Our beloved son, brother, father and friend, Joshua Marvin Carter, now rests with our Lord after a long, hard-fought battle with post-traumatic stress disorder. He passed away on March 26, 2009.
Josh was born Dec. 28, 1981, in RAF Lakenheath, England. Coming from a military family, he moved around frequently but spent the majority of his school years in North Pole, where he graduated from North Pole High School in 2000.
Soon after high school, Josh enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and proudly served two tours in Iraq.
Josh is survived by his parents John and Debra O'Brien; his daughter, Taylor; his brothers, Nick Sweet and Thomas, Ian and Michael O'Brien; aunts, Vickie Salyers and Julie Steger; and many cousins and friends.
Josh's time with us was far too short and we all will miss him dearly.
A memorial service will be hosted at 1 p.m., Friday, April 3, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, North Pole. All are welcome to attend.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by H.V.A.C INC.
Heather Zepp
May 23, 2025
Joshua I think of you everyday my friend. It´s about to be memorial weekend and not a day goes by that I do not think of you. I hang your picture in my home to honor you. I tell my children about you. I love you friend.
John Esada
July 24, 2013
Josh, You will be miss by all and myself daily of the memories. You were a fine gentleman, soldier and son. You are missed in my heart daily and wish only I had had more time to know you. God Bless you
Dave, jen, dave jr., brady
January 6, 2013
Still thinking of you often buddy, wish i could hear ya laugh. Miss ya tons
Justin Depew
September 12, 2009
Josh was one of my best friends while in the Marines. I'm sorry that things turned out the way that they did. He will be missed and will always remain in our hearts. Love you brother.
April 19, 2009
P-Semper Fi (2006):
Semper Fi, do or die
I have to wonder why
I do this living and dying,
But just to look and see
the eyes of a child found.
A man speaking plain and open,
expressing freedom of thought
of action, and of faith in
multitudes. Living in peace
and knowing safely and I
know why. I do and die.
I have just to know
of why I do and die
so that they at home
may thrive and wonder
when daddy is coming
home!
2006
(For Ed Donovan, my Uncle - Semper Fidelis)
Berenice M. Arellano
April 14, 2009
To the Family of Joshua M. Carter,
I first learned of the sad news from my brother, Ignacio "Nacho" Miranda, a few days ago. My brother served in the Marines along side Joshua and I know that Joshua's friendship meant a lot to him. I pray for Joshua and for your family and I also thank God for allowing Joshua and my little brother to meet. I ask that you too keep my brother and my family in your prayers. Rest in peace Joshua.
April 12, 2009
Josh, Uncle John will show you the ropes and have some great stories for you. We love and miss you.
Aunt Judi
Ginger & Delton Nannen
April 11, 2009
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Semper Fidelis
Kenneth Walton
April 3, 2009
O'Brien Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am sorry that we could not be at the service today, Linda and I had to work. Please send my condolences to all his surviving family and friends.
Breann Nelson
April 3, 2009
O'Brien Family,
I have so many happy memories of Josh, and I will keep those memories in my heart forever. Josh was a radiant light and his strength and joy touched everyone in his life. I always admired Josh for his confidence and fun-loving spirit, and he always made me laugh. I am so sorry that I could not be at the service today; but I send my love, thoughts, and prayers.
Sincerely,
Breann Nelson
NPHS 2000
Heath Martin
April 2, 2009
Rest in Peace Josh, and may your family take comfort in knowing that those lucky enough to cross paths with you will keep your legacy alive in there hearts and minds... As a teammate you were not only valuable for your contributions on the field, but for your comedic relief at practice (spandex and wind chill:) nuff said... keep things lighthearted in heaven and know that your missed down here.
Todd Krieg
April 2, 2009
O'Brien Family,
I was truly saddened at the news of Josh's passing. He had a unique combination of work ethic and humor that would leave one in admiration. He is remembered in many fond memories. I send my condolences to all his surviving family and friends.
---Todd
NPHS 2001
John & Genia Duhamel
April 2, 2009
O'Brien Family,
May you find peace and comfort to get through this tragedy that has been placed upon you. We will keep you and all of our "Military Comrades" in our prayers.
Scott Albright
April 1, 2009
I'm glad you had my back in Iraq. Now keep an eye on me from up there. Rest in peace.
Coach Armstrong
April 1, 2009
Josh, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I will always be proud of you and your accomplishments as a student, athlete, soldier, and and all around good human being. I am honored to have been part of your all too brief time here. May you, and your family find peace.
Jileen Backes
April 1, 2009
Joshua,
Your life was cut too short, there are so many things to say, but its too late to get the message across. We all miss you terribly, you will forever be in Kinnley and my heart. From the moment I met you I knew you were a strong, loyal compassionate man. You are at peace now Josh. The lord will take care of you and I only wish that you do the same for all of your commrades who are suffering the same way you had. Watch over them and offer them the same guidance and love you've shown to so many people.
To all- remember the good times you had with Joshua, don't dwell on the pain. I know this tragedy has really put life into perspective for me- say I love you to the ones you care about and don't be scared to call an old friend you haven't spoken to in a while. Words are lasting and god is forgiving.
Eric Roach
March 31, 2009
Josh,
You are already missed by everyone who was lucky enough to have ever met you. You have been one of our closest and best friends. We hope you have found peace and happiness. We love you Josh.
Eric, Kristi and Jameson
Heather Slovernick
March 31, 2009
Josh, we love and miss you deeply i hope you've found peace. All our love The Fidel/Slovernick Family
melinda sowers
March 31, 2009
My heart goes out to your family Josh,
With a son in the miltary ,I just pray
You Josh are looking out over all your
buddies still fighting for what we all
believe in.
Annette Gruben
March 31, 2009
Josh, you will be missed by all your friends at H.V.A.C. INC, you will forever have a place in our hearts. You are in a better place now. God Bless!
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