Obituary of Carlton Munroe

Gavin Carlton Munroe  -48, of Scotsburn, passed away at home with his wife, Taryn by his side. Born in Williams Lake, BC on September 2, 1969, he was the son of Alta Munroe (nee Langille) and the late Clyde Munroe. Much has been written of Carlton’s professional life and his prolific reach as a music promoter and all around people booster. Much less has been said of Carlton’s other great passion - his family. He experienced such joy coaching his son Noah in ball for many years. He was himself a great ballplayer, with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the game and ability to recall an inordinate array of obscure stats. It meant everything to him to get back in the game this summer. At summer’s end he gritted out an entire weekend on his feet serving as a base coach at Nate’s end of season tournament, even as his health failed him. From baseball to news to music, Carlton shared his passions with his family and inspired them with what he loved. When he first met Taryn, he committed to improving her musical tastes and knowledge. In the car he’d challenge her to name the band for each song on the radio. With time she improved and grew to love music as much as he. He admonished the new vehicle’s satellite radio for spoiling the game. He loved to throw family dance parties with his little princess Layla, making everyone take a turn and ensuring that his own always filled his children with laughter. He joyfully curated many hours of dance party videos. When Carlton was diagnosed with gliobastoma, he grieved the years he would miss watching his children grow up. But he was absolutely there for them in every moment that remained. He loved his siblings and parents dearly. He made sure his father lived on in the stories he told. Nearly 20 years since Clyde’s death at age 50, Carlton had hoped to curate an exhibit of his father’s artwork but was not given the time or strength to make it happen. Carlton was rich in friends. He held them in his heart and relished any chance to visit, often spending many hours spinning vinyl for guests down in his treasured music room. When Carlton’s diagnosis turned his life’s plan upside down, it was clear that many held him close at heart too. Carlton was every bit as blessed in his work life. With a genuine love of the news, he began his career as Assignment Editor and News Director with CKEC/East Coast FM. Though he went on to pursue work in the arts, his passion for news continued to play out in his home every day, where no one could escape any report he felt they should know about. He loved the music business. And it was in his role as Program and Events Manager with the Town of New Glasgow and Executive Director of the New Glasgow Riverfront Jubilee where Carlton would have his greatest impact. Carlton’s journey in many ways closely followed that of his greatest musical idol, Gord Downie. He was one of the first people in Halifax to interview this new band called The Tragically Hip and was a diehard fan from that first show. He went on to follow their career, catch all the shows, and buy all the t-shirts. The adage of life imitating art began to feel a little too close to home, however, when Carlton was diagnosed with the same cancer just weeks following their final show in Toronto, which he and Taryn had driven all night to catch. Whereas Gord was a front man, Carlton worked behind the scenes. But just like Gord, Carlton was universally loved and is regarded as a mentor and builder, helping to develop and encourage so many artists and new acts. Surviving are his wife, Taryn MacPherson Munroe; children, Noah, Nathaniel, and Layla; mother, Alta (Al Fraser); siblings, Allayna Munroe (Jason Eastman), Sandi Rapp (Johnathan), and Kari Perna (Bob); brother-in-law, Marc MacPherson (Kathy); in-laws, Arlene MacPherson (Leolohnes) and Joseph MacPherson (Jan); nephews and nieces, Logan, Cillian, Joe, Finley, Oliver, Megan, Madison, Justin, and Jacob; aunts, Rilda (Bob Scanlan) and Bonnie Munroe; uncle, Jim Litt; and dear cousins, Nacita Langille, Jason Litt, Chris Litt, Julie Litt and Heather Keating. Carlton was predeceased by his father, Clyde Munroe; aunt, Rita Litt; uncle, Melvin Langille; uncle, Ronnie Munroe; grandparents, Dorothy and Wesley Langille and Vernon Munroe. Carlton’s family wishes to thank his physician, Dr. Aaron Smith; surgeon, Dr. McNeely; oncologist, Dr. MacNeil; oncology nurse, Carolyn; nurse, Ann McKim; and Dr. Kwasnik. Cremation has taken place. At Carlton’s request, no visitation or funeral will take place, instead a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at his beloved Glasgow Square Theatre in New Glasgow, 1 pm – 1 am. Donations may be made in his memory to a fund for his children at any East Coast Credit Union or to the Chanie Wenjack Fund. For more information, visit CarltonMunroeMemorialFund.ca.