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Harley Carter Obituary
He left behind his soulmate, Sarah Nell Carter; two great grandchildren; seven grandchildren; and three children: Gregg Carter of North Smithfield, RI; Darla Trimble of Fernley, NV; and Bill Carter of Canastota, NY.
Born and raised in Montana, Harley dropped out of high school in the spring of 1945, at the age of 17, to join the Marines. He trained at Camp Pendelton in San Diego for the intended amphibious assault of Japan. After 3 years of service in the Pacific, and an honorable discharge in 1948, he used the GI Bill to attend the University of Montana, where he graduated from its law school in 1953. Soon thereafter, he moved his family to Nevada, where he was elected mayor of Carson City at the age of 31, and was later twice elected as the district attorney of Esmeralda County (NV).
At the age of 49 he was stricken with multiple sclerosis, a disease which ravaged his body but not his spirit. He was an inspiration to his family and care-givers in how he faced his disease without self-pity, but with grace and wit. When asked 'How do you feel Harley?,' his usual twinkle-eyed response was 'with both hands.'
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 2, at Mathewson Street United Methodist Church, 125 Mathewson St., Providence. (Funeral arrangements by Olson & Parent; obituary and guestbook available at olsonparent.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Harley Carter
5 Entries
Bonnie Senser
September 2, 2007
Dear Greg, Family and Especially Uncle Harley's Grandchildren,
The miles between SC and CA/NV made visits infrequent, but I will never forget the joyful and fun times I had around Uncle Harley. Though I met him before he was diagnosed with MS, most of the wonderful visits I experienced with Uncle Harley occurred when he was already confined to a wheelchair. I would always look forward to knowing he was in town or close enough for Mom and I to go visit him. The first thing you always noticed about him was the twinkle in his eye and the tremendous smile on his face. He was always upbeat and sincerely interested in others around him. To sit around and share good food and conversation with Uncle Harley was like a breath of fresh air. You couldn't help but walk away far smarter than you were when you arrived nor could you walk away without a renewed spirit. Those were special visits.
My prayers are with all of you, and I am so glad to have had Uncle Harley in my life.
Love,
Bonnie Senser
Frankie Senser
September 2, 2007
Greg and family,
My prayers and thoughts are with you today as are the memories of Harleys wonderful smile, great laughter and twinkle in his eyes whenever he saw me. The wonderful memories I have of him when visiting him and Sarah will always be with me.
Frankie Senser
Charles McKinney
September 1, 2007
Greg and Family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. We loved Harley as Sara's husband and as a member of our family. He will never be forgotten as long as one of us live.
Betsy, Tarri, Beth, Cliff, and Charles McKinney
Patricia Poe Bennett
September 1, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Paul Palombo
August 31, 2007
I never knew Mr. Carter, but I happened to read his obituary today.His life is what America is all about...in spite of one's beginnings, you rise above the rest because you can succeed in this great country of ours if you work hard. May he rest in peace. His family can be justly proud. Amen.
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