Last Thursday a special member of our family passed away; Carl “Candy Man” Peters.

Looking handsome, as always, with pockets full of candy.

Carl was a kind and humble soul; dedicated to his family, friends, and church. Always with warm smile and handful of candy for everybody. Carl worked for many years at the Manzanita Grocery, leaving lasting impressions with many people, not least of which everyone he worked with up until just a few months ago.

His wife, Patty, has written the following:

Carl married his wife Ione Harwood while still in the Air Corps. They had four children, Marsha (Tom) Eiguren, Susan Hodge, Mike Peters (Kathleen), and Joan Morisky (Steve). Carl had 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Wife Ione and daughter Marsha preceded Carl in death.

Carl made this journey from Vermont to Manzanita and Manzanita to Vermont countless times in his life. If Carl was taking his family, he drove to Vermont and in later years he took the train. The trips to Vermont meant he brought home lots of Maple Sugar Candy and Real Maple Syrup-which he gave away as gifts. Almost every trip was accompanied by a side trip to Montreal. There he would visit Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal and honor Brother Andre. He was actually at Mount Royal with family when Brother Andre became a Saint.

Carl’s early life in Vermont was spent living with two or three families. The last family being the Pfanstiels, whose son Neil would babysit Carl. They soon began to call themselves brothers. Carl eventually reunited with his parents, who had divorced, and then remarried later in life. The people Carl lived with told him to pick a religion he might want to join. Since many of his friends in school were Catholic this was the religion he chose. From that point until the day he died Carl was the most devoted Catholic on the planet. Devoted Catholic, plus wonderful friend to all, plus a true gentleman.

Carl was voted “Citizen of the Year” in Manzanita in 2007. That’s how wonderful he will always be. He was most appreciative of this honor and, as I am sure if you know Carl, didn’t think he was worthy. Carl’s trait of being a humble person followed him all his life. Women and men all around the country have words of praise for Carl. Also known as the “Candy Man” of the Manzanita Grocery & Deli he never had a person leave the store without a smile on their faces. He called all the women “girls” and they loved every minute of it. The children wanted to go to the store to see the “Candy Man” and they were always rewarded. If you had Carl in your life it couldn’t get any better. As a devoted Catholic Carl showed feelings of humanity towards all those less fortunate and was always giving to worthy causes, willing to give to those in need.

On January 1, 2008 Carl married Patty Rinehart and they enjoyed every minute of their time together. Patty made those trips with Carl from Manzanita to Vermont and back to Manzanita. Always eventful and always fun in hindsight.

Carl loved his church, St. Mary’s in Rockaway Beach, he loved his family, and he loved friends in Manzanita. He wanted to honor the Hospice here in Tillamook County for his special care, his friends from church and Manzanita Grocery who made it possible for him to stay at home during his final days.

Instead of flowers Carl wished contributions could be made to St. Mary’s in Rockaway Beach, 275 Pacific St., 97136.

A service with Military Honors will be held at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon. Address is 11800 SE Mt. Scott Blvd., Portland, 97086. This will be on October 24, 2016 at 1:30 PM. If you plan on attending, please arrive 20 minutes prior.
Driving directions: http://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/willamette.asp

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Rockaway Beach on December 3 at 11 AM.
In lieu of flowers contributions could be made to St. Mary’s Church in Rockaway Beach, 275 Pacific St., 97136.

You will be missed Carl, thank you for everything.

-Manzanita Grocery & Deli Crew