CARTER, Gerald Arthur
April 21, 1925 – May 6, 2010
Gerald passed away early in the morning of May 6th, 2010 in the Palliative Care Unit of Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Gerald was predeceased by his parents, Edith and Gerald Carter, his daughter Terry, and wife Ruth. He is survived by wife Phyllis, sons Gordon (Wendy), Bill (Kim), David (Linda), sister Brenda Cranston, grandchildren Brad, Sarah, Darnell, Alexia, Michael, Jesse, Teya, and Trevor, great-grandchildren Nathan, Ryan, Carter, Sadie, Berlin and nieces Maureen and Sheila.
Gerald was born in Chilliwack and grew up in Rosedale, BC on the family farm. At age 17 he joined the Navy and served in the North Atlantic on convoy duty until the end of the war. Upon his return home he met and then married Ruth Pinkney and they settled in White Rock where they began to raise their family. Gerald had a long career as a lineman and was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for more than 60 years.
The family moved to Lantzville in 1966 and Gerald retired from BC Hydro in 1984. He enjoyed his retired years spending time fishing and being a snowbird in Arizona. Later, Gerald and Ruth moved to the Comox Valley. Ruth’s health declined and she died in 2000. Gerald eventually found his joy and purpose in life again, marrying Phyllis in 2002. While his health allowed, Gerald and Phyllis enjoyed traveling in their motor home.
Gerald was well loved by his family, extended family and friends. He was a man of character who worked hard throughout his life and always displayed courtesy, compassion, and courage. He was the recipient of the Royal Life Saving Society award in 1973.
Gerald’s family would like to thank the staff at the Palliative Care Unit at NRGH for their wonderful care of Gerald and the family. There will be a Memorial Service on Saturday, May 15th at 2:00 PM at Yates Funeral Chapel, 1000 Allsbrook Rd, Parksville, BC.
Donations in Gerald’s memory may be made to the Pediatrics Department: St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, 2137 Comox Ave, Comox, BC. V9M 1P2.
Yates Funeral Service & Crematorium (1-877-264-3848) in care of arrangements.