate for twelve years, a period of time which stands as a record in the history of our State.

"Carp" had the capacity for genuine friendship, a willingness to cooperate to help others.  He had a facility for bringing an air of compromise and necessary agreement between diverse factions and he was respected by all.

Senator Carpenter as President of the Senate presided with dignity and maintained decorum in the Senate.  He was punctual in calling the Senate to order and he was always fair to all members.

His legislative accomplishments need not be reviewed but stand as a beacon which will shine across the State for many years.

Senator Carpenter's record of achievements was not confined to the territorial boundaries of the State of Arizona.  As chairman of the Arizona Legislative Council, he became interested in the Council of State Governments.  "Carp's" capacity for leadership was recognized quickly and he was soon nominated and elected to important posts within that organization.  In fact, Senator Carpenter was elected to the highest post available for a legislative member on the Board of Managers, which directs the activities of the Council of State Governments.

Senator Clarence L. Carpenter was Arizona's State Delegate Member to the Board of Managers of the Council of State Governments since 1957.  In 1961, he was elected to the post of Third Vice President, Executive Committee of the Board of Managers.  In 1962, he was elected as Second Vice President and in 1963 he became first Vice President Elect of the Board of Managers.  In 1964, he was signally honored by the Board of Managers when he was elected First Vice President and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Managers of the Council of State Governments.  This is the highest honor afforded to a legislative member of the Board of Managers and "Carp" executed his duties in an eminently competent manner.  In 1965, he was elected as a member of the Executive Committee of the National Legislative Conference.  He also was a member of the General Assembly of States, having held this honor for a decade.  Moreover, since 1962, "Carp" was a member of the Federal-State Relations Committee of the Council of state Governments.

Senator Carpenter, in his various contacts with other state officials, always extolled the virtues of his State of Arizona.
Through the efforts of Senator Clarence Carpenter the National Legislative Conference held one of its most successful National Conventions in Phoenix, Arizona, in September, 1962.

Senator Carpenter was proud of his family.  In his conversations with his friends he frequently spoke of his marriage of forty years duration and of his children and grandchildren.

"Carp" achieved a place in the heart of his community which will remain for many years to come.  He was an active Rotarian and the membership honored him by electing him to the presidency of the Miami Rotary Club.  He was Vice President of the Miami Chamber of Commerce and for twenty years was Chief of the Tri-Cities Fire Department.  "Carp" was Past President and Secretary of the Miami Young Men's Christian Association and a former member of the Board of Directors of the Miami YMCA.  The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks was near and dear to the heart of "Carp".  He was a former member of the Grand Lodge Audit Committee, Chairman of the Arizona Elks Hospital Board of Trustees and Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, South Division.  In addition to all of this, Senator Clarence Carpenter was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Thirty-second Degree, and the Royal Order of Jesters.

"Carp" was a much beloved man in his community and he gave unstintingly of his time and energies and in return his community demonstrated time and again their affection for him.

Additional Information

"Senator Carpenter was President of the Arizona State Senate for twelve years, a period of time which stands as a record in the history of our State."  (Legislative death resolution)

Employment

Arizona Legislative Service

Sources

Birth:  Arizona Legislative Biography sheet, parents:  Frank L. and Carrie Bell Carpenter; Death: obituary:  “Dies of Stroke:  Quiet Clarence Carpenter Ruled Senate for 12 Years.”  Tucson Daily Citizen, February 8, 1967, Legislative death resolution