Obituary of Carlyle "Carl" D'Croix
Peacefully passed away at Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 78 years of age. Beloved husband of late Blossom (nee Fernandez). Loving father of Michele (Donald) Blais, Monique (Jose) Justo and Brad. Proud grandpa of Erika, Alicia; Dania; Dylan, Corey and Madeline. Dear brother of Rodney, Cedric and Cheryl. Dear brother-in-law of Miriam, late Jeanette, Eugene, Maureen, Howard, Kevin. Carl will also be lovingly remembered by his extended family and friends.
Carl was born and raised in Calcutta, India. He was a kind, warm, gentle, determined man who faced the challenges of life with resilience, vibrancy and generosity of spirit. He was educated in La Martiniere College in Calcutta, and then completed his Bachelor of Commerce at St. Xavier’s College. He became a Certified Management Accountant in Canada in 1971.
He had a distinguished business career starting with Hindustan Motors and India Foils, before immigrating to England where he worked as a Cost Accountant for Stafford (Wonder) Bakery. In 1967 he moved to Canada and worked for Sidbec Dosco Steel Ltd and then worked for the Bannister Group of Companies (Cliffside Utilities, Jackson Lewis and Bannister Foundation Inc.) as Vice President & Chief Financial Officer over a span of 25 years. Projects included the CN Tower, the 407 Highway, the Eaton Centre, most of Toronto's underground pipe systems for water, sewer, gas and electric transmission, Hydro Electric Power projects in British Columbia, Nuclear Power plants in Canada, India and South Korea. He retired in 1997 but was called back to work as Director of Finance, representing the company in a joint venture with Continental Construction of Delhi and the Government of India. He worked in India, finally retiring in 1999.
In 2002, he came out of retirement to put his extensive knowledge and expertise to assist in his son-in-law’s start-up company Link-On Communications where he worked part-time for over 15 years.
Carl met Blossom on Leap Day February 29th, 1964 at a Fete/Dance at St. Joseph's College Hall. He played the double bass for “The Fireflies" with brothers Rodney, Cedric and school friends Jerry and Leslie. He broke away from his band that night to sneak in a dance with Blossom and the rest is history. They were married on December 19, 1965, raised three beautiful children and travelled the world.
Carl was a confidant, advisor, champion and role model to many. He was an exceptional Father and proud Grandfather. We miss him greatly and he will always be cherished.
A private family service will be held at Skwarchuk Funeral Home, Bradford followed by a Memorial Mass at a later date.
In Carl’s memory, donations may be made to the ICU at Southlake Regional Health Centre.
Online condolences may be made at www.skwarchukfuneralhome.com.
Livestreaming of the funeral service will be available for family and friends who are not able to attend on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at 11 a.m. and will remain on our website for 48 hours. A link will be provided on this page Saturday morning.