THE HONOURABLE JAMES CARR (JIM)

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THE HONOURABLE JAMES CARR, P.C., O.M.

It is with great sadness that the family of Jim Carr announces his passing on December 12, 2022, at the age of 71.
Jim was born in Winnipeg. He started life in River Heights and ended his life as that community's member of Parliament. He was predeceased by his parents David and Esther Carr. He is survived by his wife, Colleen Suche, children Rachel Carr (Sean Milne), Daniel Gange (Maryana), Ben Carr (Amy Kolbinson), Rebecca Carr, Jesse Gange (Manja Kovacic), and Kiernan Gange (Ainsley Johnston), grandchildren Sophia and Markian Gange and Michelle Carr, brothers Alex (Fern), and Robert (Shawn Greenberg).
Music, politics, family, and curiosity were the cornerstones of his life. He was handed an oboe in an obligatory orchestra program at Grant Park High School and not only took to it, but by age 16, was a member of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. He remained passionate about the oboe and music throughout his life. Politics was never far away however, and while still a member of the Orchestra, he worked as the executive assistant to a federal cabinet minister. From there, his career path took many directions, including executive director of the Manitoba Arts Council, MLA in the Manitoba Legislature, member of the editorial board of the Winnipeg Free Press, founding President and CEO of the Manitoba Business Council, and finally as a member of Parliament, during which he held three cabinet posts.
Throughout his many roles, his commitment to the community never wavered. He was a board member of the United Way of Winnipeg, the Canada West Foundation, the Winnipeg Airport Authority, CBC, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, St. Boniface Hospital, Canadian Club of Winnipeg, Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council, the International Institute for Sustainable Development, and The Mauro Centre for Peace and Justice. He was named to the Order of Manitoba in 2011.
Above all, Jim was passionate about his home town Winnipeg, the prairies, and Canada, and was outgoing, enthusiastic, and respectful. He was profoundly grateful for the privilege of representing his community in Parliament, an institution he revered. The consummate extrovert, he loved meeting people. Talking to people from all walks of life and listening to differing viewpoints was his delight. The classes he taught to seniors at the University of Winnipeg were always sold out, but he felt he learned more from the students than they did from him. He enjoyed meeting with children at a local school as much as meeting a foreign head of state.
Jim was first and foremost a family man. He relished Colleen's accomplishments and cherished their travels across the globe and summers at Caddy Lake. He was so proud of the blended family they created and of each of their children. He was looking forward to the family congregating at their casa in Todos Santos. Jim loved to cook - his brisket was perfection. He and Colleen hosted family, friends, and guests from near and far around their enormous dining room table.
Jim was proud of his Jewish heritage and keenly spoke of his Eastern European roots. He was committed to the Jewish community but also to the local Jewish-Arab dialogue. His goal in everything he did was to build bridges.
Jim was a "glass-half full" guy with an infectious smile, even in his last weeks. No one could squeeze more out of life than he could. His attitude and determination kept him going until his private member's bill - Building a Green Prairie Economy Act - made it through the House of Commons just days before he passed, a remarkable accomplishment.
The family would like to thank Dr. Leonard Minuk and the other physicians and nurses at CancerCare Manitoba and the dialysis unit at the Health Sciences Centre, for their wonderful care. They would also like to thank the doctors and nurses at Palliative Care Manitoba for their compassion and dedication over the past four months. Their support allowed Jim to remain engaged and vibrant to accomplish his final goal.
Jim will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jim Carr Foundation at the Winnipeg Foundation.

Wpgfdn.org/JimCarr

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 17, 2022