Lorne Rae “Kit” Carson
On November 27, Lorne Rae “Kit” Carson left us on earth to join his beloved wife, Christina, his son, Philip, his father, Goldwyn, his mother, Coral (Eastman), his brothers, Gord and Bill and his sisters, Leona (Stowe) and Bessie (Payne). His brother Jim is still with us.
What a full life he had. Born on a farm in North Gower, just outside Ottawa on June 17, 1923, ‘Paddy’ as he was nicknamed then, grew up through the tough times of the depression years. At the age of 19, he was planning to be a teacher and was enrolled in Normal school when he enlisted in the air force. A year later he had his wings and a new nick name “Kit”. It was while flying Spitfires, stationed in Scotland, that he was smitten by the stunning Christina Spanswick and they were married in 1945.
After the war the couple came to Canada and raised four children; Bruce, Philip, Barbara and Paul. His kids were a top priority for Kit and he was always proud of them. After suffering through the depression, he swore his family would never want. He left the air force in the late 50’s to become a teacher and while working full time put himself through university at night. The family now settled in Don Mills (Toronto) after the many moves required by the RCAF.
While Kit loved teaching, he had so much energy he always had some other project on the side. For years he ran a summer camp for kids. He produced award-winning films for educational TV. But the farm-boy never really left him. He loved horses, especially Arabians and nearly always owned at least one. He was able to apply his horse trading skills to another passion - vintage sports cars.
When he retired from teaching, the energetic Kit started a new career. As usual he was creative. Using his airplane to show aerial views to prospective property buyers, he became one of Toronto’s top real estate agents.
Although he kept his hand in horse trading, cars and property, Kit and Chris finally really retired in Qualicum Beach in the late 90’s. Golf and travel were their new passions.
Kit is survived by 17 grandchildren: Stephanie, Tamara, Tyler, Kendel, Brandon, Cody, Demian, Carmanagh, Forrest, Joyalea, Wylder, Tananger, Teresa, Shannon, Michelle, Darren and Cassidy. He had 7 great grandchildren: Madison, Chase, Jasmine, Vincent, Leight, Freyja and Alexa - He loved them all.
Although he will be greatly missed we know he is now soaring through the rainbows.
The family would like to thank Dad’s caregiver, Barb Coutu for the exceptional care and love she bestowed on Dad the last couple of years; Dr. Peter Haslett for his caring, upbeat attitude during the dance of medication; and the compassion and understanding of the staff at Palliative Care in Nanaimo.
A celebration of life will be held on
Dec. 7, 2014, 12:00 until 3:00 at the
Qualicum Beach Community Centre at 644 Memorial Ave.