22 Sep 1950 – 17 Oct 2024
Lendle “Lennie” Mario Carnini, 74, of Dorris, CA passed away October 17, 2024 at Providence Medford Medical Center after a lengthy illness. Lennie was born on September 22, 1950, to Robert Edward Carnini and Goldie Charlene Story Carnini in Klamath Falls, OR at Hillside Hospital.
He grew up in Dorris and graduated from Butte Valley High School in 1968. He attended College of the Siskiyous, playing on the first football team ever fielded by the Eagles. Lennie was a lifelong resident of Dorris, where he got his start in the lumber industry at American Forest Products. He was gainfully employed by several mills in the area throughout his working years.
Lennie was especially proud of his Italian heritage and the close relationship he shared with Grandpa Mario. Each summer was spent in Sprague River, learning how to run a small cattle ranch under the direction of his traditional Italian grandfather.
He was a man of few words and rarely verbalized his inner feelings. He was committed to those like-minded individuals who understood him and his passions. He unselfishly devoted time and energy to his longtime buddies who were more like family than friends. They spent countless hours outdoors; hunting, fishing, and encircling a campfire in their “secret” locations.
Lennie was most content decked out in camo, sitting in his “ratty” recliner cheering on Mahomes, Curry, lowa’s Caitlin Clark, and WNBA teams. Old Westerns were his movies of choice. Even though he was an old-fashioned and conventional guy, he was a whiz on Facebook, Instagram, and music sites. He created memes to express his thoughts and unabashedly shared them. He avoided all stores (except Sherm’s Thunderbird), crowds, restaurants, special occasions, and dress-up clothes. He would have fit in perfectly on “Duck Dynasty.”
Lennie was an enigma to many – strong willed, direct, independent, private, and self-sufficient. He had an artistic mind, as evidenced by the hundreds of European mounts he designed in his shop. Being a perfectionist, he spent hours on each plaque until it was flawless. His creative skills extended to woodworking, camouflage t-shirts, and decals. He was proud of his ability to fix anything in need of repair.
Survivors include his mother, Charlene Carnini of Weed; sisters Regina Sample of Klamath Falls; and Peggy Soletti of Weed; as well as many extended family members.
Lennie was predeceased by his father, Robert; grandfathers Mario Carnini, Lendle Story, and Tommy Elliott; grandmothers Nella Carnini, Rosie Carnini, and Ida Story Elliott; and his loyal and beloved dog, Mandy.
At Lennie’s request, there will be no services. In his memory, drop a line in Shasta Lake, scope the fields, hills, and mountains for a buck or bull, split a load of firewood, or just spend an afternoon cruising the backroads.
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