Douglas John Carter

Douglas John Carter died Oct. 30 at the Doctor Everett Chalmers Hospital after a short illness. Born August 1, 1946 in Saint John, NB, Douglas spent 34 years with NB Power and devoted much of his life to sharing his love of music with others.

Douglas attended Our Lady of Assumption Church and its elementary school where he was introduced to choral music by the Sisters of Charity. In 1958, his family moved to Oromocto where he and his brother David sang the Latin Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Chapel. In 1963, he returned to Saint John to study Architectural Drafting at Saint John Vocational School and took private lessons in guitar and percussion from renowned Saint John musician Bruce Holder Sr.

Douglas spent 24 years as music director at Oromocto’s St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church during which time he composed over a hundred original songs, acclamations, and psalms. Many of his compositions have since been performed in Australia, England, Canada, and the United States. In 1984, he co-founded the Scottish folk ensemble Oran. The group released three albums, performed at festivals and events throughout the Maritimes, and became some of Douglas’ most cherished friends.

Douglas is survived by his wife Geraldine (Brooks) Carter; five children Catherine (Ray), Matthew (Janet), Sarah (Mike), Aaron (Jacquie), and Michael (Wren); grandchildren Keif, Chase, Iona, and Ace; brothers David and Stephen (Allen); sisters Anne (George) and Peggy (David); several cousins, and countless friends.