Donald Lee Carter

Sep 6, 1931 -

Oct 16, 2020

Donald Lee Carter died peacefully on Oct. 16, 2020.

Don was born in a Los Angeles, Calif., hospital on Sept. 6, 1931, to Bryan and Lorraine Carter. He lived in Southern California until he moved to Anchorage, Alaska, in 1974. He moved to Puyallup, Wash., in 2019, with his wife, Elizabeth.

Don graduated from Van Nuys High School and then embarked on a lifelong career in the construction industry. After starting out as an apprentice carpenter, he worked his way to up to project management and eventually to a fulfilling self-employed career.

Don took an artisan's approach to his work. He was known for attention to detail and for an aesthetic eye, whether it was making furniture or figuring out what shade of white to use. This was reflected in his broad interest in the arts including visual arts and decades-long support for the Anchorage Opera.

Don was always known for his straightforward approach and there was never a doubt about what his opinion was. Family and friends will miss Don's famous rotating repertoire of spaghetti, tacos and fried chicken. Though he never received a degree, he was always intellectually curious and enjoyed reading and expanding his knowledge.

Don is survived by his wife of 47 years, Elizabeth MacInnes Carter; his sister, Rachel Lober; his brother, John Carter; his children from his first marriage, Jeff Carter (Karin), Julie Carter, Thomas Carter (Sue) and Gregory Carter (Sharon); his stepchildren, Ian MacInnes-Green, Stacia Green (Martha) and Christopher Green (Julie); 11 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and the many others who learned from him the art and science of using a shovel.

There are no services planned during the pandemic. The family requests, in lieu of flowers or gifts, that you donate to Bean's Cafe in Anchorage, www.beanscafe.org.