Clayton Carroll

CARROLL, Clayton Robert
April 28, 1920 - August 28, 2011
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and brother, Clayton Robert Carroll, who passed away peacefully at his home early Sunday morning, August 28, 2011, at the age of 91 years. Clayton was born on the family farm at Nevis, Alberta, April 28, 1920. He moved with his family to Calgary in 1935. Upon graduation from Central High School, Clayton enrolled at The Alberta School of Technology (now SAIT Polytechnic), and graduated in Automotives in 1940. Growing up in rural Alberta during the Depression, Clayton believed that by taking a trade, he would always have employable skills. Following his graduation from SAIT, Clayton was to have entered the Canadian Navy but was encouraged to report to the Munitions plant at Ogden. He soon became foreman for the building of naval guns for the Canadian Armed Forces during the Second World War. One of these is still on display in the Museum of the Regiments in Calgary. Following the war he resumed his automotive career first as Service Manager at Hammill Motors, and then moved to White Motor Company of Canada as Western Canada Sales Manager for five years. In 1953 Clayton and James F. Burns Sr. created Pioneer Paving Ltd. Pioneer built "everything from driveways to freeways". During this time Clayton and the Burn's family mined local gravel holdings for their road projects. He also served as a director of the Alberta Road Builders Association. In 1964 Clayton began his entry into the cattle breeding industry by purchasing a small farm near White Rock, B.C., starting with Charolais cattle. In 1977 he realized a boyhood dream of owning a working ranch with the purchase of Carroll Canyon Ranch on Highwood River south of Longview, Alberta where he bred and raised Red Angus cattle. The ranch was truly Clayton's pride and joy. He spent as much time as possible there following the sale of Pioneer Paving in 1978. Throughout his life, Clayton had interest in a variety of business projects as he always liked a challenge. Most notable of these was his part in forming Norse Explorations Ltd. With oil well drilling ventures in Alberta and Oklahoma, as well as other business ventures in Canada and the United States. Clayton has been a member of the Rotary Club of Calgary South since 1957. He had served as a Club Director, on numerous committees and as President in 1973-1974. Rotary's Four Way Test played a large part of Clayton's life. He was a supporter of many charities and endeavours of several Calgary activities such as the CPO, Heritage Park, the Calgary Stampeder Football Club where he was a season ticket holder since their first games at Mewata Stadium in 1947. At Pioneer Paving he assured the football club that he would have the entry roads and parking lot paved in time for the opening of McMahon Stadium in 1960. With his gift to the SAIT Automotive building in 2000, it was only through urging by SAIT the building be named The Clayton Carroll Automotive Centre. His scholarship awards to graduating automotive students will continue for many years. Clayton was a very unassuming man, and was never one to seek accolades of any kind, nevertheless these awards were bestowed on him.
2003 - Rotary International's highest honor "Service Above Self" award
2005 - Distinguished Alumnus award by SAIT Polytechnic
2005 - The Lieutenant Governor's Medal to Albertans who had demonstrated contribution to their fellow citizens, to their community, to Alberta
2005 - Voted one of the 50 Greatest Albertans by Venture Magazine
2008 - Was made Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology by SAIT Polytechnic in recognition of his significant contribution to the automotive sector, extraordinary achievement in industry, distinction in public service and outstanding contributions to SAIT Polytechnic.
Clayton said he never intended to retire, but both he and Norma had many good times at their snowbird home in Phoenix, frequent winter stays in Maui, world-wide travels to Rotary International Conventions, cruises with family and friends, motor travelling throughout Canada and the United States and many West Coast outings on their much loved boat "The Mayfair". He loved going out for dinner, a game of bridge or cribbage anytime. Clayton is survived by his loving wife of forty-one years, Norma; sister Fern Sawyer of Calgary; stepson Norman Asmundson (Elaine); stepdaughter Marilyn Hogan (Patrick); grandchildren Ryan Asmundson (Carla); Keri Zoppi (Rob); Craig Hogan (Sandy); Blair Hogan, six great-grandchildren Parker Asmundson, Tyler and Madison Zoppi, Suzie, Austen and Willem Hogan, and numerous nieces and nephews. Clayton was predeceased by his parents Abe and Ella Carroll, first wife Marjorie (Duckworth), sister Irene Cunningham, brother Alan Carroll, adopted daughter Dorothy Carroll Hagerman (Norma's daughter). Clayton Carroll was a caring, humble man, a true gentleman, loving husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be sorely missed by his family and by all those who knew him. Funeral Services will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church, 1009 - 15 Avenue S.W., today, September 7, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com . Memorial tributes may be made directly to The Rotary Club of Calgary South Foundation, L103C, 9705 Horton Road S.W., Calgary, AB, T2V 2X5 (Telephone 403-244-9788), or Clayton Carroll Scholarship Fund at SAIT Polytechnic, 1301 - 16 Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB, T2M 0L4 (Telephone 403-284-7248) or to a charity of choice. In living memory of Clayton Carroll, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.