Robert Carter

Robert Joseph Victor Carter

Peacefully at the Notre Dame De Lourdes Hospital on Wednesday January 13, 2010, Robert Carter of St. Claude, Manitoba passed away at the age of 82 years.

He leaves to mourn his passing five children: Brian (Ingrid) of Yellowknife NWT, Norman (Roseline Gobin) of St. Claude, Manitoba,  Jo-ann Proulx (Claude) of St. Albert,  Ab.  Donna Martin (Bruce) and Terry Cormier (Desmond)  both of Winnipeg, One son in law Larry Wellman of Winnipeg, 16 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

Robert was predeceased by his beloved wife Cecilia (nee Chartrand) in October 2007 and  by one daughter Marlene Wellman in May 2008. Robert was also predeceased by his father Victor Eloy in November 1962, his mother Flora Carter in February 1982, his brother Rene Carter in  December 1985 and his half brother Joseph Boley  in February 1933.  Robert also had a half sister whom he had never met, Marie Therese Carter who was born  in 1919 and  adopted by another family.

Robert was born in Nippissing (North Bay), Ontario on August 1, 1927 to Joseph Victor Eloy and Marie Clarina Flora Carter (nee Theroux).  As a child, Robert lived in North Bay Ontario until 1931 when he moved with his mother and brother Rene to Winnipeg.  In 1932 for a short period of time, Robert and his brother resided at St. Joseph’s orphanage. It was here that the French speaking Robert first learned to speak English.  In 1932, Robert’s half brother Joseph Boley was born.  In 1933 Robert, his brothers Rene , Joseph and his mother boarded a train to reside in Brandon, Manitoba. On February 25, 1933, tragically Joseph  died and was buried  in the Brandon Municipal Cemetery. Within months the family relocated to Yorkton, Sask.  In 1939, Robert’s brother Rene joined the war effort and  they did not see each other again for many years.  In  December 1942 Robert returned on his own to North Bay Ontario to reside with his father and finish school.  Robert returned to Winnipeg in 1944 and worked at various jobs until he joined  the Hudson Bay Company in 1946 to work at the  store and trading post in York Factory where he learned to speak the Cree language. Robert had many exciting adventures in the North including a chance meeting with well known writer Farley Mowatt.  Robert served with the Hudson Bay Company in various communities in and around Churchill before returning to Winnipeg in 1949 where he advertised in the newspaper for a wife and met Cecilia who was to be his life long companion for almost 60 years until her death in 2007. On June 25, 1949, Robert and Cecilia were married in Winnipeg where they settled and raised six children.  Robert trained as an accountant and worked for several businesses later opening his own Accounting Firm. Robert finished his career at the St. Amant Centre as the Office manager and retired in 1989 due to heath reasons. After Cecilia was  admitted to the Kildonan Personal Care home in January 2005, Robert resided with his son Norman and daughter-in Law Roseline for two years due to ill health.  Robert  later regained his strength and moved into the Donwood Manor and visited each and every day with Cecilia until she passed away on October 15, 2007. After the death of his daughter Marlene in May 2008, Robert  relocated to Yellowknife NWT, to reside with his son Brian and daughter in Law Ingrid. Robert thoroughly enjoyed the north country but returned to Manitoba in July 2009 and took up residence in St. Claude, Manitoba to be closer to family. It was in the quiet confines of St. Claude that Robert wanted pursue his dream of completing a family history and of writing his own autobiography. Robert had a great mind and a wonderful  memory and was able to recall names, places, events and dates with ease.

Unfortunately  on August 25, 2009, Robert  fell ill and due to deteriorating health and was unable to complete his dream.  Rest assured Dad that dream is not lost in us. Your work here is done and you are now with mom and Marlene in heaven.

Funeral Services  will be held in the St. Claude Roman Catholic Church, St. Claude, Manitoba on Monday January 18, 2010. Prayers, eulogy and video tribute at 1:30 p.m. followed by Funeral Mass at 2 p.m. with Father Marcel Carriere and Deacon Brian Carter officiating.  Cremation to follow with a private family interment at a later date.

In Lieu of  flowers, memorial donations may be made in his honour to the St. Claude Wellness Centre or to the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Fikry, Dr. Mohamed and the staff at the St. Claude Health Centre and Notre Dame Hospital for their care and compassion.

Adams Funeral Home  of Notre Dame De Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements.  Phone 248-2201 or 1-888-400-2326.  www.afh.ca

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