Desmond F. Carroll

Dean Desmond F. Carroll, who retired last year after serving 16 years as dean of Christ Church Cathedral in Whitehorse, diocese of the Yukon, died suddenly on Jan. 24 at the age of 63.

He also served as chaplain to the Yukon division of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. A memorial service was held at the cathedral in Whitehorse on Jan. 29 at the same time as his funeral service at Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria. In Victoria, an RCMP honour guard was present at the service and burial site.

In Whitehorse, Yukon Premier Pat Duncan addressed the service, which was led by Bishop Terrence Buckle of the Yukon.

Born in Dublin, Dean Carroll earned B.A., M.A. and B.S.S. degrees at Trinity College, Dublin and attended a summer study program at Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. Ordained in 1970, he was youth coordinator with the Church of Ireland in Dublin for five years and emigrated to Canada in 1976. He served as rector of St. David’s church in Castlegar, B.C. and as associate rector of St. Phillips in Vancouver.

He was appointed dean of the Yukon in 1985. In 1993, he was awarded the Canada 125 Medal by the Governor General of Canada in recognition of “significant contributions to compatriots, community and Canada.”

He leaves his wife Marion, four grown children and two grandchildren.