Zillah, WA - A Final Flight

The controls have been set, the engines are still,

for this pilot whose heart knew the sky's joyful thrill.

He soared through the clouds on bright-silvered wings,

now his spirit takes flight where true freedom sings.

From the earth's gentle grasp, he rose to the sun,

his past earthly journey, a battle hard won.

He chased the wind's song, through the halls of the air,

a dance with the heavens, beyond all compare.

Though you may not see him, his presence remains,

in the blue of the skies and the wind's gentle strains.

He's gone to that place, where the true flyers go,

to soar ever higher, in bright heaven's glow.

So, find peace in the silence, and comfort in flight,

for his memory will soar, ever shining and bright...

...Go with God

From a bouncing baby boy delivered as a late Valentine on February 15, 1967, to his final flight on September 11, 2025, Greg Carpenter always lived with single-minded passions and determination.

Born in Moses Lake, Washington, he and his older brother Bryan moved to the west side of the state with their Mom, a single parent who increased her skills and got her degree as a Registered Nurse. Some moving around was required as each position improved their financial situation.

Greg attended elementary and middle schools in Mt. Vernon and Bellingham, but finished up high school in Edmonds.

Immediately after high school, Greg went into the Army. Always enamored with flight he mustered out of the Army in Texas with an honorable discharge and went on to pursue his passion.

Greg graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in 1998, a pilot training program where he earned his fixed-wing pilot certificates and ratings in in Moses Lake, Washington. He went on to fly in Alaska, scenic flights over the Grand Canyon out of Nevada, and flight instruction out of Honolulu, Hawaii.

He returned to assist with his family's property in Zillah, where he worked as a ranch hand...but all the while keeping up his flying as a long-time volunteer with the Civil Air Patrol (CAP).

Greg supported the CAP mission which could include search and rescue, assisting in humanitarian aid, providing aircraft and aircrews for state agencies, food bank support, vaccine distribution, and participating in wreath-laying ceremonies for veterans. Greg achieved the rank of Major in CAP, and volunteered out of the Richland Wing. He was an active instructor for CAP Cadets, volunteers, and pilots. Of late, and equally passionate about his political views, Greg also was elected and has been serving as a Precinct Committee Officer for the Republican Party in Zillah.

Greg maintained a healthy lifestyle he was blessed to be included in his local community where he was active in his church, and occasionally shared and learned about wine with friends. He will be missed.

Greg is survived by his mother, Karen Carpenter of Zillah, and a brother in Anchorage, Alaska, as well as cousins spread near and far.

A Memorial Service will be held at Valley Covenant Church, 15 Glen Dr, Zillah, WA on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 1pm.

This poem was included at his grandmother's passing...and as Greg might wish, it remains very appropriate here.

Miss Me...But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road,

and the sun has set for me,

I want no rites in a gloom filled room.

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not too long,

and not with your head bowed low.

Remember the Love that we once shared.

Miss me and let me go.

For this is the journey we all must take,

and each must go alone.

It's all a part of the Master's plan,

a step on the road to home.

So when you are lonely and sick at heart,

go to the friends you know.

And bury your sorrow in doing good deeds.

Miss me, then let me go.