In Memoriam

June, 2007
We received word of the passing of Dr. Stephen Carpenter, Class of 2005, from his long time companion Mercedes. Stephen unexpectedly passed away in his sleep at their home on May 30th, 2007 at the age of 49. He had just recently completed a series of interviews for a residency in Psychiatry. In addition to his long time best friend and companion, Mercedes, he is survived by her 14 year old daughter (to whom Stephen had been a step dad to from the age of 3), his parents Daniel and Dixie Carpenter and 3 siblings (2 brothers, 1 sister).

Those who knew Stephen remember his joy of life as well as caring nature to reach out to people. Prior to joining the SGUSOM family in pursuit if his MD degree, Stephen completed a Masters in Organic Chemistry at San Diego State University. When Stephen saw a need, he addressed it. He wrote and published his first Chemistry book in the 3rd grade in order to provide access for kids in his age group to a book of fun experiments at a level they could understand.

Steve was not only an avid surfer, but had a passion for collecting antique pharmaceuticals and medicinals (currently over 300 unique bottles/containers). Following a visit to the Pharmaceutical Museum in New Orleans, Stephen had hoped to one day open his own museum to share his wonderful collection. Plans are being made to donate his collection to an existing Pharmaceutical Museum. The SGUSOM Alumni Association will be gifting a memorial plaque, in Stephen's memory, to commemorate his life and to accompany his collection.

The familly is considering donating part of his collection, if you have an appropriate venue for antique pharmaceuticals, please contact them by email. Click here.

Stephen's life was cut short, but his memory will live on in the lives that he touched and loved. On behalf of the Officers and all alumni of the SGUSOM AA, we wish to extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. He will be missed.
A Memorial Service for Stephen was held on Saturday, June 9th, at the Allen Brothers Mortuary in Vista, California. This was followed by a Celebration of Stephen's life at his parent's home. A "paddleout" took place Sunday morning, the 10th, to scatter his ashes in the Pacific Ocean.
His spirit will be forever with us.