In memory of

Richard Staples Carson

June 5, 1928 -  August 7, 2017

RICHARD STAPLES CARSON

(JUNE 5, 1928 – AUGUST 7, 2017)

Richard Staples Carson passed away on August 7th, 2017 at the Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto after a seven week struggle with complications resulting from a serious fall. He leaves behind his loving and constant companion and wife, Eleanore (nee Otto), his dedicated and deeply loving daughter, Andrea Carson Barker, and son-in-law, Scott Barker. Also, a close family member, Jantana Jarusook whose presence over 30 years enriched the Carson family life. His sister-in-law Donna Otto-Spence and David Spence of Vancouver Island, and Frieda and Arthur Zink of Coquitlam BC, together with all nephews and nieces cherish the great contribution Richard made to their lives, with his elegant and generous character.

Richard Staples Carson was born in Lethbridge, Alberta in 1928 to Anne (Staples) Carson and Harold Robertson
Carson. He attended Strathcona School for Boys in Calgary, and Trinity College School, Port Hope, Ontario. He graduated from UBC with a degree in Commerce, and continued a Business degree at Harvard University.

Richard was known for his kindness, dignity, integrity and compassion, combined with a very keen sense of beauty and robust creativity. He founded the Florentine Shops in 1964. Richard and Eleanore were married in 1965 and together they developed their interesting business, which involved extensive travel. Their daughter Marion Andrea (named after Richard’s grandmother, Marion Coutts Carson) was born in 1972.
Richard further expanded into founding Arbutus Real Estate Ltd. alongside the Florentine Shops, and stayed with this industry until the end, working closely with his valued property manager Etta Kubbinga, and his daughter.

A memorial service will be held at St. Thomas Anglican Church, 383 Huron St. on Friday, August 18th at 1 p.m.
Private family interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery to follow.
We invite all friends and family to join us at the York Club, 135 St. George St. for a reception in the garden from 3.00 to 5.00 p.m.

For those who wish, donations can be made to the YMCA or the Salvation Army Toronto. Richard was a member of the Y for about 60 years.

Guestbook 

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Nicole Stoffman (Family Friend)

Entered August 10, 2017 from Toronto

My strongest memories of Mr. Carson were of when he drove Andrea and I to Rhythmic Gymnastics- the type of gymnastics with the colourful ribbons- in his wood-paneled Volvo. Andrea and I were very little, maybe six years old. He was so cool, he even let us sit in the hatchback with no seat-belts! Andrea and I had fun making faces at the people in the car behind us. Those were the seventies. My next strongest memory is of playing in the Florentine warehouse with Andrea while Mr. Carson went about working or doing whatever he had to do. We were allowed to jump from one level into a huge box of Styrofoam packing materials. Another memory I have is being at Andrea's farm, with Mr. Carson somewhere close by no doubt, while we jumped from a platform in the barn into a huge pile of hay, below. As I write this all down, there is a definite pattern emerging - I always felt, and still feel, very respectful of Mr. Carson. I always wanted to call him Mr. Carson, even when Andrea told me it wasn't necessary. However, under that cool exterior was a warm and fun guy, who loved seeing us have fun, and trusted us enough to know we'd be OK. My last memory of Mr. Carson was giving him a peck on the cheek goodbye as Mrs. Carson and I finished up our afternoon tea visit. Thank you, Mr. Carson, for being so kind and for all the fun memories. My deepest condolences to Eleanor, Andrea and to all the extended family. I will miss him.
Most Sincerely,
Nicole Stoffman

Theo and Whitney Caldwell (Friends)

Entered August 10, 2017 from Toronto

Mr. Carson was the kindest, most gentle man we ever knew. What a privilege, to call him a friend.

Marlene (Zink) & Mark Engel (Niece)

Entered August 10, 2017 from Salmon Arm, BC

Thinking fondly of the ever- gracious Uncle Richard and sending much love to Auntie Eleanore and Andrea. You have been in our thoughts and prayers.

David McKelvey (Friend and business associate)

Entered August 11, 2017 from king city

The best way I can describe Richard is that he was like a father to me. He was more than a friend and associate. I know he will be with the angels and Skip and I will dearly miss him.

Barbara Kyle (distant cousin)

Entered August 11, 2017 from Guelph, ON

Richard was one of a rare breed that my late father used to call, as a term of his highest praise, "a scholar and a gentleman." I have the fondest memories of Richard so kindly giving me a summer job, when I was a green teenager, at The Florentine Shop on Bloor, a lovely learning experience for me, being surrounded by such beautiful things. My sincere condolences go to Eleanore and Andrea.

Photos 

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