Carl L. Sherman
Born: March 23rd, 1930
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Carl L. Sherman. Born March 23, 1930 in Collingwood Corner, NS, eldest son to the late Mildred ‘Mid’ (Lockhart) and Carmen Sherman.
Carl grew up in Collingwood, graduating from Oxford High School in 1948. He spent two years in the Air Force as an Aeronautic technician before attending Mount Allison University. Carl completed a Certificate in Engineering in 1954. Carl then married his childhood sweetheart Kathleen (Kay) Bragg before graduating from Nova Scotia Technical College with a BSc in Mechanical Engineering in 1957. Upon graduation, Carl began his career with Gulf Oil (formerly British American Oil Company) in Clarkson, Ontario, where he held several positions in operations and project management before transferring to Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia in 1970 for the construction and start-up of the Point Tupper Refinery, later ending his time there as Refinery General Manager. In 1977, Carl and Kay moved to Fort McMurray, Alberta where Carl had accepted a senior position during the start-up of Syncrude Canada Oil sands plant. He held various positions with Syncrude before retiring as a Vice President in 1986. Carl and his loving wife Kay returned home to Nova Scotia retiring in Lake Ainslie, Cape Breton in 1991.
Carl was a memorable man. He lived life well, and shared it well with others. He excelled at making people feel welcome, and in the refineries where he worked he was known for taking the time to learn the name and situation of everyone he met. He enjoyed life to the fullest, but particularly retirement. Carl and Kay enjoyed travel and spent most of their time between their “cabin” on Lake Ainslie and their winter home in Florida. Many friends and family speak of enjoying time with Kay and Carl, at one of their homes. His grandchildren share many funny stories of adventures with their Papa; he was a wonderful grandfather, like no other. Carl known for his practicality and ability to take on any task. He was an avid chef, master gardener, mechanic, carpenter, and golfer. He was an exceptional self-taught musician who often wowed us with his ability to play a song by ear on the piano after only hearing it a time or two.
Carl is predeceased by his parents; siblings, Donald and June (Barnaby); his wife, Kay (Bragg), and eldest daughter, Ann.
He is survived by his son, Mark (Teri); daughter, Nancy (Kevin); grandchildren, Carla (Derek), Scott, Michael, Brant, Breann, Cole and Kyle; his great-grandchildren, Lyla, Samuel, and Weston, and his many nieces and nephews.
Carl spent his final months living in great care at the Shannex Parkland in Halifax; though his final months were not as he had hoped, we his family find comfort that he is now with his dear Kay, and daughter Ann, at peace.
A celebration of Carl’s life will be held on Saturday, September 23 at 1:00 p.m. in the Collingwood United Church, Collingwood, NS.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements are in the care of MacDiarmid’s Funeral Home and Crematorium, Oxford, NS (902-447-2930). Private condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mmcfunerals.com.
