The family of John “Jack” William Carter wishes to announce his passing on Friday, August 7, 2020. Jack was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Jack was born on June 25, 1929 in Athabasca, AB to Greta Devlin and Charles Carter. He had three sisters: Ethel, Lillian and Ruth. In 1950, Jack moved north to McLennan, AB to take a job at a power plant. That same year, Jack married Ruth McKelvey, and she joined him in McLennan. August 13, 2020 would have been their 70^th wedding anniversary. Jack, Ruth and baby Charles relocated to Valleyview, AB in 1956. There, Jack worked for Alberta Power and got a homestead on the old High Prairie Road. He then bought the farm south of Valleyview a few years later. He retired from Alberta Power, and moved to the farm in 1977. It was on the farm that he was the happiest, as he was able to indulge in his love for animals by raising cattle and horses, and always having cats and dogs in the farmyard.

In the late 1970’s, Jack and Ruth began travelling to Arizona with friends and family. It was on these winter holidays that he took up golfing which was the perfect sport for his sociable nature. In 2002, they moved into Heritage Estates in Grande Prairie. Jack joined the DeBolt Golf Club and developed many new friendships there. He was still out on the golf course, until the ripe old age of 88. In 2018, Jack and Ruth moved to Lakeview Lodge in Clairmont.  In June, Jack was moved to Prairie Lake Hospice where he spent his final days.

Even greater than Jack’s love for animals, was his love for children. He was an incredible grandfather and deeply loved by his grandchildren. All of his grandchildren have fond memories of the good times they spent with their grandparents at the farm, riding horses, going to the river and just enjoying the special love and attention that their grandparents gave to each and every one of them.

Jack is survived by his loving wife Ruth; children: Charles (Jean), Rod, Judy (Fred), Shelley, and Coral (Lyn); 12 grandchildren; and 16 great- grandchildren. He is also survived by his closest cousins: the Ryan family, Judy Edwards, Gerald (Dorothy) and Melvin (Judy). Although we are sad to say goodbye, Dad lived for 91 good years.

Dad’s favourite poem was “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost. The sentiment expressed in the poem is that of the calm, still beauty of a snowy, deep winter’s night experienced while travelling by horse and sleigh. “The only other sounds, the sweep, of easy wind and downy flake. The woods are lovely dark and deep. But I have promises to keep. And miles to go before I sleep.” We wish our father to have the everlasting serenity expressed in that poem. Your journey is over, and it is now your time to rest. You will be forever in our hearts.

At Jack’s request, there will be a private interment.

Zane, a dog Jack dearly loved, came into our family through the Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS). If you wish to make a donation in Jack’s memory, please send it to SCARS (Box 3045, Athabasca, AB, T9S 2B9).

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.oliversfuneralhome.com

• Date : 2020-08-07
• Location : Clairmont, Alberta

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