Obituary of David Sean Carson

It is with heart breaking sadness that we announce the passing of David Sean Carson on July 20th, 2018.  Beloved husband of Mary, much loved father of Jessica, Ryan, and Amelia. Eldest son of Joseph and Kathleen. Brother to Deborah, Brendan and Patrick.

David grew up in Brantford, Ontario, where he served as an altar boy, but dreamed of being a cowboy. After school he would trek over to Daisy Hill where he joined his friends to build an obstacle course to dirtbike until dusk.  

David’s passions were diverse and many. He was always physically active and excelled at many sports, from rugby to squash, from polo to biathlon. But downhill skiing and cycling were utmost in his heart. He cycled across Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Spain, France, and Brazil. He read widely: Hemingway, Nabokov, poetry by Dylan Thomas. He listened to Springsteen, Albinoni and Miles Davis; enjoyed the paintings of Monet and Renoir. He loved good food and wine, cooking for a crowd, and making martinis; which he did regularly with natural skill and poise. Dave loved cigars, manicures, and elegant hotels. He liked being known by the bartender so that his martini would be made just to his liking, without even having to order it. He took great pleasure in telling lively stories, and he had many to tell.

David was a great family-man, and wherever he moved his family was always eager to join him on his adventures. They have made many lifelong friends on their journeys. David’s greatest pride is the family that he and Mary have created. Although he travelled a lot for work, he never allowed it to affect his family time. Every Sunday was family day, dedicated for family hikes, mass, drives and dinner.   

Five years ago, the Carson family relocated to Madison, New Jersey. David then became a proud member of the Rotary Club. He was to become president of the Madison Rotary this year. Unfortunately, due to David’s health, he had to decline the position. Community service was a crucial part of his life; Big Brother program in his early years, volunteering with the ski patrol team to rescue stray skiers, Habitat for Humanity and Project of Hope. Recently, he was bestowed with the Paul Harris award.  

Professionally, David was extremely accomplished in many of his varied career paths. He started life out as an electrician. After a few years he got his bachelor degree at Western University. He was Vice-President for the Pacific region with Black & McDonald. He then worked for AES Corporation, a global energy company, in senior operational capacities, based in Sao Paulo, Brazil and Washington, DC. While conversing with Ross McCredie on vacation, they agreed to a partnership, joining him at Sotheby’s Canada. He pursued expansion opportunities in the United States, and relocated to Atlanta, Georgia. Later, he took on Sotheby’s in Montreal. Four years later, David accepted the position as Chief Operating Officer of Sotheby’s International, which ultimately brought him and his family to Madison, NJ. Three years ago David and Mary began a new journey, purchasing a Jan-Pro franchise. He most recently embarked on a blockchain startup–Cornerstone, with business partner Ross McCredie.

David was passionate about living life to its fullest.  He lived everyday like it was his last with no regrets, and filled them with love, laughter, and family.

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Monday, July 23, 2018 from 4-6 pm, with a wake service at 4 pm, at Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler Funeral Home, 106 Main Street, Madison, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at 12 pm at St. Vincent Martyr, 26 Green Village Road, Madison, NJ.

As per family requests, please do not send flowers.