Obituary of Dr. Roland Annan Carson

Passed away in the early morning hours of Wednesday November 28th, 2012 at his home in London, Ontario surrounded by loving family and caregivers. He was 76. Born on July 22, 1936 in Sunyani, the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana (then-called "Gold Coast") to Gilbert Stewart Carson and Justina Amuah. Roland attended the Government Boys School in Cape Coast for his primary education and Mfantsipim Secondary School for his secondary education. He worked in Ghana as a teacher for a year after his secondary school. He was awarded a generous scholarship to attend Cambridge University in England where he completed his Undergraduate Degree. He proceeded to Oxford University where he would earn his Medical Degree, specializing in Paediatrics. In 1969, Roland arrived in Montreal aboard the Russian cruise liner Alexander Pushkin: the beginning of a new life in Canada. He was recruited as Chief Resident at the War Memorial Children's Hospital in London, Ontario. After several fruitful years at CPRI, he set up a private practice in London where he worked until September of this year when the severity of his illness forced him to retire. Dr. Carson was a hardworking and dedicated physician who always went beyond the call of duty for his patients. He was committed to providing accessible medical care to everyone and was known for his abilities as a diagnostician, his attention to research and his warmth towards his patients. His commitment and service to the community and the field of medicine will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Roland was an avid reader and enjoyed music. He had a quiet determination and liveliness about him, a loving smile and great sense of humour. He was also a huge fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is survived by his wife, Gail (nee Regan), a son, Kofi currently of New York and a daughter, Akua currently of Toronto; sisters - Giftie Hendricks Etwire (Mommy) and Naomi Hendricks Carson (Baaba); brothers - Ishmael Gillie Carson (Johnny) and Alex Carson; predeceased by two brothers Sammy Carson and Gilbert Stewart Carson (Yokwesi). His family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the countless medical and support staff involved in his exemplary care. A special thanks to Dr. Kirk Hamilton and his palliative care team, under CCAC and VON, Dr. Susan Patel and social worker Kathy Murano, Dr. Winquist of the London Regional Cancer Center and the numerous dedicated staff there. Also, a heartfelt thank you to Helen Battler of Spiritual Care at the London Regional Cancer Centre and Dr. Verinder Sharma of Regional Mental Health Care London for their guidance and compassion. His family also extends a thousand thanks to their devoted circle of family and friends who have demonstrated their love and support from both near and far. The beautiful life of Roland Carson will be commemorated on Sunday, December 9th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at Museum London, 421 Ridout Street North, London, Ontario. We invite all those touched by him to attend. Donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, The Children's Health Foundation or the London Health Sciences Foundation - Cancer Centre.