Brandon University sorrowed by passing of Physical Plant stalwart John Carter-Squire

A longtime familiar face who helped keep Brandon University humming is being remembered as a friend to all, quick with a quip, and always ready to help.

Everyone at BU mourns the unexpected passing of John Carter-Squire this past weekend.

For more than two decades, starting in 2001 as a Building Service Worker, Carter-Squire was a constant presence throughout the BU campus. He quickly became the university’s delivery person and truck driver, bringing him in contact with all areas on campus. More recently, he moved into the Physical Plant offices to handle contractors and assist with project management.

“When help was needed, you could count on John,” recalled coworker Stacey Harper, who says they became even closer during Covid, despite pandemic-era restrictions that enforced isolating measures, even for Physical Plant staff who were required to be on site.

“John worked at the desk next to mine, so we had a 4-by 8-foot wall of plywood between our desks,” she said. “We got to looking under the edge to see each other’s shoes, and knocking on the wood to pass paperwork to each other or ask questions.”

Harper also recalled many tales of Carter-Squire making good use of his cross-campus connections to ensure that everyone had the support that they needed, in particular for events or moves. Sometimes, that was paid back in unexpected ways.

“One time he had a load of stuff to take to the dump, and he parked the truck for a few minutes,” she said. “When he got back to the truck, people were asking him if they could take some things — including a set of old wooden stairs someone thought would work well to help them get up high enough to climb into the saddle of a tall horse. By the time he got to the dump, he only had half a load.

“Recycling before it was the norm,” she laughed.

That good-natured sense of humour and helpfulness will be sorely missed.

“John had such a positive outlook and a fantastic sense of humour. He loved to cook, and passed on many great recipes,” Harper said. “He was one of those people who are just great to work with. He will be missed, and we offer our sincerest condolences to his family.”

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 8 at Memories Chapel, beginning at 11 a.m. Brandon University will lower its flag to half-mast in honour of John Carter-Squire.

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