Brian Hargreves Carter
June 14, 1926 – November 8, 2023
On November 8th, 2023 Brian Carter of Canmore, Alberta died peacefully, with loving family and caring hospital staff at his side
Brian’s love of adventure and exploration started as a youth, hiking and cycling in England, where he was born. This era was cut short by a call to National Service in 1944 followed by assignment to the Royal Artillery until 1948.
Fortunately, Brian was able to pick up where he had left off. Inspired by his brother John, he began with hikes and scrambles near his home town of Cricklewood, followed by forays into the Alps, pioneering modern mountaineering techniques with other interested parties.
Soon after, a trip to New Zealand, his father’s birthplace, saw him help lay the foundations for the Mangaturuturu Hut on Mt Ruapehu, in collaboration with the Wanganui Tramping Club.
Ultimately, having heard the Rocky Mountains call on an earlier visit to Canada, Brian married, then settled in Calgary and Canmore and raised three sons, Peter, Jon and David.
A successful career as a draftsman and subsequently as a specifications writer once again saw him involved with mountain construction both at Sunshine Village near Banff and at the Bugaboo Lodge in the Purcell Mountains of British Columbia.
Based out of Canmore, his many adventures continued. He was no stranger to the highest peaks in Nepal and also cycled around the world on a collapsible travel cycle! On many occasions he also enjoyed the company of his younger sister June who was a willing travel and cycling companion.
Closer to home, he laid in the first trail to the summit of Ha Ling Peak along with the Trail Minders of the Bow Valley, and in his later years enjoyed riding his trusty scooter “Hos” for endless scenic jaunts around his beloved Canmore. No trail was left untraveled!
Most recently his days were enriched by indulging in other life long passions; reading poetry and listening to classical music, and last but not least, by writing his memoirs.
His four grandchildren also brought him great joy. The following dedication, expressing his hope for humanity was likely written with them in mind:
“Dedicated to the young people of future generations who will only exist if the greed of “the haves” in our current society does not inexorably lead to the development of conditions that will cause the end of human life”
Although he will be sorely missed, his memory will always live on whenever we wander in the mountains
The family extends their gratitude to the Doctors and Staff at the Canmore Hospital, as well as to the Staff of the Origin at Spring Creek, for Brian’s care and well being.
A Celebration of Brian’s life will take place at a later date.
