Willis Vincent Carpenter ’51

Will, who died April 8, 2022, in Denver, spent his life in Colorado except for his time at Princeton, Harvard Law School, and more than three years in naval intelligence. A graduate of East Denver High School, he majored in history, joined Elm Club, rowed crew, was active in the Pre-Law Society, and roomed with Ken Dake and A.P. Davis. Beginning with an established Denver law firm, he formed his own law firm in 1978 to become Colorado’s leading real estate attorney, specializing in commercial, farm, and ranch sales; conservation easements; and insurance issues until retirement in 2019.

President of the Denver Bar Association from 1978 to 1979, Will was a leader in numerous legal and community organizations and received many professional and community awards. He taught at a variety of law schools and forums, was a frequent lecturer on legal subjects, and wrote several papers on real estate law. He also was an avid gardener and a skilled guitar player.

Will is survived by his significant other and six children. His family donated a conservation easement on the family ranch and sold it to the Nature Conservancy to continue as an operating ranch for research, learning, and public use.