Carol Anne Charlotte Wishart (DDS, MSD, FCDS (BC), BSc (Agr)) was born July 15, 1953 in Winnipeg. She had an inquiring mind, loved life and was a force when it came to solving problems or immersing herself in one of her many interests. Her goal was always to do her very best when she took something on. Although quiet and reserved at times, she was also warm, generous and had a winning smile with a great sense of humour.
Sadly, Carol passed away on January 25, 2020 after a short illness. The family wishes to express sincere thanks to those who cared for Carol at Vancouver General Hospital. We also thank all of the family and friends who travelled to visit with her and those who sent flowers and messages of encouragement.
Carol was fiercely proud of her family and absorbed into her life the practices of hard work, honesty and life-long learning from her parents, George from Scotland and Mary (nee Migyu) from Hungary. As a young girl in Winnipeg, Carol attended Montrose Elementary and River Heights Junior High. In 1966 the family moved to Montreal’s West Island where she completed high school at John Rennie and Lindsay Place in Pointe Claire. The family cottage at Caddy Lake, in Manitoba’s Whiteshell Provincial Park, played an important part of her childhood.
Carol earned a BSc (Agr) in Microbiology magna cum laude from McGill University in 1974. She received the Harrison and Gray medals for highest academic standing and an NSERC scholarship for Arctic research.
Carol graduated as a Doctor of Dental Surgery from McGill University in 1979. She was co-editor of the McGill Dental Review, was designated a University Scholar and became a resident at Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal.
In 1982 Carol received an MSD in Orthodontics from the University of Washington, Seattle. As her private practice in Burnaby grew, she also worked with the Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Team at BC Children’s Hospital and as a clinical assistant professor, taught orthodontics at UBC’s Faculty of Dentistry. For over 30 years Carol loved working with children and helping the next generation of young dentists.
Over the years Carol was a member of the Vancouver Rowing Club, Jericho Tennis Club, Vancouver YMCA Running Club, and Marine Drive Golf Club. She was the captain of the Businesswomen University Golf Club at UBC. Fun for Carol was earning medals in triathlon races and open water swimming competitions.
During Carol’s seven short years of retirement she traveled the world and enjoyed her condo in Palm Desert where she golfed, hiked, attended seminars at UCR, played in bridge tournaments and in a ukulele ensemble.
Bridge became a central passion. She became a member of the American Contract Bridge League and began amassing Masterpoints. This winter she was awarded a Certificate of Excellence as a Golden Age Master by the Chair and President of the ACBL.
Over her life Carol generously provided many of us with moral support and knowledgeable council. She looked out for the best interests of her family and friends in the midst of a busy life and career. We will miss you Carol, and though the pain and anguish of your passing is hard to accept, we count ourselves fortunate to have benefitted from your love and we are grateful to have witnessed such a life that was worth living.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Carol’s name to a charity of your choice. A private family tribute will be held at a later date.