David Carpenter will be remembered by the Pike County Master Gardeners with a tree dedication at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Troy Parks and Recreation Sportsplex walking trail.

Carpenter was a Pike County Master Gardner and a retired Pike County Extension agent.

“The Pike County Master Gardeners wanted to do something in David’s memory,” said Master Gardner Leigh Calk. “David was an active master gardener and his wife, Debbie, is the vice president of our Master Gardeners.

“We talked with Dan Smith, Troy Parks and Recreation director, and he suggested planting a tree in David’s memory on the walking trail.”

Calk said the tree selected is an autumn blaze maple, which was Carpenter’s favorite tree.

“The tree has been planted in a very nice area with a bench and fountain,” she said. “It’s a place where walkers can stop and reflect. It’s a beautiful place.”

Smith and Tammy Powell, retired Pike County Extension coordinator, will be the featured speakers at the tree dedication.

Powell worked with Carpenter for several years at the Extension office and said Carpenter forgot more about horticulture and animal science than most people will ever know.

“David knew his business and he never got tired of sharing his knowledge with others,” Powell said. “He was the ideal co-worker. He worked hard and he was supportive of all our programs, including 4-H, which was not his favorite. Horticulture and animal science were his heart. He was good at what he did.”

Powell said Carpenter kept things lively in the Extension office.

“He said our coffee breaks were biblical because ‘he brewed,’” Powell said, laughing. “When he turned 50, we cleared his desk and made the top a grave complete with black flowers. He was easily embarrassed but he was good-natured.

“David was a great guy and we all miss him. He was a born county Extension agent. He cared about people and wanted to help them with their problems. David deserves to be remembered in such a thoughtful way.”

The tree dedication will be at the walking trail. Following the dedication, refreshments will be served in the Troy Parks and Recreation building. Everyone is invited.