Obituary of Kerry Louise Carver

July 2, 1974 – Carlisle, England

October 12, 2024 – Big Horn Falls, Alberta

 

Kerry Carver of Carlisle, England, who resided in Lacombe County, AB, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the age of 50 years.

 

Kerry was born and raised in Carlisle, England. She spent her early adult years travelling around stables throughout the United Kingdom, before embarking on a new life in Canada.

 

It's here she finally started to live her dream. Kerry loved the life she led, and all those in it.

 

Her lifelong passion for horses was faultless, and she saved many souls along the way, both human and horse.

 

In her own words, "I've spent most of my life riding horses; the rest I've just wasted."

 

She died doing what she loved. 

 

Daughter to Colin and Liz, sister to Nicola and Kristi, and auntie to Indi. Niece, cousin, and a friend to so, so many.

 

We love you, Kerry xxx.

 

A Memorial Service will be held at Horse In Hand Ranch (39506 RR.273, Lacombe County, AB) on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., with Marg Grandfield as Master of Ceremonies ‘MC’. A light lunch to follow.

 

Please bring your camping chairs and contact Marg if you would like to have anything read on your behalf at mgrandfield@gmail.com.

 

Eulogy:

 

Kerry was born in Carlisle, England, and spent her early years growing up in a small village surrounded by animals. She started riding horses at the age of four. 

 

From there on in, her lifelong passion had begun.

 

There were many horses throughout her childhood that she shared with her family - Diamond, Tinkerbell, Major, Toby-Joe, Star, Trina and then Kerry’s very own boy – Niblo. She adored them all and was encouraged every step of the way by her Beloved Granda.  

 

Other animals in Kerry’s childhood were Lucy Lollipop the Pig, Annie Struggle the Sheep, Waddles the Duck, and, of course, her dogs.

Pet dogs and Hound Trailing dogs, there were always dogs around.

 

Mandy, Albert, Dylan, Shelley, Bobby, Beethoven, and then, more recently, her Beloved Bob, followed by Ferg, who she adored.

 

She left school and home at sixteen and embarked on her career with Horses.

 

Horses truly were her life. Her career as a gifted Horsewoman spanning 34 years, her knowledge unmatched.

 

The connection and bond Kerry could form with a Horse was, and still is, amazing and awe-inspiring.

 

Kerry travelled all over the UK, working at numerous Stables, and she never waived from her chosen career once.

 

She was forever chasing and living her dreams. Canada had always been one of those dreams.

 

She moved to Canada in 2003, and after a good few years battling it out with Visa requirements, she finally because a Canadian Citizen.

 

Throughout this time, she was, again, committed to working with horses, and in Canada, Kerry found true Kinship with a lot of like-minded souls.

 

She developed some beautiful friendships, and became so close to some, she would call them her Canadian family.

 

In 2008, Kerry became involved with Noble Riders 4H, and it seemed she really felt she had found her purpose.

 

Continuing to work with horses, but also working with youngsters, and helping them achieve their goals, building their characters up, and supporting them every step of the way.

 

In 2018, Kerry faced her toughest challenge to date after an accident in the arena left her with a Fractured Skull, a Broken Eye Socket, and a Brain Injury.

 

Months of rehabilitation followed, but Kerry would say the hardest part was not being with her horses and dogs. 

 

After five long months in Calgary, she finally returned to Innisfail.

 

Kerry continued her rehabilitation with one goal in sight, to get back in the saddle.

 

Amazingly, just seven months after the accident, she achieved this on her one and only, Dave.

 

Kerry returned to work soon after, finally settling at Horse in Hand Ranch. This was where she felt most at home. She genuinely loved her work here, loved her employers, her co-workers, and boarders. Literally everything. She would light up when talking about Horse in Hand Ranch. 

 

Throughout her time in Canada, Kerry's most favourite place was Ya Ha Tinda.

 

She would take trips there as often as she could. She really was at home there.

 

Kerry lived, loved, and died in her favourite place on Earth.

 

Her spirit will long live on in the hearts of all those she loved and forever in the Sunrise and Sunsets of Ya Ha Tinda.

 

Memorial donations may be made to the benevolent fund set up to offset any expenses incurred.

 

Any remaining funds will be donated from the family directly to the Innisfail 4-H Noble Riders program.

 

Please contact Darren directly for more information or to donate at 403-550-3440.

 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Kerry’s family here.