S/S/M RCMP (ret'd) Arthur Daniel "Dan" Carroll

Passed away after a prolonged illness at Perley Health in Ottawa.  Dan is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Marion (nee Derouin).  Loving father to Jeff (Wanda), Steve, and Lisa (Trent).  Proud Poppa to Alyssa (Jake), Kaela (Gordon) and Grandpa to Justin and Ryan.  Great grandfather to Aurora and Hazel.  Remembered fondly by sisters Margaret and Helen.  Predeceased by his parents Mike and Anna Carroll, sisters Eileen (Gordon), Lily (Glenn) and brother-in-law Wayne Mickleborough.  While we will grieve Dad’s loss deeply, he accomplished so much in his lifetime, and we want to share and celebrate his story.

At the tender age of 10, Dad lost his mother.  The eldest and only son, he was sent to board at St. Louis College in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan. He later transferred to Campion College in Regina.  Dad was an excellent student, natural athlete and accomplished musician.  It was during high school, Dad learned to play the clarinet.  In the summer of 1951, the RCMP Regimental Band, in need of a clarinet player, engaged him as a special constable at the age of 17.  Once 18, Dad was able to join the Force as a regular member and completed his basic and equestrian training at Depot Division in Regina, HQ and N division in Ottawa.  He travelled to Toronto to further his studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music.    

In 1958, Dad was transferred to Ottawa and became a full-time member of RCMP Band. One weekend, Mom caught Dad’s eye at a dance at the YMCA and the rest was history.  They were married in 1959.  Dad’s extensive travel necessitated mom be left alone for long periods of time. Births, deaths and milestones both happy and sad were missed.   Dad’s homecomings were always keenly anticipated and happy reunions with tales of his adventures were enjoyed.  Dad eventually became the Chief Administrator for the RCMP Band and travelled extensively across Canada and as far as Osaka, South America and Australia proudly serving the Force and representing Canada.   

Dad retired in 1989 and became involved in the RCMP Veteran’s association, holding numerous executive and committee roles, including President in 1996.   Dad was recognized as Volunteer of the Year in 2016.  He was also awarded the Governor General’s Sovereign Medal in 2010 in recognition of his great commitment to volunteering.   Mom and Dad enjoyed travelling taking many memorable trips to Europe, Hawaii, South America and the USA, spending several weeks in Florida each winter until Dad’s health would no longer permit.

In recent years, Dad’s cardio-vascular disease and diabetes progressed.  He underwent heart surgery, suffered a number of strokes and complications.  Mom cared for Dad with the unwavering love, strength and dedication you would expect.  He called her his Guardian Angel.  There was no one he would rather be with.  There’s was relationship based on the deepest of love and commitment.

The family would like to thank the medical and nursing staff at the Bruyére Hospital and Perley Health.  In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to the Ottawa Heart Institute or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Family and friends are invited to a Visitation at Beechwood, Funeral Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa), on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, beginning at 11 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life in Beechwood’s Sacred Space at 1 p.m., a reception will be held by invitation only. An Interment will take place in the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery located at Beechwood Cemetery at a later time. For messages of condolence, please visit www.beechwoodottawa.ca