Bathurst - It is with sadness and gratitude for a life well-lived that the family of Dr. Don Carson announces his death. James Donald Carson was the son of the late James Morley and Katherine (MacNaughton) Carson of Saint John. He is survived by his wife, Aldra, his son Dr. Leigh (Diana), Cynthia (Stan Krakowski), Christopher (Diane) and the daughters; Robyn, Brett and Paige, Stephanie (Dale Carson-Turner and their children; Benjamin and Dylan as well as by his youngest son, James Alan. He is also survived by stepsons; Kirk (Cynthia) Wood and their son, Andrew, by Sandy (Carolin) Wood, their children, Allison and Alex, as well as Paul (Christine) Wood and their children, Amanda and Jarrett. Also left to mourn are one sister; Joyce (Rev. Arthur) Gregg, and brother, Bill (Marma) as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Don Carson was pre-deceased by his wife, Jane (in 1982) and later by his sister Jean and brothers Rex and Jack. He will surely be missed by his many friends and colleagues. Dr. Carson graduated from St. John High School in 1947 and 4 years later from Mount Allison University with a B.Sc degree. In 1955, after obtaining his medical degree from Dalhousie University, he moved to Bathurst, NB where he maintained a vibrant family medical practice for more than 45 years (except for a brief sojourn in Nova Scotia). An enthusiastic participant in many organizations both professional and community, Dr. Carson was the district representative for the Bathurst Medical Society to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of N.B. He became President of the College from 1989-1990. He served first as Secretary and then as President of the N.B. Chapter of the College of Family Physicians of Canada. A member of the Board of Directors of the N.B. Medical Society he also served on a number of related committees. At the local level, Dr. Carson was President of the Medical Staff at the Bathurst (Chaleur Regional) Hospital. Characterized as a physician of wisdom and grace, he never lost his spontaneous warmth or sense of humour. Dr. Carson received national recognition in 1979 when chosen Canadian Family Physician of the Year. He was, too, a recipient of the Garfield Moffatt Medical Medal in 1997 and of the Order of Merit Award in 2004. Dr. Don Carson was honoured as a Life Member of both the N.B. Medical Society and of the Canadian Medical Association. The local municipality recognized many contributions to the community by making him a Freeman of the City of Bathurst in 2000. He also received a Paul Harris Rotary Fellowship in thanks of his involvement. A long-time member of the First United Church in Bathurst, he loved its fellowship and worked tirelessly on many of its committees. He was a stalwart member of the choir and even taught Sunday school for a time. Whether skiing the North 100, weeding his raspberry patch, learning a new tune, practicing lines for the North Shore Players, or carving a mask, Don Carson did it with almost contagious enthusiasm. He celebrated the quality of life and the joy of living. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Elhatton's Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com) in Bathurst where visitation will be held on Saturday (May 31, 2008) from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9. A celebration of Dr. Carson's life will take place at the First United Church, St. Patrick St., Bathurst, on Sunday (June 1, 2008) at 2:00 p.m. Donations in remembrance of Dr. Don Carson, may be make to the Chaleur Regional Hospital Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, the First United Church Memorial Fund or a favorite charity.