Obituary of John L. Carr

John L. Carr, of Calgary, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 4, 2006 after a lengthy illness at the age of 84 years. John was born in Edmonton, AB, grew up in Medicine Hat and migrated to Calgary after receiving his Master of Science in Geology from the University of Alberta in Edmonton. His early geological career took him from gold mines in Quebec to the Canol Project in Northern Canada to explorations and surveys of the Rocky Mountains on horseback. He parlayed his exploratory expertise into a successful career in the oil industry, from the beginnings of Home Oil through to the days of Dome Petroleum. His alter ego thrived in a different facet of the natural world – the pursuit of beetles throughout North America. Continuing the work of his father (Frederick S. Carr), this began as a hobby but grew into a vocation after retiring from the oil patch. He was sought after by professional, amateur and student entomologists for his insights and knowledge in the field. When no longer able to do the field or office work required to further his collection, it was donated to the Canadian National Collections of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes in Ottawa, ON. Fundamental to his philosophy of life was a desire to see an interest in science and nature carried through to the next generation. To further this desire the family requests that memorial tributes be made directly to the Canacoll Foundation (K.W. Neatby Building, 960 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6) or a nature, science, or education based charity of the donor’s choice. John is survived by Bert (nee Batty) his loving wife of fifty-seven years; two sons and daughters-in-law Richard and Bonnie, Doug and Margo (Glover); four grandchildren; his sister Mary Carr of Medicine Hat, AB; a legacy of Entomological knowledge based on the collecting and taxonomy of several hundred thousand beetles and many people either laughing or groaning over his puns. At the family’s request there will be no services held. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family wishes to thank the staff of Churchill House of Colonel Belcher Veterans Care Centre, and especially his long time caregiver Lindi Rempel for her spirited delivery of outstanding care, friendship and commitment over the past six years. In living memory of John Carr, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W., CALGARY. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.