Obituary of Lieutenant General Harold (Hi) Allison Carswell CMM, OST.J, CD(2)

Passed away peacefully on May 9, 2024 in Ottawa at the age of 95.

Lt. General Carswell was born on March 18, 1929 in Trenton Ontario, son of the late Velyian and Pauline (Allison) Carswell. He is predeceased by his cherished wife, Jeanne (Snider), his loving companion for over 67 years, as well as his beloved grandson, Michael Potvin. He is survived by his three daughters Cheryl Potvin (Mark), Cindy Carswell (Brian Goudy) and Holly Carswell (David Power), as well as two granddaughters Lauren Potvin (Paul Tanguay) and Maya Power, and his great-granddaughter Eloise Tanguay. He is the brother of the late Ernest (Rae) Carswell of Bancroft, and Douglas (Donna) Carswell, of Campbellford.

Lt. General Carswell attended Trenton High School during which time he was also a member of the Air Cadet Squadron, Boy Scouts, and the Lions' Club Boys Band. He was a member of the first Air Cadet Exchange Visit to the U.K. in 1947 of which he was immensely proud.

He attended Military College at Royal Roads in B.C. from 1947-1949. After graduating, he joined the RCAF and earned his pilot's wings in 1950. Lt. General Carswell had a distinguished military career during which he was a Flight Commander (Claresholm, 415 Sqn); Squadron Commander (404 Sqn); Base Commander (CFB Trenton); and the First Commander of Maritime Air Group (Halifax). His last position in the military was Assistant Deputy Minister of Personnel. During his time in the military, he was also a graduate of the Royal Air Force Start College in Bracknell, England, and the National Defence College in Kingston, Ontario.

Upon retiring from the military, Harold joined Public Works Canada as Director General of Personnel and remained until 1988. He left the public service to join Paramax Electronics as Vice President of Government Relations from 1988 to 1993.

From 1988, Harold was was a member of the Executive Copeland Park Community Alliance. During that time, he received several awards including the first Ottawa Mayor's City Building Award which is presented to individuals who show a commitment to making our city and community a better place.

Harold was passionate about golf, gardening, fishing, photography and bridge. But most of all he treasured his time spent at "the cottage" with family which was the place where he could truly relax and escape everyday worries.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Amica Westboro and St. Patrick's Home for their professional and loving care. A special thanks to those closest to Harold who included the doctors, registered nurses and registered nurse practitioners and especially the personal support workers, whose dedication and heart-felt concern were outstanding.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Cole Funeral Services & Pinecrest Remembrance, 2500 Baseline Road, Ottawa, on Thursday, May 16, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

 A Funeral Service will take place in the Pinecrest Remembrance Chapel, 2500 Baseline Road Ottawa on Friday, May 17, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. A time of fellowship and refreshments will follow at the Pinecrest Reception Centre. Please do not send flowers due to severe allergies. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Alzheimer's Society.