Donald John William Carter

Donald (Don) John William Carter passed away at Stratford General Hospital at 88 years old on November 15th, 2024. He was husband to the love of his life, Joyce Carter (married 68 years) and father to five children: Steve (Mary), Donene (John), Denise (Steve), Scott, and Amy (Rick). Don had fourteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.

Don played professional hockey in Canada for three years before moving to Greensboro, North Carolina where he was Captain of the Greensboro Generals for 15 years. As tough as they come, Don was known for his dominating presence on the ice-someone to avoid if you could, or else suffer a bodycheck you would remember for years. Not many hockey players can have over 18 hours of penalty minutes and still have over 1100 points! At a ceremony in 2003, the Greensboro Generals retired Don's number (14), a testament to his leadership and the impact he had on the Greensboro community and the hockey world. Don was still signing pucks and memorabilia for adoring fans up to this year.

After hockey, he worked as a contractor before retiring to his Muskoka cottage where he had spent many summers as a boy (since 6 months old!). The Kahshe Lake cottage has been in the Carter family for over 100 years and for everyone in the family, it is the greatest place on the planet-not only for its beauty but because Don would be there with a cheeky smile and wink, a beautiful garden, and most likely, a Jays game on.

As tough as Don was, sometimes the world is tougher. It feels like a cruel world when the greatest men-the ones you can look up to, laugh with, and love the most are taken from you. However, Don fought till the end and did so alongside a massive, loving family that he created. That's something only the truly greatest can do. We love you Don Carter.

The family would like to give a huge thank you to Dr. Pierce, Dr. Vergera, the nurses, and the support staff at Stratford General Hospital. Also, special mention to Jodilynn Taylor RN for your love and support for all of us during this difficult time.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Knights of Columbus. Details here:

Friday, November 29th, 5pm - 8pm
93 Morgan Street, Stratford, Ontario
Donations in lieu of flowers to Jumpstart at Canadian Tire:

https://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/pages/donate