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Geoffrey C. Carnell, Sr.
Geoffrey's background with the company commenced in 1932, when at the age of 17, he became an apprentice wheelwright. He was only 23 years old when he became the new President and Managing Director of Carnell's Carriage Factory, Ltd., a position which was interrupted only between 1940 and 1943, when he served overseas with the 166th Newfoundland Field Regiment, Royal Artillery during WW1. Following his war service, Geoffrey Sr. returned to directing the company, which from that time forth made tremendous strides.
Until the mid 70's, the company continued to operate from its original location at Duckworth and Cochrane Streets, manufacturing and repairing carriages, sleighs, and leaf and coil springs, as well as providing funeral services, with Geoffrey Sr. as a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. Previously, however, in 1956, he had moved from his residence on the corner of York and Cochrane Street and converted it into a funeral home. Prior to this, the deceased would be prepared at the Duckworth Street location, and returned to his or her residence for the period of visitation.
The Cochrane Street location provided funeral services until 1966, a milestone year for the company. It was then, at the corner of Freshwater and Crosbie Roads, that the Province's first fully-integrated and ultra-modern funeral home - complete with comfortably furnished reposing rooms and lounges, a state- of- the- art prepartion room, garage and beautifully-designed Chapel - was established. Because of tremendous growth during the 60's and 70's, even with the funeral home relocated, the company had out-grown its Duckworth Street location. So, in 1975, the newly-named Carnell's Limited, moved into a new building in O'Leary Industrial Park, called the Carnell Building. From here, Carnell's conducted the business of its other divisions, including a spring shop, a muffler shop, agencies for toys, pools and dozens of other items, as well as let office and warehouse space. To this day, the Carnell Building houses a 4-bay garage from which Carnell's Spring Service operates. Geoffrey Sr. left the management of the Spring Service to his loyal staff, in order to devote his time to the new funeral home on Freshwater and Crosbie Roads… his most significant business accomplishment, which set a new standard for others to follow in the funeral home service.
During his business career, Geoffrey C. Carnell Sr. served on the Board of Directors of Anthony's Insurance and Avalon Cablevision (now Cable Atlantic). He was also principal owner of the Georgetown Realty Co. Ltd, which owned and operated Georgetown Pub on Hayward Avenue, which he sold in 1981. His was an extensive and busy career, but it was his role as Funeral Director for which he is most fondly remembered, having served in that capacity for just over 55 years. Mr. Carnell died suddenly on February 15, 1987.
The original Carriage Factory Building was destroyed by fire some time in the late 70's, and the site has not been redeveloped since. The family home on 28 Cochrane Street, which was subsequently converted to the original Carnell's Funeral Home, has been designated as a heritage site by the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Political Career - Summary
First elected as a Councillor for the City of St. John's in 1958. Served for 4 consecutive terms or 16 years until his defeat in the 1974 election.
Elected in 1962 as the Liberal member for St. John's North (provincially) under former Premier J.R. Smallwood. Served 1 four-year term.
Organizations
- Councillor of the Newfoundland Board of Trade
- Past -President (1964) of the St. John's Rotary Club
- Past Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent and Paternal Order of Elks (BPDF)
- Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) - Past Noble Grand
- Member Royal St. John's Regatta Committee
- Chairman Newfoundland Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee
- Past-President of NFLD and LAB Canadian Automobile Association
- Director of Canadian Automobile Association
- Executive member of the Royal Canadian Legion
- Member of the Old Comrades Assoc. of the Church Lads Brigade (CLB)
- Member of the Masonic Order
Clubs
- Feildian Athletic Association
- Murray's Pond Fishing Club
- Bally Haly Golf and Country Club
- Guard's Athletic Association
- Sons of the United Fishermen Society
Other
- Appointed as a Judge of the Canadian Citizenship Court of Newfoundland and Labrador. Served a 4-year term from February 16, 1977 to January 18, 1981.
- Inducted into the St. John's Soccer Hall of Fame in October, 1992.
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