Obituary of Gerald Francis Carson

It is with a heavy heart that the Carson family announces the passing of Gerald “Gerry” F. Carson on November 28, 2023.

Gerry was born and grew up in Parry Sound, Ontario.  The main theme of the antics and stories from that time was they were good boys, but trouble often seemed to find them, or at least allegedly it was never Gerry’s idea.  At age 19, he and his brother Paul set off on a life defining adventure west in Gerry’s prized dodge demon, enticed by the lure of better opportunities. 

Shortly after landing in the new town of Grande Cache, he got a job at the local Esso, and met what would become his wife and nearly lifelong companion, Christy.  Only death could separate them and even that was not prolonged.  In 1979, their first son Steven was born and the trials and triumphs of family life began. A long sought after position opened up at the local coal mine allowing the young couple to purchase their first home in 1981.  In 1982, their second son Jason (aka dot) was born.  They continued to live in Grande Cache, raising their sons and building a life.  A devastating closure of the coal mine in 2000 largely shuttered the town.  With no local jobs available, Gerry chose to acquire a class 1 license, move to the city of Red Deer, Alberta and thrive.  Making a fresh start in a new community saw Gerry and Christy both on a new life path.  Moving on from his first job in Red Deer, delivering fuel for Husky, he began a new career at the County of Lacombe. At age 50, with his children grown he followed his dream and put himself through college to become a certified Heavy Duty technician.  He excelled at this and was often consulted for his vast knowledge of anything mechanical; he just always knew a way. 

Gerry had a love for anything with tires, namely Mopars, but especially 1960s and 1970s muscle cars.  His pride and joy being his bright green 1971 Dodge Demon, which won many shows over the years and gained a huge amount of attention wherever he rumbled in.  On many Saturdays you would find him tinkering with it, always waxing this or painting that. 

He is deeply missed and fondly remembered by his two sons, Steven Carson (Wendy Davis) of Grande Prairie, Alberta and Jason Carson (Desiree Tribe) of Red Deer, Alberta; his two beloved grandchildren Makayla Tribe and Rylan Carson of Red Deer, Alberta; sisters Debbie (George) Woroniuk of Thunder Bay Ontario, Susan (Joe) Martin of Hamilton Ontario and his brother Paul Carson (Alison James) of Grande Cache,  Alberta; as well as by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and of course, his close friends, that were all considered family.  Gerry is predeceased by his loving wife Christina of over 44 years earlier this year and by his mother Mary Carson.

He will be deeply missed by his loved ones.  For anyone who had pleasure in meeting him, he brought joy and laughter with his playful sense of humour and his personable and approachable disposition. 

“Till we meet again we will do your part and laugh like it was the first time it was said.  Keep in touch with yourself pa, We love you... always have ha ha.”

A private family service to celebrate Gerry’s life will be held at a later date. Condolences to Gerry’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Carson” in the subject line.

Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned cremation and funeral provider

serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta

587-876-4944