John Paul Carroll Obituary in Dartmouth at Donald K. Walker Funeral Directors at Donald K. Walker Funeral Directors

John Paul Carroll

Passed 10/26/2023

Obituary For John Paul Carroll

Loyal, intelligent, fair, sensitive, funny, mischievous and generous. These characteristics all describe John, a well-known and widely loved community and business leader and mentor to many. He was a much-in-demand auctioneer, a storyteller extraordinaire, and he loved the ‘art of the deal’. Once a friend of John’s, you were a friend for life.

On October 26th, 2023, John passed away at home with his beloved wife, Gail, by his side after a lovely evening out with friends. John was 77 years old.
John was a loving and devoted husband to his wife of 53 years, Gail (nee Pridham), a proud and supportive father to his children, Dr. Julia (Michael) and Scott (Katie), and an adoring Grampy to his grandchildren Abigail, Victoria, Sophie and Jane.

John was born in Minto, New Brunswick, the second child of Donald and Imelda Carroll. His father was the Sergeant Major for the Nova Scotia RCMP, and John spent his formative years in Halifax and Chester. His ancestors first came to Chester in the mid-1700s, and John and Gail maintain the old family homestead to this day. John resided in Half Moon Cove in Chester, where he and Gail enjoyed their retirement, entertaining many friends and family in their beautiful home on the water. Over their lifetime, John and Gail had many adventures travelling the world together. In later years, they spent the winters in Florida, surrounded by a wonderful community of friends both on and off the water.

John was an avid sailor who enjoyed club racing at Chester Yacht Club, especially on the High Tide. He loved his toys, and his powerboats were always named Gail Force in honour of Gail, his first mate on the water and in life. A proud bluenoser, John was known to give the quintessential Chester Harbour Tour, and he loved to take people for the ‘ride of their lives’ in his latest sports car.

John was a brilliant businessman with decades of success in the automotive industry. He first became a General Motors dealer in 1975 in Listowel, Ontario. He went on to own and operate various automobile dealerships in Moncton, NB and in Dartmouth, Halifax, Liverpool, and Bridgewater, NS.

John was one of the original investors and partners in Future Inn Hotels. This enterprise has prospered since its beginnings in Dartmouth, with locations in Halifax and Dartmouth, as well as three locations in the United Kingdom. In addition to his business interests, John served on numerous boards within the automotive industry, including Chair of the National Dealer Council with Chrysler Canada, President of the Moncton Auto Dealers Association, President of the Maritime Pontiac Buick Dealer Marketing Association, and National Chair of the General Motors Dealer Communications team.

An active and committed community member, John supported many local causes, both large and small. In his beloved home community of Chester, John served as Chair of the Area Advisory Planning Committee and as Chair of the Chester Village Commission. He was a past Commodore of the Chester Yacht Club and an active member of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was a board member of the Chester and Area Family Resource Centre and Vice President of the Chester Chamber of Commerce. His most recent work included serving on the South Shore Regional Hospital Fundraising Board. John was also enthusiastically involved in politics at the municipal, provincial and federal levels. Most recently, he led a successful provincial election campaign for the Chester-St. Margaret’s riding.

John was proud to receive The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee medal in 2022 from the Canadian Parliament in recognition of his community service and business leadership.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Health Services Foundation for South Shore Regional Hospital (www.healthservicesfoundation.ca). Members of Chester Yacht Club may consider a donation to the CYC Benefactor’s Trust. John was very passionate about this project, which will help sustain Chester's historic club.

A celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2024 in Chester, NS.

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Condolences

11/17/2023

brady hennigar

a great man a greater friend a greatloss to us all
11/17/2023

brady hennigar

a great man and a greater friend
11/11/2023

Steven Landry

John and I met when I was the Regional Manager for Chrysler Canada in the Moncton office. I later went on to be CEO of Chrysler Canada. John and I kept a special relationship especially since I am originally from Dartmouth- so a fellow Maritimer. John was very helpful to all Chrysler Dealers in his role as head of Dealer Council. We stayed in contact over the years and enjoyed a special boat ride in Chester with John and Gail a few years ago. May John rest in peace and Gail & family enjoy the memories of a great man! Steve and Marcelle Landry
11/11/2023

Anne Boudreau

Deepest condolences to Gail & family on the passing of John. Although my brother's friend I remember John's big smile. Many years later meeting him when looking for a car I couldn't get over how tall he was. He was so welcoming & time didn't seem to change him at all. John will live on in your words, thoughts & actions. May you find peace knowing others share your grief
11/05/2023

Keith and Wendy HORSFALL

John and I met in the early 1960's. He worked at Shell Canada and I was a service station operator. We became good friends and spent time together. Wendy and I were proud to be in John and Gail's wedding, even on their honeymoon in Chester. We kept in touch over the years as we both had career changes. In 2018 Wendy and I made a holiday trip to Nova Scotia and had lunch with John and Gail. This year we took a bus trip to the Maritimes and on a free day we were lucky and spent a few hours with them, seeing parts of Halifax on a guided tour in their SUV. They dropped us off at our hotel and we said our thanks and shared hugs. As I hugged John I had tears in my eyes wondering if we would see each other again. He will be missed. Keith and Wendy Horsfall
11/04/2023

Ray Amiro

I was saddened to hear of John's passing. I offer my deep condolences to Gail, Julia, Scott and all of John's extended family and friends. I first met john in 1956 and our lives intertwined over 67 years through grade school and high school, on to Ottawa, Toronto and Chester where, over several decades. we both enjoyed the good folks of the village and the wonderful waters of Mahone Bay. We both had the fortune to sail 'High Tide', though at different times, and had immense respect for that lovely craft. We had memorable times together, boating, hunting, travelling to Ottawa in 1964, and exploring Toronto in the mid 60's. We sailed different courses, but we kept in touch, always on our birthdays, which were one day apart. He was my senior by one day, and called me 'young fella'. John was a good man and will be missed by many. "Fair winds... old friend! Long may your big jib draw."
11/04/2023

Greg & Margie Boudreau

Our deepest condolences to Gail, Julia, Scott and family for your loss. John and I grew up just three streets away from each other. We went through elementary and high schools together. Two weeks after Margie and I got married we moved to Toronto. John and Richard very kindly let us stay with them for a month while we were waiting for our apartment. I have always considered John to be a dear friend and have many fond memories of our time together. Sending love and prayers, Greg & Margie Boudreau
11/02/2023

Bonnie Cressman

We are so sorry to hear of John's passing Our sincere condolences Gail,Julia, Scott and family. When you lived in Listowel so many great memories, us girls getting together on Sat's while our husband's worked and kids playing ❤️. Great talking to you this year and said Anne and I were coming down this past summer , but fires came and never happened . Love Bonnie, Del and family.
11/01/2023

David & Judy whynott & family

I am very sorry to hear of the loss of such a great, person as a friend, and employee he was truly one of the best people you could be associated with in all and any way you knew him. Gail, Scott, Julia and all of Jon's family our deepest sympathy from Judy and David and family.
11/01/2023

Kristin D.

John Carroll carried a truly special energy & his care for the Chester community was deeply admirable. John you will be missed.
10/31/2023

David Biggs

Sorry to hear of the passing of John. To Gail, Scott and Julia, we feel your loss. As the last living member of the Biggs clan, and knowing how important John was to my father in particular, we'd like to send our deepest condolences to you all. John was absolutely larger than life. David, Tracey and Cole Biggs
10/31/2023

Bill and Rose Primeau

Gail, Scott and Julia. Rose and I were deeply saddened to hear of John's passing, and we offer our condolences to all of you. John and I first met in 1996 when he was a GM dealer and I ran GMAC, but the business relationship blossomed quickly into a wonderful personal friendship. His love of sailing, or helming a fast powerboat complimented his love for fast cars, but his greatest pride and love was was reserved for his wonderful family. John was a powerhouse, and he always treated those that he met with dignity and respect, and I was privileged to have known him. Bill and Rose Primeau
10/31/2023

Rick Thomas

John and I have been friends for more than 60 years. We first met in High School . Many , many good times together from car racing to boating to just hanging out together. He was fun to be with and always made my day brighter . I owe him a great deal , a debt I can never repay except with my undying love and admiration for this man . Rest in peace my good friend and know you are forever in my heart . Rick Thomas
10/31/2023

Ken & Sylvia McGee

To Gail & family. We are so sorry to hear of Johns passing. We did so much business back & forth when you were in Listowel and became good friends because of that. Those memories will stay with Sylvia and I forever and we know they will be in your family's mind forever as well.
10/31/2023

Katelyn Veinot

Sending condolences during this difficult time. John was and is an amazing man with so much love in his heart. He will be forever missed but remembered always.
10/31/2023

Vickie Pulsifer

I am so sorry to hear of your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you in these difficult days ahead. I was so surprised to learn of John's passing he was always so kind and full of life. I will say of all his life qualities his finest was the pride he had for his family. Rest easy John you have left behind a wonderful family and legacy. Vickie Pulsifer and Family
10/31/2023

Gordon Eisnor

Gail,Julia,Scott and families: Very sad to hear of John's passing.I last talked to him in August at a wedding aniversity in Bridgewater.John was a great person to have known and to have worked for at Carroll Tri County GM in Liverpool.Sincere condolences to all.
10/31/2023

ken macleod

So sad to hear of john's passing , Our years on the high tide bring fond memories of john and gail and the good times we had. Our prayers are with gail ,the family and their freinds, ken and wendy
10/30/2023

Judy Houlihan, Lower Sackville

The world has lost a wonderful, caring person. He was a great friend to Dave and was so supportive of me when Dave died a few years ago. I felt safe and knew I could count on him to help get through what ever was ahead of me. I can still hear his laugh and see the twinkle in his eyes. He was a friend to so many and a true gentleman. He enjoyed life and things with an engine that went fast. Gail and his family were an integral and important part of his life. Hold those memories close. They will help you in the months ahead. Close your eyes and listen - you will hear and feel him - especially if there is a car near. A light has gone out. Judy Houlihan and family
10/30/2023

Sarah Walker

My condolences to you all, Gail, Julia and Scott. I am so sorry to hear this news. John was a great man and was always so Kind to all. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
10/30/2023

Valerie Brace

Dear Gail and family, I almost fainted when I heard the news by phone today. Memories of 68 years of friendship passed before my eyes. No words can express how sad I am for your loss. Please accept my deepest and sincerest condolences. Doug Ferguson & (daughter) Valerie Brace
10/30/2023

Judy Parsons

So, so sorry Gail and family. Our thoughts are with you. This is a large loss of a very special guy. Judy and Bill
10/30/2023

Susan (O'Leary) Farrell

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of John's sudden passing. I have such great memories of him. Back when he was 18 and I was 17 John took over the job of teaching me to drive after my dad passed. After Saturday night he took me out driving. He was so patient with me. Such a sweet guy. Think of the family right now Susan (O'Leary) Farrell Aileen's younger sister
10/30/2023

Barbi Jollota

I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. My sincere condolences to Gail, Julia, Scott and family. All of my memories of John include his warm laugh and genuine smile.
10/30/2023

Alan & Colleen Hartling

Gail, Scott, Julia and families: We were so very sad to hear of Johns passing. John was a great man will be missed and remembered by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts are with you all as you go through this difficult and sad time. We will never forget the kindness he showed us in sharing your Florida home with us. Rest easy John. Alan & Colleen Hartling
10/30/2023

Rick & Trish Roberts

Dear Gail,Scott,Julia and family , I cannot begin to express how saddened Trish & I are to hear of John's sudden passing. Outside of the family,I probably spent the most time with John over our almost 25 years as close colleagues and friends together in the auto business! He was a great role model and mentor and a huge part of my success in the industry! We were a great team! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Rest in Peace my friend and God Bless!
10/30/2023

Ivan Hines

On behalf of myself & the Corvette Club of Nova Scotia to which John was a member, we offer our deepest condolences to the Carroll Family. Several members recall the long conversations they had with John on the topic of Corvettes & other cars. He was a captivating gentleman and will be greatly missed.
10/30/2023

Dawn Saulnier

My deepest condolences to John's family I remember John when I lived on Water Street in Chester. Sad to hear about his passing he was a good man.
10/29/2023

Brenda Mulrooney

Dear Gail, Julia, Scott and families. We were shocked and saddened hearing of John's sudden passing. He will be missed by this community, friends and those that new him through all of his endeavours. We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts. Paul, Brenda & family
10/29/2023

Elaine Solway

Dear Gail and Scott, Julia and family, I was saddened to learn of John's untimely death. He loved life ,was a leader and made a great contribution in business and in his community leadership. I hope your plentiful memories of your expansive and rich life together with family and friends will bring you some comfort as you and your family grieve the loss of your beloved husband and father. With my sincere condolences, Elaine Solway.
10/29/2023

Gale Fullerton

Such sad news. My deepest condolences to you, Gail, and to your family in this painful time. I am blessed to have enjoyed several chats with John recently, appreciating his words of wisdom, his good humour, and the always playful twinkle in his eye. Take comfort in your best memories of him. Godspeed, John. Gale xo
10/29/2023

Fred Brooks

Dear Gail, I cannot add words more meaningful than those of your dear friends on FB. So sorry for the great loss of your life partner John. Loving thoughts to you. Fred (Brooks) in Nanaimo.
10/29/2023

Mary Seyffert Hamblin

My thoughts and prayers are for Gail, Julia, Scott and all the family as well as all who love John - he helped so many. John's door was always open and several times he provided me with good advice and inspiration. He was so kind and generous and humorous, too! His passing is a great loss to the community and to the world. xo Mary (Seyffert Hamblin)