Obituary of Major John F. Carroll, CD

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Major John F Carroll, CD (Ret'd), after a short illness, December 4, 2023.
Born in Tilting, Fogo Newfoundland, 23 Oct 1937, John enlisted at the earliest opportunity, in the Canadian Army. His deep love of family and commitment to serving his country as a soldier were his lifelong passions.

In 1955 he was among the first graduates of the Canadian Guards Depot at Petawawa, Recruit number 747. John wore a uniform for over 45 years. Serving with 1st and 2nd Battalions of the Canadian Guards until 1970. While serving in Soest, Germany with 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, he joined the newly formed 3rd Canadian Mechanized Commando as the unit moved to Baden. Later, while serving with 1 RCR in London Ontario, Sergeant Carroll deployed to Cyprus in 1974/75 for the first of 3 peacekeeping tours of duty on the Island.

In 1977 he returned to Baden Germany as 3 Mech Commando became 3 RCR. He served first as Recce Platoon WO, and then as CSM of O, and Q Companies. In 1978 while serving as CSM O Company he met Barbara. They were married in Baden-Baden beginning a 45 year adventure that took them to Gagetown where in 1983 John would be called to assume the appointment of Regimental Sergeant Major of 2RCR, then deployed in Cyprus.
In 1984 the Carroll's left Gagetown when John was commissioned as a captain and began working at NDHQ Ottawa and Petawawa. In 1988 after returning to Gagetown, he and Barbara were posted for two years with the United Nations in the Middle East where he served in Lebanon and Jerusalem. Returning to Ottawa in 1990 John retired but continued to work in the Directorate of Cadets. Shortly after he transferred to Cadet Instructors List, for a further 15 years of service retiring with the rank of Major. John was extremely proud when his son Walter chose to serve with the RCAF and took great pride when both of them were awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal while both were still in uniform.

John was proud to have served in two Regiments., His service exemplified the best of both: The RCR - "Never Pass a Fault" and the Canadian Guards - "A Regiment Worthy of its Hire". His shoes were shone and his uniform pressed to the same standard on his last day in uniform as on the day he passed out of the Guards Depot. His Commanding Officer while serving as RSM 2RCR noted "His nickname "Starchy" was in no way pejorative. His nature was that of a man who searched for perfection in all that he did and insisted on the same from those around him.

John's legacy will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace. Remembered and missed by his family including wife Barbara (nee Fairburn), sons Walter (Cheri,) Matthew (Kim,) Daughter Shirley (Walter) predeceased infant daughter Maureen and grandchildren, Chad, Adam, Kaylee (Waddell), Joshua, Ramelle (Levi), Jayden and Weston.

A Memorial and Celebration of Life will take place on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 1:00p.m. at Highland Park Cemetery, 2037 McGee Side Road, Carp, ON. For those who wish to join the service virtually, you may do so using the SERVICE LINK