PRESQUE ISLE – Floyd R. Carson, 91, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, Oct. 17, 2010, at a Presque Isle health care facility. He was born Sept. 8, 1919, in Mars Hill, son of Wardlow and Elva (Kilcollins) Carson. Dad’s family was from Hawkshaw, New Brunswick, and shortly after his birth his parents moved back to the family homestead there. His father was the postmaster and a farmer, and had a woods operation. Dad left school at age 12 to work in the woods during the depression years. Growing up in his environment made him an expert in many trades such as mechanics, plumbing and electricity. Most of all it made him a great patriot and a hard worker. On his own, he developed math, vocabulary and penmanship skills that were amazing. In 1940, he enlisted in the Canadian Army and spent more than four years in Europe, fighting in World War II. After the war ended he returned home. On Nov. 9, 1946, he married his pre-war sweetheart, Cavell Bradford, of Blacks Harbor, New Brunswick. While he was overseas, Cavell had married a British airman and they had a son named Glenn. Her husband was killed in the war in 1945. They were married on Glenn’s third birthday. In 1948, they moved to Presque Isle. He went to work for Cole’s Express that year and it was the only job he ever had. He was a loyal employee for 34 years, retiring in 1982 when the employees went on strike. During many wonderful retirement years, Dad enjoyed gardening, camp at Squa Pan Lake, fishing, hunting and working hard for the Republican Party. Dad was extremely generous to worthy causes, and had a great compassion for people in need. He never passed a hitchhiker or failed to invite one passing by to come into his home for a lunch. He was predeceased by his wife, Cavell, Jan. 12, 2003. They were married for 56 years. His children are thankful for the home and stability that he provided. He is survived by his daughter, Candace Quartarone and husband, David, of Fort Fairfield; three sons, Randolph of West Baldwin, Dean of Fort Fairfield, and Glenn and his wife, Paula, of Presque Isle; six grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; and one great great-grandchild, Madyson. She was very special; Dad loved to see her. He is also survived by a sister, Hilda and husband, Dalton Stairs; and brothers, Paul and wife, Ida, Roy and wife, Madeline, Ralph and wife, Marguerite, and Glen and wife, Joan, all of Canada. He was predeceased by his parents; and brothers, Vaughn and Donald. For the last six years Dad was a resident of Presque Isle Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. The family thanks the wonderful staff there for their kind and loving care. We are so grateful. Dad never had a complaint. There will be no calling hours. A private family funeral service will be held noon Saturday, Oct. 23, at Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church St., Presque Isle, with the Rev. Wade Bradford officiating. Interment will be at Fairmount Cemetery. After the interment, refreshments will be served in the reception area at the funeral home. A donation to the charity of one’s choice would be appreciated by Dad. Online condolences may be made at www.duncan-graves.com.
FLOYD R. CARSON
