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The Carpenter Family: 'Helping Causes Close to Our Hearts'

Len Carpenter and his daughter Valerie Halliwell

Len Carpenter was a major figure in the business community in Hamilton and Burlington prior to his passing in 2006 at the age of 85. He was a fun loving, larger-than-life figure who had faced some challenges in his life and, towards his later years, decided to make substantial contributions to Hamilton Community Foundation (HCF).

Len learned the tool & die business from his father and in 1965 founded Burlington Die Castings Ltd. Around this same time, his wife passed away after suffering from cancer, leaving him to raise two young children alone while building his company.
Today, the company is known as Burlington Technologies Inc. and is run by Len’s son, Ken.

Len became seriously interested in philanthropy after his friend and financial advisor, Rick Giuliani and his wife Justine, established a fund at Hamilton Community Foundation in memory of their daughter, Tara Lynn. With Rick’s encouragement, Len established the Carpenter Family Fund at the Foundation in 2001, and donated to the fund in the subsequent five years. Then, when Len passed away last year, he made a further bequest to the fund.

“Len never wanted publicity but we encouraged him to go public as an example to others,” says Rick Giuliani. “He agreed that after his death, he would be recognized for his gifts to Hamilton Community Foundation to benefit the community in perpetuity.”
Len’s daughter Valerie Halliwell is the advisor to what is now known as the W.L. Carpenter Memorial Fund. Each year she discusses with her family members the causes the fund will support.

“I think about what my dad would have liked, causes that are close to our hearts,” she says. “I’m pleased to be able to support projects and organizations that benefit our community. It’s a good feeling to know that my dad’s legacy will continue on – forever.”