Graham Gordon Carter
March 8, 1940 to April 3, 2023
Obituary
The funeral service for Graham Carter will be livestreamed for those unable to attend.
Please click HERE for the link to St. Thomas’ Facebook page
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Graham Gordon Carter. With his loving family by his side, Graham, age 83, left this world on April 3, 2023. Graham was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, godfather, uncle, cousin, and friend to many.
Graham is survived by his loving wife and soulmate of 58 years, Bernice (Summers), children Susan (Charles McCormack) and Paul (Kathleen), adoring grandchildren Carter, Keenan, Michael, and Lillian, sister Carolann (John Crane), sisters-in-law Gina (Stan Boyd) and Sharon (Robert Bursey, deceased), brothers-in-law Arthur Summers (Elizabeth), Douglas Summers (Hilda) and David Summers (Rita), precious cousins, nieces and nephews, and many special friends, both in Canada and the US.
Graham was predeceased by his daughter Laura Jean, brother Gerald, parents Olive and Quinton and parents-in-law Winnifred and Gerald Summers.
Graham was born in Greenspond, NL and grew up in Clarenville, NL. He was an avid hockey player and spent many hours on the ice with his lifelong friend Don Sparkes. He worked with the CNR in Clarenville and St. John’s before moving to Labrador City in 1964 where he spent his career as a yardmaster with the Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway. Labrador was special to Graham and he often spoke of his love for the land and its rugged and quiet beauty. After retirement, he moved to Heart’s Delight where he was warmly welcomed by the community. It was there where he spent many summers enjoying his boat, the Laura Jean, and taking part in the food fishery with family and friends. He inherited a love of the ocean from both his grandfathers and father who spent time on the water in Greenspond and Labrador. Winters were spent at his vacation home in Florida.
Graham was especially known for his love of music and his extensive playlist that he played for the steady stream of friends and family who were always welcomed into his home. He enjoyed driving a Grand Marquis and felt there was no better car on the road. He loved watching hockey and was a loyal Maple Leafs fan for years before finally losing faith and then started cheering for Sydney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. He would cheer on Team Canada with his grandsons every Christmas during the World Juniors tournament. Graham was fascinated by anything related to space and aviation. He enjoyed listening to Air Traffic Control stations and could quickly identify any type of aircraft on the ground or in the air. He loved to capture special moments and became quite a photographer. He was also a member of the Northern Lights Masonic Lodge in Labrador West. Graham was well-read, well-travelled, and well loved.
In later years, Graham and Bernice moved to Portugal Cove-St. Philips where they had a magnificent view of Conception Bay and he could gaze at the beautiful ocean and sunset on a daily basis. Never one to give in to adversity, Graham pushed through all of life’s challenges with a keen sense of determination. He would want us all to now do the same. “You can’t control the wind, but you can adjust your sails.”
The family will receive visitors at Carnell’s Funeral Home on May 24 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM.
Funeral service will take place on May 25 at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas’ Anglican Church on 8 Military Road with a reception to follow. This was the same place where he and Bernice were married all those years ago, and the location of his beloved Laura’s celebration of life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Graham’s memory to Candlelighters Newfoundland and Labrador – a local organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with cancer and their families. https://www.candlelightersnl.ca/
The loss is immeasurable, but so is the love left behind.
May Graham rest in eternal peace.
Schedule
Visitations
4-8 p.m. on May 24, 2023
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
11:00am, Thursday May 25th
St. Thomas' Anglican Church
Good bye Graham,…rest in peace.
Susan please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved father. I’m certain that you have many wonderful memories that will bring you great comfort. God bless.
Bernice, Susan and family and Paul and family: So sorry to hear of Graham’s sudden death. I often heard my brother talk about you guys but never got to met him until last November when I visited my brother Cyril. We had a lovely afternoon and it was quite obvious that he loved his music. These memories will linger with me. Bernice it is not easy losing your husband….I know only too well,. It is a lonely world but day by day it gets a little easier. Hopefully Bernice we can get together sometime for a chat! Everyone take care and cherish the memories you have of your loved one. Linda Cutler
Dear Bernice,Susan Paul& families,
We are so heartbroken by Grahams passing..
Our hearts & prayers go out to you& your family.
We have so many wonderful memories of being with you both over the years..How lucky we are to
Have enjoyed each others company for so long..
Rest in peace Graham..You will be dearly missed..
Bernice and family. Thinking about you today I surely know how you are feeling. Take care and God Bless.. sincerely Lorna..
Bernice and Family
We can not find the words to express how sad we feel over Graham’s passing..We will certainly miss the times we have spent together over the years..Many wonderful memories of times in Florida and Heart’s Delight..Bernice, you and Graham hold a very special place in our hearts and you always will. His love of music was really something .We enjoyed his singing and were amazed at how many songs he knew all the words to. Please know are thoughts and prayers are with you and yours during this difficult time.
Bernice &Family
So saddened to learn of Graham’s passing. We will miss him this year in Hearts Delight, especially at the Marina and on the Bay, checking out those fishing grounds and hooking into the big ones. I know he dearly loved his boat and time on the water. You all have so many great memories to cherish and hold dear. Donna and I will keep you on our thoughts and prayers. God bless you all!
Dear Paul and Family, thinking of you at this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers and with you and your family. May your Dad rest in peace.
Diane Norris
Dearest Bernice, Susan and Paul,
We are so sorry about Graham’s passing. He was a truly valued member of our Labrador family, a big part of our growing up. I have such fond memories over so many years. and events. He will be truly missed. Our most sincere condolences in these challenging days. Natalie Marche & John Lemyre
To Bernice and family. So sorry to learn of Graham’s passing.. He was always a true friend ever since we met him, and both of you quickly became very much a part of Heart’s Delight-Islington upon your first arrival. He was such a delightful person having a broad smile which became contagious among those whose company he happened to find himself. We shared many stories of hockey at the NHL level and the local level as well. We both shared a love of music and there was never a song he couldn’t sing along with. He will always be remembered and missed around the Marina ; his wit, determination in the face of physical challenges has become an inspiration to all he came in contact with on a daily basic. The photo in his GUARDS uniform is a great tribute to him and his legacy he leaves behind.. Rest in Peace my good friend Graham.
Dear Bernice & family,
We were very shocked and sorry to hear of Graham’s passing. We are certainly going to miss his very kind and infectious smile here in the summertime!
Please know that we are thinking of you all in your time of sorrow!
Les & Phyllis Hancock
Heart’s Delight
Bernice and Family. Deepest sympathy to all of you. We were fortunate to meet Graham in Florida back some years ago. We were kinda hesitant to go, but as we felt we were imposing. But not so. We were welcomed with open arms by this wonderful couple. You knew from the instant you met them, that they were both genuine and caring. His love of music was amazing, and once he knew you liked it as well, then the volume was cranked up a few notches. May his gentle soul rest in peace..
Bernice and Family:
So very sorry to learn of Graham’s passing. May your precious memories carry you all through this difficult time. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and yours! Sincerest sympathy, Shelly and Family
Dear Bernice, Susan, Paul and family;
Your Skipper has finished his shift, and is at peace. He was always a gentleman, a friend, a lover of people, a lover of music, and a loyal Leafs fan. His positive view of life was infectious, and he could share that outlook with us all, through thick and thin. We have such precious memories of our visits together, all the laughter, the jokes from himself, and of course Bernice’s fabulous table!
A real seaman, Graham’s optimism will roll over us all forever, like the rolling waves in Trinity Bay. With heartfelt sympathies to you all, our wish to Graham in the life beyond is “Smooth sailng Brother”.
Bernice and Family! I am so sorry to hear of Graham’s passing. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. Hugs! Marie
On behalf of the Peckford family we extend our condolences to the Carter family in the untimely passing. Of Graham ..Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. Helen&Sid
To Aunt Bernice and Cousins Susan, Paul and families,
My heartfelt condolences for you all over Uncle Graham’s passing. It was always a treat to visit with you when we were out in Newfoundland. My children remember well the delicious offerings from Uncle Graham and Aunt Bernice when we stopped in. It was also fun to watch Uncle Graham get worked up to get out in the boat for yet another round of fishing. On a personal note, I always looked forward to seeing my dad’s brother. A little bit of my dad would come through now and then in the way Uncle Graham spoke or the little things he did. He never knew it, but he helped me stay in touch with my dad. You’ll be missed Uncle Graham.
Bernice, Susan, Paul and family .So sorry to hear of
Graham’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you
All at this difficult time.
Bernice, Susan, Paul and families, I was so sad to hear of Graham’s passing, he was a kind and gentle man and had so much love for his family.. Bernice and Graham was like family to me through the years in Labrador City, I was always welcomed in their home,
I was happy to reconnect with you both in NL in October pass after being so long not seeing you both, he will be dearly missed by all and especially his family that had such a great bond and so much love for each other. R.I.P Graham and keep the music playing,. Thinking of you Bernice and know what you are going through right now, be strong, you have lots of great memories,.. your friend Pauline…❤️❤️
So to hear of Graham’s passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
So sorry to hear of Graham’s passing , he was a great neighbor, enjoyed my chats with him.thinking of you Bernice and family
Bernice, I am so very sorry to read of Graham’s passing. Mom(Jean Goudie) always spoke of you both often and with love. Please accept my sincere condolences during this difficult time.
Dearest Aunt Bernice, Susan, Paul & family,
Lowell, Sophia and I want to share how sad we are having lost Uncle Graham. He was a wonderful, loving Uncle & we really wish we could have even spent a little more time with him. Sending our love and deepest condolences to you all & please know you are all in our thoughts & prayers. Stay strong and may Uncle Graham Rest in Peace. Love Lowell, Rosa & Sophia
Condolences to the family from myself, Rose and Sophia. I am going to miss my Uncle Graham, while we did not see each other often, I could always count on some Leafs and Nascar (Bobby Rahal) talk when we saw each other. Last time we were in Newfoundland, he took us out cod fishing on his boat. We often look back on the videos and pics with fondness. I take solace in that fact that my beloved Nan Carter gets to see her son again. Rest in Peace Uncle Graham.
Heartfelt sympathy to you Bernice, my longtime friend and classmate. Also condolences to Susan, Paul and all your family on the loss of Graham..
He had such a pleasant personality and was always a gentleman, surely to be missed by many. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Bernice, Susan, and Paul. Dianne and I are saddened by the news of Graham’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences..
So sorry for your loss! Sending my thoughts and prayers to Susan, Charlie and family! God bless…RIP Mr Carter.
Bernice and family our sincerest condolences are sent to you all on Graham’s passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers are this difficult time, RIP Graham
Bernice, Susan, Paul and families. So sorry to hear of Graham’s passing. I still have many wonderful memories of us working together Bernice at the School Board and also being the recipient of the Carter hospitality at your home in Labrador City.
Our deepest sympathy to you all at this difficult time.
Sending heartfelt condolences to all your family. Graham worked with my dad, Job Winsor at the railway in Labrador City. May Graham’s precious memories always bring a smile to your face. Hugs
So very sorry to hear of Graham’s passing. We were school mates in Clarenville and connected by family when my sister Ethel married his Uncle Clarence…Condolence to his family and sister Carol Ann.
Bernice, Susan, Paul & families.
What a beautiful tribute to Graham. He was such a kind & gentle soul and a great friend to my dad Cecil Miller. I’m sure they are together now again talking about old times on the railway❤ I can hear them now. Graham had such a wonderful sense of humor & warm smile. I have very fond memories when we were neighbours in Labrador City. Both our families in a our new northern home as we grew & thrived together creating friendships for life. It sure was a special time.
Thinking of you all now. May sweet memories give you peace & strength during this time of profound loss. Sending my love.
Rest in Peace dear Graham ❤
We were so saddened to see the news of Graham’s passing. There are so many great memories of our times together in Labrador City. The look of satisfaction on his face when he was hosting you in his home is unparalleled. Godspeed my friend.
Paul,
Sincerest condolences to you and family.. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Gerard and family
Graham was such a lovely man. with the greatest smile! His passing will leave a big hole in the hearts of all who ever met him. Our sincere condolences to Bernice, Susan, Paul and their families. Jenny and Brian Myers
Remember Graham well as he worked with my dad Hal Pynn at the QNS&L. Wonderful man. Condolences and prayers to the family. All aboard the railway in the sky.
Sincere condolences to Bernice, Susan, Paul, and family. I remember Mr. Carter (Graham) from the best hood in Lab City, always smiling, always out and about doing anything our great land had to offer. I hope he gets a game of road hockey with our other dearly departed from Curtis and Richards. Rest in peace.
Carter Family
I was truly sorry to hear about Graham’s passing. Another good sole has passed on from the great neighborhood of Richards & Curtis, Labrador City. I have fond memories of the Carter Family. My heartfelt Condolences to Bernice, Susan, Paul and their family.
“I might sail toward calmer waters lush with promise where the wind takes me forward as it whispers soul solace.”
Susan Bradshaw xo
TO: BERNICE AND FAMILY. I WILL DEARLY MISS GRAHAM. ENJOYED BEING IN HIS COMPANY.AND ONE THING FOR SURE, WILL MISS HIS PLAYING OF THE MUSIC HE PLAYED ON HIS COMPUTER.
BROTHER IN LAW ARTHUR SUMMERS & BETTY.
Bernice…so so sorry to hear of the passing of Graham.His obituary and condolences tell the story of this wonderful person.Every time I went to Florida I stayed in Pinewood Village and first stop was to drive to the Carters to hear the great music Graham was playing.I never knew him for a long time but when I did I was privileged that he referred to me as a good friend.R.I.P. Mr Music. …you will be dearly missed
Dear Bernice Susan Paul and families. I was so saddened to hear of Graham’s passing. I will never forget the great times Terry and I had with you when we visited Newfoundland Terry never stopped talking about the wonderful hospitality you showed us! Dad (Uncle Joe ) wants to send all his love. May you find peace and comfort in your memories. Love your cousin Donna
Aunt Bernice, Susan, Paul. Thinking about Uncle Graham ever since I heard the news. I loved the Hockey Talk, Nascar, Movies. He could talk on any subject and I always was happy to see him. My memories of him in my youngest years are still in my mind and I will miss him. Neil
Paul and family. An excellent tribute to Mr. Carter. So sorry for your loss.
Susan, We are sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. . Our sincere condolences to you & your family at this difficult time. Bren & Marlene
Bernice & Family, we were so saddened to hear of Graham’s passing. He was such a kind, gentle soul. Our Sincere Condolences to All your Family at this difficult time. God Bless you All. Lloyd & Jane Clarke.
Bernice and family:
We were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Grahams passing. It was always a pleasure to visit either in Hearts Delight or St. Pete’s. Love and prayers are with you at this difficult time. 🙏
George and Lorraine
Bernice,Dave,Sharon and Family
Sending you all Condolences on the passing of Graham,
Treasure all the great memories over the years you all shared.
May his Gentle Soul Rest in Peace
To Carter family, sorry to see that Graham has passed away. Wilburn thought so much about him and thoroughly enjoyed any amount of time they spent together. He spoke of him often. Unfortunately he has left you with broken hearts but we are sure Wilburn and he are together today. Thinking of you in the days and weeks to come.
Trixie Oakley, Jennifer and Kelli
Aunt Bernice , Susan and Paul . My thought’s and prayers are with you all at this truly hard time , I have many fond memories of uncle Graham and will miss him dearly . Love you all
Bernice & family,
Anyone who lived in Labrador City knows of the strong bonds formed with special friends who became like family in our home away from home. Bernice, you & Graham were certainly like family to us. Graham was so compassionate and caring and always had a smile that would brighten your day. He will always be remembered with love and great memories. RIP Graham with beautiful Laura
Bernice, Susan, Paul and families:
I was so saddened to hear of Graham’s passing and will surely miss our times together in Hearts Delight both on the water and onshore. We exchanged so many good fishing tales and cleaned a few fish behind the shed. Loved listening to Grahams music and chatting about the Leaf’s. Rest in peace good friend and Smooth Sailing Captain.
Bernice, Susan and Paul and Families. Our summers will never be the same without Graham. Since spending summers in Hearts-Delight we have gotten to know what a kind and thoughtful man he was. I have so many wonderful memories of Graham, that I will never forget. He was a great brother-in-law , friend and Uncle.
Susan, Paul and family,
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He sounded like a great man. I’m sure he is now with Laura. It is always hard to lose a parent. Take care. I’m sure he is now at peace.
Bernice & Family,
Sending our love and condolences to you all. We met you guys when we started going to Florida and always enjoyed your company. Graham was a quiet man with a deep passion for music and we did get to enjoy lots of his music. We will miss him for sure but not as much as you, his family, will. We hope your loving and beautiful memories will help bring a smile through your tears. Rest easy Graham….God Bless you all..
Bernice & family – Sincere condolences on your loss.
To Bernice, Susan, Paul, Charlie and other family members, we were so saddened to hear of Graham`s passing. His obituary sure describes his life long trails. We have great memories of Graham from work and home visits with the family. His love for music was just charming and loved the volume. Had the pleasure of having a day out fishing with him a fun day. Graham will be missed for sure from all those who knew him, especially his family. Take care everyone. Rest in peace my friend.
nelson and betty fry
Many fond memories of Uncle Graham. I am so sorry for your loss Aunt Bernice, Susan and Paul xo
Bernice, Susan, Paul and Family. It is with great sadness we learned of Graham’s passing.. His wonderful obituary is testament of this well grounded man who was loved by so many who knew him.. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren and demonstrated unconditional love to each of them. Graham was a well read man who had many interests but most of all was his love of hockey.. During our early days in St John’s we would spend many hours late in the night dissecting games he had just played or
analyzing the games of the week.He loved the game so much he would often play in two different leagues.. we also loved when Graham and his family would visit us from Labrador to Ontario. and enjoyed good rest and quality time. The Crane
Family including sister Carolann will will always hold him dearly in their hearts.
Rest in peace and your soul is in the nearer presence of God.
Bernice,Susan,Paul and families, I was deeply saddened to hear of Graham’s passing.
A quiet and friendly man who will be missed by all who knew him. May you find comfort in all the good times you shared. Sending prayers & love to you all at this sad time.
God bless,
Barb Delaney
Our dear friend Graham gone but not forgotten , you will be forever in our hearts., it’s with heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences that our thoughts are with you Bernice and your family . Love always .Russ & Lill.
Sending our condolences to Grahams family and friends. Stan and I were honored to be considered a friend of Graham and was fortunate enough to feel his kindness, witness his passion for life and above all see the love that had for his wife, children and grandchildren. He will be forever missed here on earth but will always shine bright in our hearts. We will surely see you on the other side but in the meantime spread your wings and fly high my friend.
Bernice, Susan, Paul and families,
Our hearts go out to you on the loss of such a wonderful man. We shared some great times together with Graham since meeting him in 2007. My immediate connection was rehashing the people we both knew in Labrador City and Larry loved to talk hockey with him, as Sydney Crosby was his boy too! Music was a big part of our visits.. It still hurts to think that we won’t have those moments with him again. We will miss him very much.
Larry and Theresa
Dear Aunt Bernice, Susan , Charlie and family, Paul Kathleen and family. So sad to here of uncle Graham’s passing.. Very few people influenced my life the way you did. Thank you for showing me strength in times when sicknesses takes over and showing me that I also need to be strong and enjoy life Thank you for allowing me to experience Newfoundland the way you see it. Great times on your boat. Fishing laughing and then enjoyinggreat dinners with aunt Bernice family and friends. Will miss you. You and Laura will always be in our memories. Carolyn and Dan Pn
Bernice, Susan and family. So sad to hear of Graham’s passing. I met him only a few times late in life but was so taken by his « joie de vivre » and obvious intelligence. I know from my brief time with him and members of the family that this is a man who was loved dearly and will never be forgotten. My condolences to the entire family. May he rest in peace.
Dear Aunt Bernice, Susan, Charlie, Paul and Kathleen,
Please accept my deepest sympathies for the loss of Uncle Graham. I will remember him as a wonderful and caring man who always had a smile for me as well as a good laugh or two. I will remember him fondly.
I hope you always hold onto the warm memories you all shared together and that they continue to bring you comfort and peace.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love Loretta, Olivia and Jacob
Susan, Paul & family,
Saddened to read about the passing of your Dad. I am sure he was welcomed with open arms by Laura.
May the many wonderful memories you have of your Dad help you through this very difficult time.
Hope to see you in both in May.
Love & prayers to you all.
I was very sad to hear of Mr. Carter’s passing. I never had the pleasure of meeting him however I only ever heard good things about his character as he seemed to be a special person that appeared to be a cut above the rest. Condolences to my friend Paul, his sister Susan, mother Bernice and the rest of the families and friends that have been affected by this loss.
Graham was my cousin. He will surely be missed by all of us. Thinking of all his many loved ones at this time.
Bernice, Susan, Paul & Families,
Deepest sympathy to you all on Graham’s sudden passing. I remember the many suppers at your home when you lived in Lab City. Graham always had a great sense of humor and a great smile.
Prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
Bernice and Family:
We were saddened to hear of Graham’s recent passing. Your beautiful memories of him will help get you through the days ahead and keep him alive in your heart forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Joan and Cless Monk
Bernice, so very sorry to hear of Graham’s passing. I always intended to go see you and Graham as you live so close by. May he rest in eternal peace.
Our deepest condolences to the entire family…Graham will be missed by so many. May you all find comfort in your cherished memories. Thinking of you xo
Our heart felt condolences to my beautiful aunt Bernice, My sweet dear cousins, Susan and Paul and families. Uncle Graham will be missed dearly but never forgotten. We have many fun and enjoyable memories to cheerish for sure.
Love & Hugs to you all
Natalie, Dion & Family
Uncle Graham will be missed. Condolences Aunt Bernice and family.
– Jeff, Shawna and Desmond Carter.
Dear Aunt Bernice ,, Cousin Susan and Cousin Paul,
I’m am still so sad to hear about Uncle Graham . I will miss not seeing him this summer in Hearts Delight, hearing him sing, and listening to his stories.
Sending love and prayers.
Love your niece and cousin,
Tracey
To Bernice and family My sincere condolences on Graham’s passing. May he rest in peace..