STANLEY WILLIAM CARTER (NICK)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

STANLEY WILLIAM (NICK) CARTER It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of Stanley William (Nick) Carter on December 4, 2018 at Saint Boniface Hospital. Stan was predeceased by his beloved wife, Joan and his eldest daughter Leslie McCall (John). He is survived by his children, Keith (Eileen) Sandra, Jean (Rick) and Elaine (Bill), his grandchildren, Megan (Steve), Lindsay (Petra), Robert (Leah), Sarah (Kevin), Jennifer (Rich), John, Laurey, Kristen (Sean) and Katie (Robin), Christopher and Haley, and his great-grandchildren, Carter, Jack, Lauren and Alice. Stan was born and educated in North West London, England, the youngest of five children. In 1937 at the age of 17, he joined the R.A.F. After several years in several different areas of aircraft maintenance, he became a member of a Lancaster bombing command crew and flew as a flight engineer. Through the winter of 1943 to 1944, his crew completed 33 sorties over Germany and France. An excerpt from the London Gazette of June 4, 1944 reads as follows, "Pilot Officer Carter has participated in many successful sorties as a flight engineer, against a wide range of targets. On numerous occasions by the skillful endeavours of this officer, the aircraft has safely returned to base. His zeal and untiring energy have been a splendid example to other members of his section and he has proved of great assistance to his captain." On the night of May 3, 1944, 346 Lancasters and 14 Mosquitoes left their base in England to attack Mailly-Le-Camp. The raid was considered to be a success. However, it did not reflect the loss of 250 English aircrew. Stan was nominated by the French Government to the rank of Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour. In June, 1944, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by King George VI. While on leave in 1940, Stan met his sweetheart Joan at a dance. Stan and Joan were married on June 9, 1945. Two years later they arrived in Canada and settled in Winnipeg where they raised their family. Stan began his work in the insurance business working for Manufacturers Life and later joined Standard Life where he remained for the rest of his career. He loved his work. His optimism and ability to connect with all people ensured a large and loyal clientele. Dad was a dedicated family man. He was the thread that bound us all together. Well known for maintaining connections with people, Dad was always sending cards to relatives and buddies from the war. All of his children and grandchildren enjoyed a loving connection with him. He was sincerely interested in keeping up with the lives of each one on a daily basis. It was his great pleasure to drive his children and grandchildren wherever and whenever they wished. Nothing was too much trouble for him. The first call on anyone's birthday was Dad singing a delightful rendition of Happy Birthday, often followed by an early-morning delivery of fresh cinnamon buns. Dad had a great sense of humour, a very gentle loving nature, and he loved music and dance. Right from the time the grandchildren were born, he relished the opportunity to dance cheek to cheek with each baby. His love of music sustained him in good times and in bad. Each summer, Joan and Stan worked as a team to create a beautiful garden. The "California Room", filled with memorabilia from their winter trips to Coronado, overlooked this lovely space. A family visit with Mom and Dad meant a good cup of tea, a plate of biscuits and a long chat. This unwavering kindness and hospitality continued after Mom's passing. We were always warmly received. Dad was an athlete. From the time he was a small child, his love of soccer and his skill were such that he was chosen to play on elite teams including numerous R.A.F. teams. He had been contacted by several professional teams and been invited to play. Much to the disappointment of his mother, he chose to join the service. He had two speeds, full speed or asleep. He was on the move, physically active and fit, right to the end. At the age of 98, he proudly demonstrated that he could touch his toes and do leg lifts. Dad was a gentlemen and looked for opportunities to help others in their daily lives. In simpler times on bitter cold days, it was not unusual for him to pick up strangers at the bus stop and drive them in the "Stanley Steamer" to their destination. Dad was aware of how fortunate he was. Brushes with death made him cherish the gift of life. He carried that glass-half-full attitude throughout his life. In his memoir of the war years, the last paragraph reads, "putting these thoughts on paper has once again brought to mind the days of the past, a mixture of exciting days, happy times and times of sadness. Fortunately, the good times exceeded the bad, and I am confident that this is how it will be for all of us throughout the future. We should count our blessings, for we have indeed been very fortunate." In his final weeks of life, he would cheerfully sing, Keep right on to the end of the road Keep right on to the end Though the way be long Let your heart be strong Keep right on round the bend If you're tired and weary, still journey on Til you come to your happy abode Where all you love and you're dreaming of Will be there at the end of the road. - Sir Harry Lauder We'll miss you Dad. You're a Champ, the best father a son or daughter could have. We wish to thank Dad's many friends in Fort Garry and at the Canoe Club Senior Living who all enriched his life. Particular thanks to Dwayne King, his devoted Salisbury breakfast buddy. You were terrific. In lieu of flowers, simple acts of kindness would best honour Dad's memory. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 08, 2018