John Gordon Carter, age 55, passed away suddenly of a pulmonary embolism on June 20th 2018 at his home in Bellevue, WA. John was born August 9th, 1962, in Seattle, WA to James and Janet (Neelin) Carter.
John was the oldest of four children, having three siblings Mary, David, and Howard. John's early years were spent in Lake Forest Park where he attended elementary school through 4th grade. The family then moved to New Providence, NJ for the next 3 years. In 1975 they moved to Bothell, WA where John finished his primary education, graduating in 1980 from Bothell High School. Upon graduation from high school, John attended the University of Washington where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Marketing in 1985. During his time at UW, he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity where he made many lifelong friends. In 1987, John received his MBA in marketing from Duke University Fuqua School of Business, graduating in the top 10%.
John's career began in Chicago with Leo Burnett, one of the world's leading ad agencies, where he first managed accounts for major brands including McDonalds and Keebler. He then moved to Denmark where he managed McDonalds Denmark and Switzerland accounts. In 1995 he moved back to the Seattle area where he was a partner in Monaghan and Carter Marketing consulting. From 1999 to 2010 John worked for Microsoft as Senior Director in Global Marketing Communications covering 31 countries. In 2011, he started what would be his final job at Hewlett Packard in Global Integrated Marketing Communications.
John's happy childhood included yearly summer trips to visit the Neelin farm in Killarney, Manitoba where he enjoyed time with his ten Canadian cousins, numerous vacations up and down the East coast while the family lived in New Jersey, and many summer days at the Whidbey Island family cabin. This is where John developed his lifelong passion of the Washington State Ferries. Later in life, John enjoyed traveling throughout the world, driving his prized BMW Z convertible on long adventures, Husky football, Duke basketball, spending time with his friends, and rarely missed a holiday or special gathering with his family. John adored his nieces and nephews and made time to attend many of their activities. Family and friends will remember John for being smart and kind, his gentle smile and twinkling eyes, his genuine love for his family and friends and his amazing knowledge and love of the WA State Ferries as well as vintage fighter planes from World War II. In addition, he had a constant and clever wit that never failed to surprise and entertain, while creating countless stories and anecdotes.
John is survived by his parents, Janet and James Carter, siblings Mary (Brian) Mooers, David (Kim) Carter, Howard Carter, and his nieces and nephews Eric, Sally, Dylan, Carlena, Allison. Services will be held July 22, 2018, 2pm, at the Edmonds Yacht Club.
I will always think of you on your birthday August 9th. Dancing Queen and Mother...until we meet again. :)
Hiyu ferry
I was sad to read about John's passing on the Duke magazine this evening. He was a great guy - always wore a smile, had a positive word to say, and proud of his WA roots. I am very sorry for your loss.
John in the Duke/Fuqua 1987 yearbook.
Dear John, I remember you today as as I said I always would, as a nice guy. I will remember that every day is special. Although we had our differences, I was so heartbroken that you passed. But I trust in God's will and know that you are at peace. I will never forget you and will always think of you on this day. With all of my love...Stacey
John, it is hard to believe you are gone. It seems like yesterday and it seems like forever ago when we so looked forward to those long summer days at the farm in Killarney with our cousins. They were simpler times then. Walking the beams in the barn, going to the dugout, playing volleyball and football, and especially hide and seek in the dark. You were a great cousin. You were older than us and you didn't have to spend so much time with us, but you did. Then we all grew up and those times came to an end. Everyone went on with their lives, went to University, college, got jobs, but even though you were leading a successful life in the business world, you attended every wedding of your cousins in Manitoba. I noticed that. It saddens me that in the last few years that you maybe weren't as happy as you once were. That wasn't supposed to happen to my cousin John. I am so happy that we all got together one last time at the farm in Killarney two years ago. We didn't know for sure if you were coming or not but then you drove into the yard! You had redrivin the highways you guys had taken every summer all those years ago. We played volleyball, football, went to the barn again and everything was right in the world. It wouldn't have really been the reunion it was without you if you hadn't come, it wouldn't have been complete and you wouldn't let us down by not showing up...classic John. After your memorial we went to your family cabin on Widbey Island. We threw flowers from your memorial into the ocean to say goodbye to you. When we left the next day "bittersweet symphony" came on the radio. It seemed to be very fitting at that moment as we drove away.
I will never forget you John,
Your cousin Bruce Kirkpatrick
My Dear John, I will always remember our beautiful wedding and the 18 years of being together as husband and wife. There were many reasons why we had to part ways, but I am grateful that we did so as friends. There will always be a hole in my heart for your passing and I will always remember the good times. I know your spirit is finally free and that you at peace.
With Love always,
Stacey
Service
Edmonds, Washington 98020
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