DENNIS H. CARTER

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DENNIS H. CARTER B.Arch., FRAIC, MOAA, MAA Don't believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding. Find out what you already know and you will see the way to fly. - Richard Bach, Jonathan Livingston Seagull Dennis Carter passed away peacefully on June 21, 2012 at Deer Lodge Centre at the age of 91 years. Our loving father was predeceased by his beloved wife Babs, and his brother Leslie R. Carter. He is survived and will be greatly missed by his son Richard and daughter Shelagh (Brad Loewen and stepson Erik Friesen) and niece Lisa Lewis (Ian Robertson). Born in Montreal on October 9, 1920, to George and Edith Carter, Dennis had a life filled with devotion and passion. Early happy childhood years were spent growing up on Strawberry Lane in Croydon, England, when his father returned to work for the Canadian Pacific Railway in London many years prior to the Second World War. Dad often spoke of his memories of leaving on the last ship sailing from Britain in 1939. Life then continued in Winnipeg, where he attended the University of Manitoba and graduated with Honours, from the School of Architecture, (B.Arch.), in 1945. He was awarded the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Gold Medal. Dad and our mother were married on June 5, 1948. Dennis' foresight and leadership has left a lasting legacy in the architecture of Winnipeg and the architectural and engineering firm that bears his name. Ernest J. Smith and Dennis established Smith Carter in 1947. Starting with a handful of professionals in Winnipeg, the pair was committed to constructing a solid foundation for the firm, which has evolved into one of Canada's largest integrated architectural and engineering practices. Dennis' vision and personal style was instrumental in the growth of the firm and its repertoire of urban projects and buildings. His forward thinking and sense of purpose guided the firm through the decades. The ultimate gentleman and diplomat, his quiet strength and belief in his staff was demonstrated time and time again as was his belief in the power of creative and timeless design. The many Winnipeg landmarks designed by Smith Carter continue to contribute to the quality of life in the city and have had an enormous beneficial effect on the city's educational, cultural and business life. These range from buildings such as the Centennial Concert Hall, the Manitoba Museum, the School of Architecture at the University of Manitoba, St. John's Ravenscourt School for Boys, the Monarch Life Building and the Great West Life Headquarters, all of which are major successful contributors to the improvement of the Winnipeg community. He also took great pride in telling people a little known fact that he had been the architect for Rae Jerry's Steak House. Dennis' continued commitment to the development of health care facilities over the years, such as Concordia General Hospital, Seven Oaks General Hospital, and Grace Hospital, provided the springboard to the firm's involvement in research laboratory design and high containment laboratories. Not without humour, during one of his stays at Grace Hospital, he delighted in telling the nurses that he had actually designed his room. His passion for architecture saw him inducted into the College of Fellows of the Royal Architectural Institute of Architects, an honour he treasured. Community life and his contribution to the broader community were as important to Dennis as his professional life. Organizations like the Winnipeg Flying Club, Western Canada Aviation Museum (a founding member), The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Historical and Scientific Society of Manitoba and the Zoological Society of Manitoba have all benefitted from his involvement. He had a keen interest and passion for flying and the history of flying. The Tiger Moth heritage airplane presently on display at the Western Canada Aviation Museum is a completely working aircraft that Dennis and a group of volunteers restored and have flown across western Canada and the United States. He loved the Arts' and in particular the cinema, which he generously shared with his daughter Shelagh. He was never happier than when he was with his family on their island, Panorama, in the Lake of the Woods, or spending time with his children. For Dennis, his family was his foundation, with an abiding love for his wife, Babs. A private man whose actions spoke louder than words, at all times supportive and encouraging. He was always there to challenge us to do better and to talk about ideas. Dennis truly valued the relationships he developed over the years and, in his quiet way guided and mentored many, always believing that you were never too old to try something new and learn something new. A man of integrity, compassion and the ultimate professional, a true gentleman whose hand-shake was his word - Dad, we and many others will miss you. Cherished personal memories of our father from friends and family will comfort us greatly in the months to come. We would like to thank the remarkable staff at Deer Lodge, Tower 5, for the care and loving assistance they provided for our father during his stay with them. He was treated with great respect and dignity. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way Winnipeg, MB R3T 0R3. In keeping with Dad's wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family interment. A celebration of life will be held in the Fall. THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
Publish Date: Jun 30, 2012

DENNIS H. CARTER It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father Dennis H. Carter at the age of 91 years on Thursday, June 21, 2012. A complete obituary will follow in the Saturday, June 30, 2012, edition. THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
Publish Date: Jun 23, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 30, 2012