WILLIAM GARY CARTER

May 7, 1938 -
April 6, 2018

On May 7, 1938, the Carter family welcomed into their fold, William Gary 'Bill' Carter. He was the fourth born child, but the first to survive. Born to Edmund Wilfred Carter and Julia Sophie (Hovan) Carter in Hillcrest, Alberta, Canada.

Bill attended school in Hillcrest and in 1952, his family moved to Marysville, British Columbia. Bill graduated from P. J. McKim High School in 1956 and went to work for the Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company in the Sullivan Mine followed by Power Line Maintenance for a period of six years.

On April 4, 1959, Bill was united in marriage to Donna Marie (Conroy) Carter. They made their home in Marysville, B.C. until 1965 when they and their two children, Sharie and David, immigrated to the United States.

Bill joined the IBEW and served his apprenticeship as a power lineman. He was a member of the IBEW Local 77 from 1966. His employment took him to California, Alaska, Nevada, British Columbia, Washington and Oregon working power line construction.

In 1984, Bill became the Business Representative for the IBEW Local 77 in Seattle in charge of the construction unit for the State of Washington. During his tenure there, he was instrumental in establishing the apprenticeship program approved by the State of Washington for Tree Trimmers.

Bill was a long time Unionist and supporter of Organized Labor and the Collective Bargaining Process, but officially retired from IBEW in 1997.

For several years, Bill spent many pleasant hours cultivating dahlias and displaying them in local Dahlia Shows. He was instrumental in establishing the Skagit Valley Dahlia Society.

Bill and Donna enjoyed many years of travel during retirement including trips to Hawaii, Ireland, Scotland, England, Alaska, Costa Rica, the Continental United States and Canada. They became snowbirds in 2000 and spent winters in Southern Arizona for fourteen years.

Bill was a friend of Bill W. for 44 years during which time had the great pleasure of meeting many wonderful people.

Bill is survived by Donna, wife of 59 years; daughter, Sharie and husband, Paul Provinsal; son, David Carter and wife, Anne; Grandchildren, Jordan & Kaitlyn Provinsal; Garrison & Megan Carter; and Great-Granddaughters, Audri & Peighton Provinsal.

He is also survived by brothers, Robert & Irene Carter, Jerry & Bonnie Carter, Edmund & Eileen Carter; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill's family brought him much joy. He was proud of their achievements and the wonderful adults they have become. He always enjoyed telling stories of the "Good Old Days" and answering many questions of his childhood.

Bill passed away on April 6, 2018 at Skagit Valley Hospital with family at his side. Bill was a longtime member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sedro-Woolley.

A memorial Service will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 1:00 PM Pastor Eric Wangen-Hoch officiating.

Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or to Hope Heart Institute, P. O. Box 3906, Bellevue, WA 98009.

Share memories of Bill and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com.
Lemley Chapel