The Honourable Archibald McGilvery CARTER

The Honourable Archibald McGilvery (Mac) Carter Q. C., B.A., LL.B

We announce the passing of the grand patriarch of the Carter family, on Wednesday, March 20th, 2013, in his 94th year. Survived by his dearly beloved partner and wife of 72 years, Yaroslawa Julianna (Jerry); three children, Randy, Kim and Blair; three grandchildren, Jennapher, Jimmy and Casey; and three great-grandchildren, Hailey, Graysen and Jack Henry. Predeceased by his parents, Archie and Nelle Carter, brothers Veldon and Frank, and sisters Ruth and Aileen.
Mac lived his whole life, with the exception of his college and law school years, followed by three years in the Canadian Armed Forces, in Orillia. He was born at the residence of his parents on Brant Street on April 23rd, 1919. He attended Central School and Orillia Collegiate Institute, Victoria College at the University of Toronto, and Osgoode Hall Law School. He received an honourary degree from York University.
Mac's musical talent and love of parties stood him well at college and throughout his adult life. He was a lead in the Gilbert and Sullivan Society at 'Vic' as well as Social Director. He also served as Cruise Director on the S.S. Hamonic on the Great Lakes for two years.
Upon graduation from Osgoode Hall, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Artillery, serving in various posts for three years. On discharge, Mac returned to Orillia to practice law for 16 years before receiving an appointment to the County Court Bench in 1962. For 20 years, he sat in Barrie, and the next ten years he was on circuit both in the County Court and the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. From 1965 to 1976, he served on the police commissions of Orillia, Barrie and Innisfil, seven of those years as Chairman. He retired from the bench in October 1992.
Mac was an active member of St. Paul's United Church for many of his younger years, serving on the Board of Stewards and as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He was very active in the Y.M. C.A., including its presidency and on the Board of Directors. The 'Y' played a very important part in Mac's life and he considered his participation enjoyable and great fun.
In the years 1948 to 1952, Mac lead the way in the development of the Orillia Community Centre. He was President of the local Progressive Conservative Association and the Riding of Simcoe East between the years 1949 to 1962. During his tenure on the bench, he was on the Executive of the County Court Association, serving as President for two years.
Mac was a member of Branch 34, Royal Canadian Legion from 1946 onwards and a life member of the Masonic Lodge. In 1959, he was appointed by City Council to be Coordinator of the forthcoming Royal Visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He was honoured by being named Citizen of the Year that same year. His mother, Nelle Carter, was Orillia's first Citizen of the Year in 1950.
He was an accomplished singer in his youth in St. Pauls' choir, the O. C.I. Glee Club, and at university in a variety of venues. He played beautiful piano by ear from the age of 7 throughout his life. Mac played piano, keyboard and electronic organ often for the notorious singsongs at the 'Y' every Monday night for 25 years and received an International Citation from the Y.M. C.A. Headquarters in Geneva for his contribution. He also played for his fraternity friends, his Orillia friends and for the judicial services in Toronto and across Canada. His wife Jerry would often be seen dancing to the joy of his music.
Mac was a member of the Intercollegiate Water Polo Champion at U. of T. in 1939 and was an excellent swimmer throughout most of his life. He curled and golfed in Orillia and played a role in the purchase by the members of Couchiching Golf and Country Club.
Mac always considered his life was truly blessed in so many ways by his caring and loving wife and family, precious friends and the citizens of Orillia. He was most proud of his wife's great talent as an artist and her loving companionship along with three generations of family.
During his later years, Mac's general good health had several setbacks but he always appreciated the warm support from others. A special mention from Mac and Jerry to Mardi and Chris McLaughlin and their two children, Madison and Caitlin whom they believed were part of their extended family. He was also most appreciative for those who kept in contact, for the new friends found throughout Orillia, Annie Wihlidal, Jack Reid and the staff at Champlain Manor as he declined in health.
His final request was to be cremated and have a private family celebration of life service. In memory of Mac, donations may be made to a charity of choice or the Canadian Cancer Society. He will be missed but always in our thoughts. Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.mundellfuneralhome.com