Mason A. Carpenter

MIDDLETON-Mason Andrew Carpenter passed into the hands of God on Thursday evening, Sept. 22, 2011, at his home with his family by his side after a yearlong battle with head and neck cancer. Mason lived his last year with strength and determination, keeping his positive attitude and fierce fighting spirit to the end. His enduring kindness, caring and generous character will be forever missed. Mason was born on April 13, 1961, to Edward and Marjorie Carpenter in Riverside, Calif. He spent his childhood and early adult life in California. Mason married Lisa Harris on Dec. 5, 1987, beginning 24 years of marriage that carried them from California to France and Texas before settling in Wisconsin for the past 14 years. Their home in Middleton grew to include Mason and Lisa’s two greatest joys in life, sons Zachary, 13, and Wesley, 9. Mason found his passion and his career in education after time working in banking, marketing management, and even winemaking. He earned his bachelor of science from California State University-Humboldt, his MBA from California State University-Bakersfield, and his Ph.D. in Strategic Management & Organization from the University of Texas at Austin. He joined the faculty in UW-Madison’s Wisconsin School of Business in 1997, and went on to earn distinction as the M. Keith Weikel Professor of Leadership. An international expert in strategic management, Mason’s research focused on corporate governance, social networks and global startups. He authored pieces published in leading management and strategy journals and wrote numerous books used in business education around the world. As notable as his research was, however, Mason will be most remembered as an accomplished and inspiring teacher. He was first honored shortly after his arrival on the Madison campus, when MBA students selected him for their Professor of the Year award. In 2000 the School of Business gave him its Larson Excellence in Teaching Award, and he was named one of two top-rated teachers in UW’s MBA program in Business Week magazine. His efforts earned him a 2010 Distinguished Teaching Award, UW-Madison’s highest campus-wide honor for teaching. He was steadfastly dedicated to engaging his students in deep questions of business and of life. Mason’s energy and dedication in the classroom carried over into other areas of his life. He enjoyed fine wine, gourmet cooking, golfing, travel, sharing stories with family and friends, and his sons’ vibrant athletic lives. Whether spending long hours at the hockey rink or kicking a soccer ball around, Mason loved being active with his family. One of Mason’s greatest joys was listening to Zachary and Wesley play the piano. In addition to his beloved Lisa, Zachary and Wesley, all of Middleton, Mason is survived by his parents, Edward and Marjorie, and Lisa’s parents, Leon Jr. and Shirley Harris, all of Bakersfield, Calif.; his brother, Elliot (Debbie); sister, Claudia (Max); sister-in-law, Sally (Bret); and brother-in-law, Leon III (Mary). He will be dearly missed by them and their families, including nieces, nephews and cousins. Mason also leaves behind a vast network of friends, students and colleagues throughout the U.S. and abroad. The family is deeply grateful to all the medical professionals who cared for Mason with expertise and compassion. Lisa and the boys will remain forever grateful to all the colleagues and friends from so many corners of their lives that supported the family during the past year. Your friendship is appreciated more than words can express. A Celebration of Mason’s Life will be held at ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 6101 University Avenue, Madison, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011, with the Rev. Harold Zimmick presiding. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011, and also at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Wednesday. Those wishing to express their sympathy with a memorial contribution may wish to consider a fund that has been established for the children, the Carpenter Family Fund at M&I Bank (Middleton Branch), 7447 University Avenue, Middleton, WI 53562. Donations may also be made to Camp Kesem UW Madison, Student Activity Center, 333 East Campus Mall, Mailbox #104, Madison, WI 53715. Camp Kesem sponsors summer camp for children who have parents with cancer. Mason, the world is a better place for having had you in it; you touched so many people’s lives in a positive way. You will be dearly missed. Those wishing to express their sympathy with a memorial contribution may wish to consider a fund that has been established for the children, the Carpenter Family Fund at M&I Bank (Middleton Branch), 7447 University Avenue, Middleton, WI 53562. Donations may also be made to Camp Kesem UW Madison, Student Activity Center, 333 East Campus Mall, Mailbox #104, Madison, WI 53715. Camp Kesem sponsors summer camp for children who have parents with cancer. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011, and also at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Wednesday. A Celebration of Mason’s Life will be held at ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 6101 University Avenue, Madison, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011, with the Rev. Harold Zimmick presiding.