David Marshall CARTER

CARTER, David Marshall
David M Carter passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at the age of 87, after a brief hospitalization at Lions Gate hospital. David was born in Montreal on September 12, 1927 and moved to British Columbia with his parents Neal and Peggy in 1928. David's childhood was full of family adventure as he and his younger brother Bruce explored the outdoors with their active and outgoing parents. The family lived in Departure Bay and then Prince Rupert before returning to Vancouver where David attended U.B.C to study electrical engineering. When David's sister Lou arrived when he was 16, she quickly became a very special part of his life – a closeness that continued to the end. David married the love of his life, Susan Joyce Ewart, on December 7, 1951 in Vancouver. Joyce and David shared a rare and special form of love: they were always happiest when together, walking hand-in-hand and sharing the same dreams. The first decade of their marriage was incredibly busy and productive: their four children, Kathie, Ann, Reid and Neal, were born within just over four years while David worked long hours launching his career with B.C. Tel (Telus). During these early years, working with his "Susie", he also built and renovated several houses while still finding time to develop a large social network, especially through their participation in the Kinsmen Service Club. David went on to have a very successful career in increasingly senior roles with B.C. Tel including his final role as General Operations Director where he was affectionately referred to as GOD. He retired in 1985 to a satisfying and varied second career of international consulting and travel. David and Joyce were uniquely committed parents ensuring their four children developed an understanding of the beauty and complexity of the world through broad exposure to activities including community sports, the West Van Band, outdoor camps and travel. There were frequent visits with family in the Okanagan with the annual highlight being the Thanksgiving Apple Bash – a tradition that continues to this day. David's commitment to family continued into later life as he and Joyce became favourite grandparents who were always keen and available to their growing extended family. David was a humble, gentle and humorous leader who could always be counted on to do the right thing. A patient and infinitely available father, a lifelong learner and selfless volunteer for organizations such as Kinsmen Mother's March, the GF Strong Centre, British Columbia Schizophrenia Society and Kiwanis. David was a talented woodworker and highly capable hobbyist tradesman who was always happiest when engaged in a project, showing quiet pride in his many accomplishments. David loved to travel and experience life with Joyce whether by sailboat, canoe, ship, car or foot. Over the years they explored an impressive variety of cultures and geographies through foreign travel as well as their annual canoe trips to remote Canadian or African rivers and B.C. coastlines, with close friends Charlie, Peter and Sheila having a special place in their constant activities. David is survived by Joyce, his wife of 63 years, his loving daughters Kathie Vander Helm (Peter) and Ann [Carter/McMahen] (Ivor) and two sons, Reid (Laura) and Neal (Louisa), thirteen grandchildren (Neal, Quinn, Bryce, Cole, Marshall, Paul, Joel, David, Katie, Erica, Christopher, Monica and Jordan), one great- grandchild (Blake), brother Bruce and sister Lou and many loving nieces, nephews, children-in-law and friends. David lived a life of honour, service and compassion, confident that the love he shared with his family and friends created a very special and secure place for those who knew him. He was very much loved, will be badly missed and lovingly remembered. The family is planning a celebration of Life for David on June 7, 2015. Friends and family should contact Kathie (604) 556-4601 or Reid (604) 505-4729 for further details. In lieu of flowers, donations in David's memory can be made to the West Vancouver chapter of Kiwanis.