April 12th, 2017

Edward (Ted) Cooper Carlton died on April 10, 2017, peacefully with loving family at his side, at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, Ontario aged 85. Dearly beloved husband of Barbara (née Black) for over 60 years. Predeceased by his brother, Richard and his son Tim. He will be greatly missed by his children Chris (Nga), Elizabeth (Gary), Ted (Mary) and Victoria (Anthony) and his daughter-in-law, Claudia. “Granddad” to nine grandchildren – Matthew, Patrick, Claire, Olivia, Jane, Laura, Ellen, Alex and James.

Ted was born and raised in Toronto by his parents Marjorie Carlton (née Mason) and Edward Carlton. He and his brother Richard grew up in a smaller, quieter Toronto in the 1940s, spending summers at his family’s cottage in Muskoka. Ted graduated from St. Michael’s College School and then attended St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto (5T5) where he and Barbara met. After graduating, Ted attended the Ontario College of Education and began his teaching career at St. Michael’s College School. Just after Ted and Barbara were married in 1956, they moved to Galt, where he joined the inaugural teaching staff of the newly opened Glenview Park Secondary School. The group of new, young teachers became a community of friends who would remain close throughout their lives. Ted had a profound impact on the secondary schools of Waterloo County and spent the last nine years of his career as Principal of Southwood Secondary School in Cambridge, Ontario. Long after his retirement, Ted was frequently approached by former students and staff members who recalled the positive impact he had had on their lives and careers. His passion away from work was building and renovating: a cottage on Lake Muskoka, a century-old country home in St. George, and the family’s cottage in Bayfield Inlet on Georgian Bay. All of these projects engaged the whole family, and created places which were the heart of his family’s life together. Together with Barb, he spent every summer at the cottage, and enjoyed boating, fishing, and appreciating the iconic landscape of the Canadian Shield. They also enjoyed travel, a major highlight being a year spent living in England in 1971-72 which was followed by many future visits. In retirement, they also saw a great deal of Europe, Canada and the US from coast to coast. Ted was also an active volunteer. In retirement, he took on the role of representing his fellow cottage islanders as Councillor in the Township of the Archipelago for nine years and was a board member and volunteer at the Cambridge Memorial Hospital. His wife Barbara was the centre of Ted’s life and the sparkle in his eye. Together, they seemed to manage with ease the busy life of two full-time careers and raising a close-knit family. One of Ted’s greatest pleasures in life was hearing about the day-to-day lives and achievements of his children, their spouses and his grandchildren. His family and friends will miss his heartfelt toasts at the dinner table, his larger than life presence, sage advice, and above all, his warmth and humour.

Friends and family will be received at the Coutts Funeral Home , 96 St. Andrew’s Street, Cambridge on Wednesday, April 12 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Clement’s Catholic Church, 745 Duke St, Cambridge on Thursday, April 13, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Many thanks to the staff at the hospital for their care and compassion during his final days.

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