Derek Carter
1934 – 2022
As in life so in death, Derek played true to the fine theatrical actor he was in life. Derek passed so peacefully away in his home in his favourite chair as he was napping on Wednesday, April 20, 2022. He was in his 88th year. My dear neighbour Tim and I sat with him at his side. Doctor Karin was planning to visit that very day and all my dear neighbours just stayed for the grandest Wake a person can imagine. We did send him off in style, did we not, all my dear friends?
Derek wrote his own obituary. Not surprising. The following is in his own words: Derek was born and raised in London, England. He first came to Canada in 1952 as an RAF Student Navigator under the NATO Training Plan. He returned to Canada in 1957 to work at the Full Scale Test Establishment of Orenda Engines Ltd., at Nobel, Ontario. After the cancellation of the ‘Arrow’ aircraft program in 1959 he moved to the Flight Research Laboratory (now ‘Section’) of the National Research Council in Ottawa. There he headed the Computation and Analysis Group, retiring from the Section in 1990.
Throughout the 1960’s Derek was an active member of the Ottawa arts scene performing with, among others, Lakeside Theatre Productions, Orpheus, Ottawa Little Theatre and CBC Radio. [He did win recognition at the Dominion Drama Festival as the best actor in the region. I told him I would add some pazazz!] He was also an active sportsman playing badminton, squash, soccer and tennis, as well as skiing. After retirement he took up curling and golf, and also participated in the Ontario Senior Games reaching the Provincial Finals in swimming. Also, after his retirement and for much of the 1990’s, Derek served on the Executive of the Kemptville Royal Canadian Legion, Br.#212.
After 40 years in the Ottawa and Kemptville area he moved to Meaford, Ontario with his long-time companion, Sue. Derek is survived by his companion Sue Herring, daughter Helen (Phil) Crowther and grandsons Aron of England, Jason of South Africa and by daughter Jane and grandchildren Joe and Frances.
A celebration of Derek’s life will be held in Meaford and Kemptville at a time and place yet to be announced. It is his wish that “in memoriam” donations be made to the VON in your community. Online condolences may be made at www.greybrucecremation.com.