April 27, 1949 – September 3, 2020
On Thursday, September 3, 2020, Carol succumbed to a battle with cancer at Grace Hospice in Winnipeg. She was predeceased by her father Robert Donald Gibb, her mother Helen (Miller) Gibb and her nephew Robert Alan Gibb. Carol is survived by her husband Elie, her brothers Bob and Ken (Linda) Gibb, and her sister Jean (Larry) Mackie.
Although she did not have children of her own, she was a great support to and loved by all her nieces and nephews: Kendra (Allan), great-niece Alek, great-nephew Connor; Terra (Kevin), great-nieces Grace and Jessa; Matt, great-nephew Jake; Andrea (Randy), great-niece Chase; Rob, Joiri, Caelin and Jonathon (Rae-Lynn) Cayden, Devin and Keane. Nephew and Niece: Steve (Bev) and great-nieces Tina, Channy, Michele (Clint)and great-great nephews: Riley Brett Brayson Thomas great-great nieces: Mackenzie Kaylee Isabelle and Ellie Jane.
Carol was born in Hood River, Oregon on April 27th, 1949 and as a child she lived in Cascade Locks, Oregon; Bridgeport, Washington and Jamestown, North Dakota prior to moving to Winnipeg with her family where she attended Grant Park High School.
Her easygoing disposition, friendly outgoing personality, contributed to her profession as a professional administrative assistant and public relations assistant.
Over the years, her places of employment were Manulife, Health Sciences Centre and Seven Oaks Hospital. Her most memorable was with Seven Oaks Hospital where she made many friends and met the love of her life Elie.
Their courtship began with a suspenseful cup of coffee which then led to Carol boldly asking who admired her from a distance? With the help of staff members pointing her to the man of her life, the love story began.
Together they traveled the world going to approximately (59 countries) and upon returning back each time to family and friends they shared in their AWESOME insights of our world’s beautiful cultures, food, music and dance. And yes, beverages, like each countries vintage wines!
Carol also enjoyed numerous family gatherings where she was the life of the party. She possessed a wonderful sense of humor and partook in many vigorous discussions and debates. She was also a cat lover like no other.
Carol’s brother Ken put together a few words to give us all insight as to what a beautiful person Carol was:
“My first thought is how close all of us were growing up, we weren’t just brothers and sisters we were best friends and through our lifetime that closeness has always remained. I always thought Carol was so cool when I was growing up. She helped teach me to dance, bleached my hair and helped pick out my clothes. She was the first to get her own apartment, how cool was that, even though the bathroom was down the hall and shared by all the other tenants on that floor. Her wedding reception on the M.S. Lord Selkirk where I had the honour of giving the toast to the bride, and how much of it was jokes about her being a little clumsy and uncoordinated. But on her wedding day she was a beautiful work of art. When taking my apprenticeship, I stayed with her in Winnipeg for eight weeks. Can’t speak for her but those were some of the most fun weeks I ever had. We got into the wine one night and called Uncle Chuck. We laughed half the night away. He even wrote us a letter thanking us for the call. My Phoenix traveling buddy – twice – even at this late stage we enjoyed doing things together. I may not have agreed with some of her insights but she always made me laugh. My time with her was wonderful and cherished. She was a wonderful and loving sister and I will always cherish her.”
We’re quite certain that her best friend Trauty is now showing her the ropes in heaven above as they reminisce all the great times and laughter they shared together.
All those who were touched by Carol will miss her wonderful spirit, laughter, and love of life.
Please feel free to contribute your condolences, thoughts and memories.
10 thoughts on “Carol Ann Richard”
Dear Carol’s family,
I’m so sorry to learn of Carol’s passing. So many memories came flooding back. I first met Carol at Manulife in the late 70’s. After we both left Manulife, we occasionally met for breakfast or lunch. I remember her apartment on Roslyn Rd, such a cool place! She had great taste. Her cat Runa Tuna. I remember when she met Elie and how she spoke about their life together. She often spoke of her siblings and their families and how much they all meant to her. I’m sorry we lost contact over the past few years but we always sent Christmas cards. The very last thing I will remember is her wonderful laugh. Please accept my condolences. She will be missed.
Thank you Joy for expressing your memories of Carol.
We are already realizing how difficult life feels to be without her, however we are also relishing in many wonderful memories.
J.
My image of Carol may be limited as I only saw her, after her family moved to Canada, when she and Jean would come down to the states to visit my sister, Carol, “Trauty”. I know my Carol treasured having your Carol, and Jean, as friends; and being warmly accepted by Carol and Jean’s extended family. And truly enjoyed their excursions together which was obvisious as she would share pictures, videos and comments on them. I thought of Carol as a safisticated lady who had it all together. I know how much my sister looked forward to Carol and Jean’s visit during her battle with cancer. They would always do something to put a smile on her face and her spirits were the highest at those times. And my first thought when I heard from Jean that her Carol had passed was that my Carol was there to greet her. When I read Ken’s obituary comment of “Trauty” I cried. He is right, I’m sure they’re already up to some thing.
Our condolences to all those who will miss Carol. I’m sure there are many. My advice to you Jean is to share your life with your sister daily as you live it. Then she will always be with you. And I swear there are times my Carol has a comment to make. They see us even if we can’t see them. Love isn’t limited by distance.
God be with you.
Linda and David
Thank you Linda for your reflections. Our family always thought of your sister Carol (Trauty) as part of the family. Nobody had more fun than us at our gatherings and Trauty’s sense of humour was the “icing on the cake”. When our Carol passed it gave our family solace to know that she would once again be reunited with her best friend Trauty.
We are forever grateful that the two Carols (your sister and my sister) profoundly touched our lives. J.
Jean and family
I know what a big hole this will leave in your heart. No one will replace it as Carol was indeed Special. I have so many great memories with the Ginn family Laughter is their legacy. When Carol laughed we all did. I remember being in your house on Lynx and you had doctored Kens cigarette. We smoked back then. When the end of it blew off I’ll never forget the look of Kens face or Carol’s. The three Carols and Jean laughed till tears poured down our cheeks. There was a house full and everyone roared in laughter. It was a great day.
Another great time was her Wedding Day on the River. Elie she was the happiest bride and so happy to be spending the rest of her life with you. All of us were lucky to have her in our lives.
With Love and fond memories
The other Carol and Scott Collingwood
Thanks for the memories Carol (C.C.). We sure enjoyed some fantastic, crazy, fun times while in Carol’s company. We’re missing her and not liking the way life feels without her but feeling grateful for all the wonderful memories.
I am so sorry to hear of Carol’s passing. Carol and I did so much together although quite a few years ago. Carol came to British Columbia to visit in the early eighties and we had a super time. Our friendship had begun at Manulife in Winnipeg prior to the trip she took to see me out west. Later on we did enjoy a lunch quite often with Joy Marsh, Carol and myself as I had returned to live in Winnipeg. We laughed a lot! I had the pleasure of meeting some of Carol’s family over the years as well. I send my condolences to all of you. Val Foster
Thank you Val for your thoughts. She was an amazing sister and friend for sure. J.
My sincere sympathy to Carol’s family. I worked with Carol at Seven Oaks. Carol was one of the most kind, gentle and supportive women I have ever met. Her loss will be immense.
Sherry it is so nice of you to share your thoughts with us. Thank you.