Obit: CARTER, Norman A

CARTER, Norman A. - Age 72, of Amherst, passed away January 4, 2010, at home. Born in Amherst, he was the son of the late Clairmont and Edna (Richard) Carter. Norman was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, Amherst, and was a member of the bowling league. He loved to cook, garden and had a flair for decorating. In his younger years, he had lived in both Truro and Charlottetown, P.E.I., where he had worked for Capitol Theaters. He was employed with Canadian Tire and the Fort Cumberland Hotel, both in Amherst. He was current owner/operator of Carvel Upholstery and Draperies, Amherst, along with his spouse, Gerard. Norman and Gerard were the first same-sex couple to be legally married in Atlantic Canada. He was co-founder and treasurer of the Cumberland Pride Society and an active supporter of the Live Bait Theatre in Sackville, N.B. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Norman is survived by his spouse, Gerard Veldhoven; daughters, Cindy (Kip) McKillop, Morinville, Alta.; Laurel (Andrew) Carter, River Hebert; stepsons, Christopher and Mark (Evelyn) Veldhoven, all of Toronto; sister, Phyllis Jolly, Winnipeg, Man.; grandchildren, Tony White, Shannon Carter, Ashley Turner; great-grandson, Justin Carter; stepgrandchildren, Mia and Abby Veldhoven. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Monday, January 11, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Campbell's Funeral Home (902-667-9906) 98 Church St., Amherst, Rev. Eldon Hay officiating. A reception will follow in the Knights of Columbus Hall. Interment in St. Charles Cemetery at a later date. Family flowers only. A trust fund has been established in memory of Norman. Donations are graciously accepted at any TD Branch c/o "The Norman Carter Memorial Fund", Toronto Dominion Branch No. 4845, Account No. 628 5000, Transit No. 4845. On-line condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the website: www.campbells-amherst.ca
[Wednesday, 06-January-2010 The Chronicle-Herald, Halifax, NS]
[collected by EMKeys 2010-01-06]

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NS gay rights activist dies at 72
By THE CANADIAN PRESS
Wed. Jan 6 - 2:01 PM
A gay rights activist from Nova Scotia who made headlines after marrying his partner of more than 30 years has died. Norman Carter was 72.
The native of Amherst, N.S., died at his home Monday. Carter and Gerard Veldhoven wed in October 2004, shortly after the Nova Scotia Supreme Court ruled the civil definition of marriage should include same-sex couples. Susan Reid, chair of Cumberland Pride, says Carter and Veldhoven were ``very proud'' of their status as one of the first openly gay couples in the area. Rev. Eldon Hay, who has long advocated for gay rights, says Carter was a pioneer for the cause.
Hay will conduct Carter's funeral service Monday in Amherst.
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