David-J. Carter

Biographie

David J. Carter was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in April 1934. His parents were Archdeacon J.W. and Mabel (Sheward) Carter. He attended schools in Regina and Medicine Hat prior to attending the University of Manitoba where he obtained a B.A. In 1961 he graduated from St. John's college, Winnipeg with an L.Th theology degree. He was ordained in the Anglican Church in 1960 (Deacon) and 1961 (Priest). He served parishes in greater Winnipeg prior to becoming Chaplain at the University of Calgary together with Mt. Royal College and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. Post graduate studies at VST, Vancouver resulted in an STB degree and completion of requirements for the STM. He was awarded a DD by St. John's College, in 1976.

In 1969 he became Rector and Dean of the Calgary Cathedral - the youngest Dean in the Anglican Church world-wide. While serving on many diocesan, regional, national and international committees he became the prime mover in the construction of a 150 unit high rise for senior citizens. He was also editor of the diocesan newspaper and archivist.

From 1962 to 1965 he served as Chaplain (P) with HMCS Chippewa, Winnipeg. He did summer duty at Cornwallis, NS, Kingston, ON and Esquimalt, BC.

David entered provincial politics in 1979 and was elected four times as MLA. He was elected Speaker in 1986 and 1989. He retired from politics in 1993.

He has written fifteen books and contributed to historical journals in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Some of his poems were set to music by the late Dr. Violet Archer and performed in Banff, Edmonton and on CBC Radio. He has provided research materials to the CBC COuntry Canada TV production 'Murder Behind the Wire', NFB 'The Enemy Within' and History Television's documentary 'Hitler's Canadians'. He had been featured with Ann Medina on History Television. David also assists researchers and writers in Canada, Australia, UK, USA, Germany and Korea.

David and his wife Jean live in the historic Cypress Hills, Alberta. Jean's Newfoundland roots in the 1950's have many similarities with those who grew up on the prairies in the 1940's. The Carter's together with a band of friends have restored St. Margaret's church and cemetery. David conducts occasional services in south eastern Alberta, south western Saskatchewan and Montana. He serves as a daily volunteer weather observer for Environment Canada.