On Friday, February 5, 2010, at the age of 58 years, John Joseph Carroll of Thunder Bay, Ontario passed away suddenly with his wife, Joanne, by his side at the end of a vacation in Cuba.
John was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1952 and lived most of his childhood years in Hillsport, Ontario. When about nine years of age, he moved to his family’s farm in Pinewood, Ontario and later attended Rainy River High School. He graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts degree with A+ Standing, majoring in Psychology. He was employed with Cargill Grain Limited in Thunder Bay from 1979 until present, as a production supervisor, even though illness kept him at home, but stable, for the past nine years.
He attended St. Agnes, St. Anne and St. Patrick (Emo) Roman Catholic Churches. His faith was important to him and rarely missed Sunday Mass. Dysmas was his favourite saint. John loved his family tremendously and was loyal to and protective of them. He asked for so little but gave generously from his heart to his family. He had a keen interest in politics, especially at the national level, and served on the Board of Directors of CPC Thunder Bay-Rainy River.
John spent years in prayer and work for the pro-life movement, both locally and nationally. We cherish his love for unborn children. He chose St. Francis as his Confirmation name in respect for animals and creation. While very young, he was well-known for his kindness to animals, shown more recently by volunteering at the Thunder Bay Humane Society, by feeding the wild deer in his yard and by visiting wild bears at the wildlife sanctuary north of Emo, Ontario. At times, even wild animals did not show fear around him, for they sensed he was unafraid.
John is survived by his devoted wife of 26 years, Joanne, his only and precious daughter Marya Carroll, his mother Rebecca Carroll, siblings: Robert (Anita) Carroll, Margaret Bananish, Cathy Carroll, Ed (Nancy) Carroll, Beverly Carroll, sister-in-law Mary (Syd) Curtis, and brother-in-law Harold (Susan) Norlund, along with nieces and nephews: Robin (Chris) Bowles, Allison Carroll, Erin Carroll-Doerpinghaus, Michael Salatino, Michelle (Stuart) Miller, Edison (Magda) McLean, Rebecca (Jo) Anisimowicz, Daniel Carroll, Heather Carroll, Amanda Carroll, Stacey (Josue) Williams Menjivar, Ward (Lori) Williams, Dan (Isabel) Curtis, Janene Curtis, Bob (Amanda) Curtis, Dawn (Marty) Locker, Garry Curtis, Kelsey Norlund, Andrea Norlund, and Margaret Norlund. He is survived by an aunt, Anne Lowenberger, in Saskatchewan, two uncles, Bob Ramsay and Martin Ross, in Scotland and by numerous great nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his father Daniel Carroll, infant brother (Patrick Carroll), infant sister-in-law (Joan Norlund), sister-in-law Maureen Williams and parents-in-law, Elmer and Teresa Norlund.
Funeral Services for the late Mr. John Carroll will be held on Friday, February 19, 2010 with family and friends gathering in St. Anne's Roman Catholic Church for Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM celebrated by Fr. Larry Kroker S.J. Interment will take place in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held on Thursday evening (TONIGHT) in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore St. at James from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM with the Vigil at 7:30 PM celebrated by Fr. Richard Kowalchuk.
If friends so desire, donations to John’s daughter, Marya Carroll in Trust (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Fund) or to Campaign Life Coalition would be greatly appreciated by the family.
