CARP has named its office resource area the Tom Carrothers CARP Resource Centre, in recognition of his close to twenty years of service to the Halton chapter. CARP President, Anthony Quinn surprised Tom with the announcement at the October 22, 2026 meeting of the Halton Chapter in Burlington, ON. He also presented Tom with a framed certificate of appreciation and previewed the brass plaque that will hang on the wall at the CARP office, commerating his many years of volunteering for Halton’s seniors.
The centre brings together books, guides and educational materials on subjects including caregiving, retirement planning, pensions and aging well. Naming the space for Tom honours the years he spent welcoming members, leading the chapter and advocating for older Canadians.
Tom recently stepped down from his duties in the Halton chapter. The dedication recognises his contribution to CARP and gives future staff, members and volunteers a lasting reminder of his service.
Special thanks go to the chapter board members who volunteered and worked alongside Tom over those many years, among them Barbara King, who served as Treasurer for more than a decade. Barbara has also stepped down, and the chapter recognised her service with a glass plaque and remarks from current Chair, Wayne Blackburn.
Remarks by Anthony Quinn, President of CARP
Tom Carrothers has given CARP something that is hard to measure properly.
For close to twenty years, Tom has been part of the Halton chapter. He has chaired meetings, welcomed members, supported campaigns, kept conversations going, advocated to politicians and helped carry CARP’s work in the community. He did it steadily and without a lot of fuss. He just kept showing up.
That would be meaningful under any circumstances. In Tom’s case, it means even more.
Tom has faced serious physical challenges throughout his life, including spina bifida, years of lung problems, a lung transplant, and the long recovery that followed. He also came through COVID more than once. Through all of that, he continued to volunteer. He continued to lead. He continued to make room for the concerns of older Canadians, even when he had more than enough to deal with himself. The work was real, the commitment lasted, and the example reflects the best in our association.
CARP is fortunate to have many terrific volunteers. They are the true strength of our Association. But there are times when someone’s contribution stands apart. In duration, in committment, in sacrifice, in stability. We wanted to find a unique and lasting method of recognition, that truly expressed our thanks and would stand as a milestone at CARP for current and future members.
Tom has stepped down as Chair of the Halton chapter. We wanted to mark that properly.
We do not have a building to name after him, or a wing or a auditorium. What we do have is a modest resource area in the CARP national office: a bookshelf, a couch, and a collection of books, guides, and educational materials gathered over many years. They cover the issues CARP members have cared about and wrestled with for a long time: caregiving, Alzheimer’s disease, retirement planning, pensions, estate planning, aging well, and the practical questions that come with later life.
It is not grand. But it is real. And in many ways, that makes it fitting.
From now on, that space will be known as the Tom Carrothers CARP Resource Centre.
It will be a permanent reminder that CARP was built by people who cared enough to do the work. People who came before, carried the torch for seniors, and helped create the organization and the advocacy we benefit from today.
It will also remind future staff, members and volunteers that this work is now theirs to continue.
Tom, thank you for your leadership, your perseverance, your loyalty, and your service. You made a difference. And we are grateful.
