Joined 2002 ~ Passed Away November 2010
CARSON, Paul Michael November 22, 1950 – December 21, 2010.
Paul Michael Carson, our beloved husband, son, father, grandfather and big-hearted friend, passed away Tuesday, December 21st, in his comfortable room in the palliative care unit at Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver, B.C. He died after a courageous and determined 11-month fight against pancreatic cancer. Paul leaves behind a tremendous legacy built around his family and his extended family of friends, associates and countless others whose lives he touched in one way or another in his 60 years, including more than four decades in the broadcast and media profession. Born in London, Ontario but a west coast boy in Victoria and Vancouver for most of his adult life, Paul was an impressive radio and television talent on camera, on air and in the boardroom — shaped by his ability to think outside of the box and create new ways of reaching and engaging sports fans, viewers and listeners. He started his broadcasting career in Cranbrook, B.C. in 1971 before moving to Victoria in 1973. In Vancouver, Paul was the primary architect of the old Sports Page television program popularized by CKVU TV, UTV and Global TV, serving as sports director and anchor from 1980 to 1999, during which time the iconic show was the market leader in sports news and features. To this day, many broadcasters who were discovered, hired and mentored by Paul at Sports Page are playing leadership roles in the industry nationally and abroad. When all-sports radio was still in its infancy in Canada and had only a singular Toronto foothold, Paul inspired the creation of TEAM Radio in Vancouver, bringing the format to life on the west coast as President of Grand Slam Radio, the original steering group that partnered with CHUM Radio to launch TEAM 1040 in 2001. Recognized as the father of TEAM 1040, Paul contributed to the growth, development and success of all-sports radio in Vancouver in multiple roles as an on-air personality, community relations leader, events manager and sales executive. Uniquely able to do many things well and all things with dedication and purpose, Paul was sought after in a number of sectors – he was just starting in his role as a partner in his new business venture, the California Cult Classics winery in North Vancouver, when he was diagnosed. Throughout his career, he still found time to be actively engaged in a wide range of not-for-profit organizations and charitable causes, including Tennis BC, Sport BC, KidSport and countless others who benefitted from his strong sense of community. He also always managed to make his family a priority, making the most out of life by enjoying family vacations, skiing weekends at Whistler, golf and visits to Vancouver Island. That sense of grounding defined Paul: More than anything, he was about people. Rare are those who touched as many lives as he did with his gifts of talent, personality, integrity, passion and compassion and great love of life. Paul was predeceased by his father William Stuart Carson in 1993 and is survived by his wife Jane, his beautiful mother Evelyn Fern “Buddy” Carson, first wife Correne, son Devon, daughter Kimberly, daughter-in-law Karolin, son-in-law Jeff Beal, his precious grandsons Declan and Rowan, brothers-in-law Ross and Bruce MacMillan, sisters-in-law Kim and Judy MacMillan, brother Peter Carson and nephew Sean Carson. We extend heartfelt thanks to the dedicated care providers at Vancouver General Hospital and Lions Gate Hospital and the additional support Paul received from Inspire Health. In lieu of flowers, the Family and Friends of Paul Carson are respectfully encouraging donations to the Zajac Ranch for Children, which hosts hundreds of children with serious and chronic illnesses and disabilities who might not otherwise have the chance to enjoy a summer camp experience. Paul Carson – The Great Carsoni. He will be missed forever but forever cherished