Gerald Melvin Carson
April 3, 1940 – Jan. 24, 2025

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Gerald (Gerry) Carson on Jan. 24, 2025. He passed peacefully with his family by his side at Rocky Mountain House Health Centre following a battle with cancer.

He was born April 3, 1940, at home on the family farm near Ethelton, Sask. He was number 13 of the 14 Carson kids and grew up surrounded by his large, loving family. The family moved to the Kneehill Valley area of central Alberta when Gerry was five years old. He enjoyed his time on the farm, working with his parents and siblings. He remembered many winters riding a horse to school in deep snow and cold temperatures. At 16 years old, he left home to follow his older brother Gordon to work in the Drayton Valley/Rocky area, operating heavy equipment. An outgoing and independent person with a strong work ethic, Gerry soon started his own oilfield construction company with just two pieces of equipment.

While working in the Faraway area, Gerry met the love of his life, Sharon Varty. They married in July 1961 and together they built a life filled with family, the growing business and new adventures. They moved to Rocky in 1963 and have called the community home since that time.

Gerry and Sharon welcomed children Rhonda, Randy and Brenda into the family. It was a busy time, but there was always time for some travelling, fishing and friendships. In 1976, Gerry decided to sell his construction company and, in his words, “look for a slower pace of life.” He returned to his farming roots and started a beef cattle operation and, as with all their endeavours, Gerry and Sharon were a team working together to make it successful. They enjoyed their yard and garden, and Gerry took up restoration of John Deere tractors as well. The arrival of grandchildren brought joy and a whole new adventure, whether it was teaching them to fish or travelling to watch them play ball or sharing his farming knowledge.

Gerry and Sharon were able to travel to Arizona for 25 winters where they met many friends and lots of Gerry’s family. Retirement brought fishing trips to Port Alberni and Slave Lake where he spent many happy hours in his boat. In 2023, Gerry and Sharon moved into the Ravines in Rocky where many new friends were made. It was a life well lived.

Gerry will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years, Sharon, and by his daughter Rhonda (Robert) Hornstra; son-in-law Kent Overgaard; grandchildren: Bridget Overgaard, Mark (Keanna) Hornstra, Justin (Lindsey) Overgaard, and Carly (Neil) Fleming; great-grandchildren: Luke and Sofie Overgaard, Scarlett, Penny and Jack Hornstra and Elliot Fleming; sisters: Vera Trca, Eileen (Lawrence) Duffin, Meryl (Ernie) Campbell and Evie (Dave) Jones; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He will also be remembered by the many friends that came into his life.

Gerry is predeceased by his parents Seth and Marie Carson; son Randy Carson; grandson Scott Hornstra, daughter Brenda Overgaard; and siblings: Mildred, Mabel, Kathleen, Ethel, Leona, Dorothy, Gordon, Pearl and Cris.

A celebration of Gerry’s life will be held Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, at 1 p.m. at The Church of the Nazarene, 5340 - 59 Ave., Rocky Mountain House. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Condolences may be forwarded to www.rockyfuneralhome.ca.

Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.