The Diocese of Algoma is saddened to share the news of the death of the Rev. Canon Paul Ashley Carr, who died in Thunder Bay on the First Sunday of Advent, November 30, 2025, with his beloved wife Anne and their children at his bedside. Paul and Anne have two sons, Andrew and John.
Born in Windsor, Canon Carr spent his early years in southwestern Ontario. He was ordained a deacon in the Diocese of Huron in 1969 and a priest in 1970. He earned a B.A. from the University of Windsor and a B.Th. from the University of Western Ontario (Huron College), grounding his ministry in both thoughtful scholarship and deep pastoral concern.
Canon Carr’s ordained ministry took him across several dioceses and communities. From 1969 to 1971, he served as Curate at St. Christopher’s Church, Burlington, in the Diocese of Niagara. He then became Rector of Holy Trinity, Chippawa (1971–1981), also in Niagara. From 1981 to 1992, he served as Dean and Rector of St. Alban’s Cathedral in the Diocese of Keewatin, where he was also called upon to serve as Administrator of the Diocese during an episcopal vacancy.
In 1993, Paul was appointed Rector of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Thunder Bay, in the Diocese of Algoma, where he served until his retirement from full-time parish ministry in August 2004. While in Algoma, he was named a Canon of St. Luke’s Cathedral on May 12, 1999. He also served as Regional Dean in the Thunder Bay–North Shore Deanery and as Pastoral Chaplain for the Deanery of Thunder Bay, roles in which his steady, prayerful presence was widely cherished.
Following his retirement, Canon Carr continued to offer faithful and dedicated ministry within the Parish of West Thunder Bay. He served first as Interim Incumbent and, when a new incumbent was appointed, as Honorary Assistant—a position he held with devotion and pastoral care until his death.
Canon Carr had a particular gift for walking with those who wished to go deeper in their faith. He was known for his gentle approach with individuals seeking to undertake serious theological study, often meeting informally with enquirers or in small groups, forming them into life-giving, nurturing communities where they could support one another. His ministry extended beyond parish and diocesan boundaries as well: in 2006, he was nominated by Bishop Ron Ferris to serve as Chaplain for Residential School staff members named in the Alternative Dispute Resolution Process, and in 2008 he was invited to a national church gathering honouring the ministry of listening to Residential School disclosures.
Archdeacon Deborah Kraft, reflecting on his impact on her early ministry, writes that “it was an honour and a privilege to have known the Reverend Canon Paul Carr,” recalling that he was the Dean when she was ordained deacon in 1988 and “a friend and mentor in ministry.” She describes him as “a humble, faithful, prayerful servant of Jesus Christ,” whose love for Christ, the Church, and God’s people “was steadfast.” His pastoral identity, she notes, was rooted in prayer and learning: “Paul was a faithful pastor and preacher and spent much time in prayer and in the study of scripture. He was always reading something new in theology, preaching, or biblical studies.”
His family was central to his life, and Kraft observes that “he and his wonderful wife Anne were a great team and were so proud of their sons Andrew and John and their families.” She adds that he was “wonderfully supportive of his clergy colleagues” and that “he always had time for us.” Summing up her tribute, Kraft writes, “Paul was a wonderful priest, pastor, and preacher. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 808 Ridgeway Street East, Thunder Bay. A reception will follow at the same location at 12:00 p.m.
A short obituary notice is currently available online at:
https://www.echovita.com/ca/obituaries/on/thunder-bay/canon-carr-20661082
A more detailed obituary is expected to be published on Saturday.
We commend Canon Paul to the mercy of God and hold Anne, their children, grandchildren, and all who mourn this loss in our prayers. Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him.