In Memoriam: Brian Carleton
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Brian Carleton on May 2nd. Brian was a familiar face at the Mission and at the church where he sang in the choir for many years. The following obituary that ran in the Gazette is a beautiful tribute to Brian by his sons.
CARLETON, Brian
February 22, 1936 - May 2, 2021
It is with heavy hearts that we announce today the passing of our dad, Brian Carleton. He left us on Sunday, May 2, 2021. His passing is not due to Covid, but simply to him deciding that it was his time to go. He was 85.
Brian was born in the city he loved the most, Montreal, on February 22, 1936. After surviving a difficult childhood, he broke out on this own, joining the Canadian navy before settling into a career in the printing industry. He married and had 3 sons, and, when this marriage ended he went on to meet and marry the love of his life, Colleen. His Irish rose. This marriage lasted until her death, and he carried her in his heart until the day he died.
Our father was a bon vivant in the best sense of those words. He loved all sports from watching to participating and coaching. His favorites were hockey (and his beloved Canadiens), golf, soccer, darts and essentially anything that was competitive. He sang in barbershop quartets, in choruses, he enjoyed travel but most of all he loved people. He squeezed every drop out of life. He was also a regular church goer with a deep faith in God.
We would like to thank our brother Craig for his devotion and in taking on the responsibility of caring for our father in his final years. They were a team. We would also like to thank the staff, doctors and nurses at Manoir Verdun, in particular our father's nurse Nathalie. You are all heroes.
He is survived by his sons, Craig, Jason (Julie) and Eric (Marie Eve and Chase) to whom he always gave understanding, love and compassion. He is also survived by his 3 grandchildren, Dana, Kyra (Michael) and Liam all of whom he loved with all of his heart.
Lastly, sometimes, at the end of our lives, we are stuck in bodies that just won't work any longer. We must remember, for our loved ones, that we know in our hearts that the mind is still there with all of its memories, feelings and passion, waiting for the day to be set free again. Well Dad, you are free now. Free to be with Colleen and all of the other loved ones you know. Now, you can go back to what you do best - laughing, loving and having fun. You will be missed, but we know you are in the best place of all. Heaven.
We love you.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Accueil - Fondation Champlain et Manoir-de-Verdun. Champlain-manoir.org
Published on May 8, 2021
