Samuel G. Carson

CARSON Samuel G. Samuel G. Carson, 94, died peacefully on July 29, 2008, following a short illness. Proud of his independence, he retained his vigor, humor and intelligence until the very end. Sam was born in Glens Falls, New York on October 6, 1913, to Russell M. L. and Mary Goodman Carson. After graduating magna cum laude from Dartmouth College in 1934, Sam received an MBA degree from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth in 1935. In 1939, he wed the love of his life, Alice Williams, a Toledo native. Their wonderful marriage lasted more than 60 years until her death in 2003. They had five children - Russell Judy, Betsy Mrs. Thomas E. Brady, Jr., Mary Mrs. John A. Fedderke, Kathy Mrs. Robert Richards and Sam, Jr. Grandchildren and their spouses include Cecily and Edward Carson; Kathy Brady and George Lathrop, Cindy Brady and Jamie Falik, Rick Brady and Bonani Ray; Kirsten and Hans Fedderke; Megan Richards, Ryan and Jenn Richards. Great-grandchildren include Caroline, Sam and Elizabeth Lathrop and Julia Richards. A role-model to his children and grandchildren, Sam took great pride in their various achievements and they all appreciate the sound judgment he passed on to them through his examples in life and perpetual optimism. Even in hospice, his was the room with resounding laughter and unfailing love. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley Kendall of Vista, CA and brother, Charles of Sarasota, FL. As one of Toledos leading businessmen, Sam was with the Aetna Life Insurance Company in Toledo from 1938-68. During his tenure as general agent, he built one of the most successful and largest Aetna agencies in the country. Later in his career, he was Chairman and CEO of The Toledo Trust Company. He also was a director of Kiemle-Hankins Company, Plastic Technologies, Inc., Bostwick-Braun Company and Carson Associates, Inc. In addition to his many business successes, he was committed to community service and philanthropy. His contributions were many - Ottawa Hills School Board; United Way campaign chairman; trustee and chairman of the Toledo Chapter of the American Red Cross; president of Toledo Hospital board of trustees; trustee of the Community Chest of Greater Toledo, WGTE Public Broadcasting and the Toledo Club; president and life trustee of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Toledo; president and trustee of the Toledo Museum of Art; trustee and chairman of the Toledo Area Chamber of Commerce; and advisor to the Toledo Zoo capital campaign. Among many awards for his service were the Man and Boy award from the Boys and Girls Club and Pacemaker Award from the University of Toledo College of Business Administration Alumni Association. This commitment continues to inspire his family and friends. During World War II, he proudly served his country as a member of the Merchant Marine. Active in many community organizations, Sam was a member of Toledo Rotary, the Toledo Club, Toledo Country Club, Belmont Country Club, and First Congregational Church. Visible and lasting examples of the generosity of Sam and Alice Carson and their family are to be found in their major contribution to the Glass Pavilion and surrounding park at the Toledo Museum of Art; the covered bridge, scenic overlook and Manor House garden at Wildwood MetroPark; the Natures Neighborhood Childrens Zoo at the Toledo Zoo; and Carson Hall at Dartmouth. At the Boys and Girls Clubs, the Carson family created the Carson Scholarship college fund, the Carson Cadet Corp, and made a major donation to the new facility to be located at Sherman School. These eternal tributes will be reminders of his vision, passion for philanthropy and eagerness to share. Many will remember Sams uncanny ability to recall the name of every teller at Toledo Trust, his rapid stride down Madison Avenue for lunch at the Toledo Club, his invincibility at gin rummy, his love of nature, his ability to laugh at himself and with others, his clear example of knowing right from wrong, his sage advice to business and non-profit organizations, and his ability to stiffen his grandchildrens spines simply by asking with a grin about their deportment. A memorial celebration will be held at the Manor House at Wildwood MetroPark at 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 11. Please join us to commemorate the life of Samuel G. Carson. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo Area MetroParks, Boys and Girls Clubs of Toledo, or the Toledo Zoo.