Robert Edgar Carter

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Bob Carter, who died peacefully in his 87th year at PRHC on August 24, 2024. His loss will be felt deeply by family and friends, at home and abroad. Predeceased by his parents, Edgar and Dorothy (nee Payne) Carter, his brother, Eddie, and his second born child, a daughter who died at birth and always resided in Bob’s heart.

Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts in 1937, he aspired to be a farmer like his father, but his mother would not let him quit school. Then in grade 12 his intellect caught fire. After high school, Bob attended Tufts University, earning an undergraduate degree in Philosophy and English Literature, followed by a Master of Divinity from Harvard University in 1962. Then, after becoming a proud Canadian citizen, Bob earned a M.A. in1963 and his Ph. D in 1969 in Philosophy from the University of Toronto. He then went on to teach at Memorial University, UPEI, and Sir George Williams (now Concordia University) in Montreal. In 1973, he moved with his family to Peterborough to become the first Master of Otonabee College at Trent University where he was a member of the Philosophy Department for 37 years. After his retirement from Trent University, Bob taught at the University of Kansai Gaidai in Japan for two years, and the University of Hawaii for a semester.

Bob distinguished himself in the fields of philosophy, religion, ethics, and education. He wrote hundreds of articles, delivered lectures around the world, and published twelve books. Ultimately, his academic path led him to become a renowned Zen Buddhist philosopher, travelling to Japan 13 times to live and research. Yet, one of his proudest moments was winning the Symons Award for excellence in teaching in 1987, an award chosen and granted by the students.

Bob will also be remembered as a renaissance man. He was a poet, a chef, and a photographer. He was a model railroader, a house painter, and a carpenter. He was an athlete and an avid baseball fan. He was a singer and a musician, singing in choirs, and playing the trumpet in several bands, including the New Horizons Band, and the Marenger Big Band. He loved to travel, and was an outdoorsman, climbing mountains, camping, and enjoying nature. Bob loved life, and had a great sense of humour, embracing the ridiculous, and perfecting the art of punning.

Bob’s greatest joy was his family which included Cyndy, Marjorie, his children, Scott (Reagan), Meredith (Rob), and his three grandchildren: Emerson, Gordie, and Jamie. He was a devoted dad, grandfather, partner, and friend to many, including connections with

many young people who considered him a father figure, and former students long past graduation. And he will be forever in the heart and soul of his wife, Deanie LaChance.

Bob’s family extends heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and every staff member in the Palliative Care ward at PRHC, where Bob spent the last four months of his life. He was cared for by everyone and he felt that he was part of a community. And the peace of mind that your care provided for his family is beyond measure. Deepest thanks.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 5th, from 1pm to 3pm, at Ashburnham Funeral Home, 840 Armour Road, Peterborough. At 1pm there will be an opportunity to hear from Bob’s family in the large gathering room, followed by a reception at 2pm.

Donations may be made in Bob’s memory to PRHC Foundation, or Peterborough Humane Society, or Kawartha Food Share.