Leslie Blake Carter
March 5, 1949 – December 20, 2024
The Reverend Leslie Blake Carter, known as Blake to friends and family, passed away in his 75th year on December 20, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at Lakeshore Hospital in Pointe Claire, Quebec. Born on March 5, 1949, in Fort William, Ontario, Blake lived a life devoted to faith, community, and lifelong learning. Blake was the beloved husband of Mary Ruth Michel, Audrey Tonkin (deceased 2015) and the cherished father of Mindy, Laughlyn (and Pheterachart), and proud grandfather to Harrison, Benjamin, and Keira. He was also the stepfather of Ruth, Alan, Mary and Steven (Audrey Tonkin, mother) and Anthony (Emma) (Mary Ruth Michel, mother). Blake is survived by brother, Jim Carter (Patti Louttit) and by sister, Beth (Andy Kasaboski). Blake was predeceased by his father, George Howard Carter and his mother, Rose Louise Carter, (nee Blake). Blake’s early years were marked by academic achievement and a strong commitment to service. He graduated from Fort William Collegiate Institute with his Grade 13 diploma in 1967, in addition to earning the distinguished Queen Scout award. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree at Lakehead University in 1974, alongside a one-year teaching certificate. It was in Vermillion Bay, Ontario, that Blake began his teaching career and met his first wife, Debra Ann Cunningham, with whom he had two children, Mindy and Laughlyn. Blake’s passion for ministry and education led him to Knox College at the University of Toronto, where he earned his Master of Divinity in 1977. He was called to serve as the Minister of several congregations, including in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, where he served at Lakeview Presbyterian Church. Blake also pursued further studies, earning a Master of Arts in Christian Education from The Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia, in 1982. His work was informed by his unwavering commitment to outdoor education, and the advancement of women’s equality within the church. In recognition of his contributions to the church and community, Blake was honored with membership in the Women’s Missionary Society of the Presbyterian Church in Canada in 1995. He was also awarded the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada in 1992, a testament to his significant impact on both his local community and the nation. Blake’s life was a testament to his faith, service, and love for others. He was known for his kindness, wisdom, and unyielding belief in the power of community. He had a profound influence on the lives of those who knew him, and his legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of sharing in his journey. A graveside service will be held at O’Connery Cemetery in Kakabeka Falls, Ontario, details to be determined. A memorial service will take place at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Beaconsfield, Quebec, on December 27, 2024, at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the L. Blake Carter Memorial Fund at https://www.gofundme.com/f/l-blake-carter-memorial-fund?attribution_id=sl:3f0ab67f-4a04-42d3-ab64-ec39c0c141a9&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link to raise funds to help cover the expenses associated with fulfilling his last wish of being laid to rest in Kakabeka Falls, Ontario. Any remaining funds will be donated to HHT research (https://curehht.org). Blake will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.
