To the chamber team and particulary to Nancy Kelley. I worked for John Carroll as his secretary at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation in the late 1980's. It was 3 fun filled years. John gave me the opportunity for growth. I hold with great fondness those years. He came and visited me years later in Toronto, Ontario Canada with his same broad smile and boyish ways. What a tremendous loss for Detroit and I am certain for many around the world. God Bless Nancy and those beautiful darling girls of his who as I can see are mother's in their own right. This will be the second big loss to them as I know they lost their mother at a very young and tender age. Denise Scott (née Shaw) Toronto, Ontario
Submitted by Denise Scott on August 13, 2009, 12:45 pm.
John Carroll was exceptional at his job. We will never be able to measure the millions in investment he was instrumental in brining to the region or the thousands of jobs he helped to create. More than his prowess as an economic developer, he was an even more extraordinary person. He treated everyone with respect and was never encountered without a smile on his face. He loved the Detroit Region, and he loved life. He will be missed greatly, and I will cherish the time I spent working for the Detroit Regional Chamber and having the privilege of working with John.
Submitted by Kim Eberhardt on August 11, 2009, 5:12 pm.
On behalf of the Tempo Group and related companies, I want to extend our condolences to John's family and his colleagues at the Chamber. John has made great contributions to promoting US-China business relationships and to helping the Tempo Group in establishing its foothold and expansion in Wayne County. We all remember his smiling face and his encouraging words to us.
Submitted by Jeff Zhao on August 11, 2009, 12:37 pm.
Sorry to hear about John. He is the man of Detroit. Please send our sympathy and regards to his family and your team. -Kenny Park and Guy Youm
Submitted by Guy Youm on August 11, 2009, 12:18 pm.
John and I knew each other as friends and colleagues for many years beginning with his Macomb County days through his work with the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and into his Chamber position. We were travelling companions on business missions to Europe and Asia. In every setting and in every situation, John was the consumate professional and a compelling spokesperson for his community. More importantly, his honesty, compassion, real friendliness and joy for life infused and amplified the work that he truly loved. John is irreplaceable but we can best honor his memory by trying to live life a bit more like John did. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his many friends and colleagues and especially to Nancy and John's wonderful family.
Submitted by Jeff Kaczmarek on August 11, 2009, 10:25 am.
I am deeply saddened with John's untimely and premature passing. I am grateful for having the opportunity to interact with John during the past 15 years as he tirelessly promoted the Detroit region. He was a tremendous economic developer and I especially admired his ability to forge a common strategy among disparate interests. His professionalism was exceptional and his enthusiasm for promoting the Detroit region was unmatched. I will always remember his warm and engaging smile, his great sense of humor, his zest for life, his devotion to Nancy and his family, and the absolute integrity with which he approached his job and his personal life. John was truly an outstanding person and a tremendous role model--we will miss him dearly.
Submitted by Bill Richeson on August 11, 2009, 9:26 am.
John Carroll touched the lives of tens of thousands of people, yet he could make me feel like the only one in a room of 100 or 1200. As a new member of the chamber and the economic partnership I appreciated John looking out for me. He would check in to be sure I was doing ok and help me reach whoever I was trying to reach. He remains a great gift to all of us from God. His impact went way beyond business. He was a role model in so many ways and his influence made so many people better because of it. God worked through John in great ways. I am sorry I was away when he passed, I would have been blessed to attend the visitation and meet his family. My thoughts adn prayers are with Nancy, his daughters and the Chamber family.
Submitted by John Ezzo on August 11, 2009, 7:26 am.
What manner of man was he? John was a gentleman. He walked with kings but he did not lose the common touch. I will miss him. I appreciated very much working with him in developing trade opportunities for Detroit businesses in West Africa and Canada. He cannot be replaced. My prayers of comfort and peace go to his family.
Submitted by Cheryl Graham Solomon on August 10, 2009, 6:42 pm.
What manner of man was he? John was a gentleman. He walked with kings but he did not lose the common touch. I will miss him. I appreciated very much working with him in developing trade opportunities for Detroit businesses in West Africa and Canada. He cannot be replaced. My prayers of comfort and peace go to his family.
Submitted by Cheryl Graham Solomon on August 10, 2009, 6:42 pm.
John Carroll was a great guy and will truly be missed. As a partner to the U.S. Commercial Service, and a member of the Michigan District Export Council, he was always helpful, supportive and enthusiastic. We will miss his smiling face. On behalf of the Michigan Export Assistance Center network, we offer our sincere condolences.
Submitted by Sara Coulter Canty on August 10, 2009, 5:34 pm.
As I sit here thinking about the past few days and efforts to communicate about the life and accomplishments of John Carroll, it now sinks in that John will no longer be with us. He was a giant of a man - not in stature, but in personality and compassion. Being with his family to hear their stories and memories has only emphasized the greatness of the man we saw day-to-day in the office. And to read messages from "the World" sharing sympathetic thoughts at the loss of their colleague, reminds us he was truly an Ambassador for the Detroit region. Sometimes life doesn't make sense, and it's hard to understand why such a special person would leave at this time. For me, I can only assume that his special talent and humble style was needed for a greater purpose. Nancy, you've shown such strength while dealing with your loss - please know we are here for you when you are ready. Thank you for sharing him! Pam, Amy and Julie - your memories and photos were such a joy to those who came to celebrate his life. The faces and laughter of your children reminded us that he will live on forever. God bless you all, you're in my thoughts and prayers.
Submitted by Tammy Carnrike on August 10, 2009, 4:45 pm.
My thoughts go out to you and the chamber family. John was a great man. I am a better person as are thousands of others are because they were touched by John Carroll.
Submitted by Dan Loepp on August 10, 2009, 4:33 pm.
His passing is a loss to the region and to many of his friends and people like me who enjoyed his company and professional friendship. The last two times I saw you, were at SAE -at the Italian Consul's DAC event with Dennis Toffolo and later that week with John at the Mexican Consul's event. Both were special people and will be greatly missed. Take care, Nancy
Submitted by Nancy Cappola on August 10, 2009, 4:29 pm.
On behalf of John's myriad of friends from Mexico, allow me to express our great sadness and pain to learn that John Carroll, our great comrade from the Detroit Regional Chamber, passed away on Wednesday. John was always a supporter, and a great ally, of Mexico and of many other countries, as well as of the Chicago International Trade Commissioners Association (CITCA), who many times travelled to Chicago to hold discussions and to invite us to visit the Auto Show. We will always remember John's cheerful smile and the enthusiasm and optimism embossed into his activities. Just last April, John was one of the stellar speakers with his closing remarks on our SAE seminar in Dearborn. John was always ready to offer a helping hand and many of our achievements were accomplished because of his guidance. As recently as last week we benefited from John’s and Bernard's good will and counsel for a Monterrey Delegation that was visiting Detroit. We have lost not only a great friend but a singular, energetic and exceptional human being. May the Lord bless his family. We will always keep John in our prayers. Miguel Leaman
Submitted by Miguel Leaman on August 10, 2009, 4:28 pm.
John was a great guy and friend and he will truly be missed.
Submitted by Russ Leach on August 10, 2009, 4:25 pm.
John was a wonderful man and will be missed greatly both for his professionalism and his kindness of spirit. I am a better person for having gotten to know John. Respectfully, Harry
Submitted by Harry Whalen on August 10, 2009, 4:24 pm.
I'm writing to offer my sincere condolences to you and to the Detroit Chamber staff on the passing of John Carroll. I last saw John at the SAE breakfast at the DAC earlier this year, and despite all he had been facing, he was still energetic and inspiring - and interested in hearing about what was going on with me. I admired him very much and I'm glad to have known him. I'm sorry this note comes so late - I was out of town with my family Thursday-Sunday and just caught up with my local news reading late Sunday evening. I know you and the staff are, and will be, struggling with this loss for some time, you will all be in my thoughts and prayers as well. Best regards,Dan Saad
Submitted by Dan Saad on August 10, 2009, 4:09 pm.
Dear Nancy and family - Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of John. I work at the Canadian Consulate as Executive Assistant to the Consul General, and have known John for sometime now, having been here 18 years. He always had a smile on his face, and time to say hello to everyone. My husband and I also ran into you and John a couple of times up in Bayfield where I know you have a place, and where we visit at least twice a year, as both my parents were from that area. Nancy, please know that so many people are thinking about both you and John and sending our prayers your way. God bless and take good care.
Submitted by Cathy Rice on August 10, 2009, 11:38 am.
Over ten or more years of joint work on international projects, John and I became good friends and respected colleagues. He was cooperative, knowledgable, helpful and always willing to lend a hand to my domestic and international clients. He ssisted greatly in breaking business start-up log jams for international investors, and making them feel "at home" as they developed their new business in North America. John's greatest gift to me, however, was personal, simple, streight forward and most kind. A few years ago my wife of 30 years died unexpectedly, and I was traumatized with grief. I knew that John had lost his first wife to an unexpected medical event, and had also suffered personally greatly having to raise children on his own for a while, etc.. Knowing this, when I bumped into John at an event at the DAC I asked him about his grieving experiences and how he coped. Basically, he said "I know it's tough Walter, but just hang in there. Things will get better with time." Even though he and I are almost the same age, John sort of gave me "big brother" advice which at the time was most helpful. The real clencher for me regarding John's character and good will came a few weeks later. I was still wracked with grief, and nearly disfunctional, and I could not even get Northwest Airlines to make a simple change to a plane ticket. My wife had purchased a round trip ticket to Italy to attend our son's wedding before she died, and it was her special goal to get to the wedding before she died. In any event, she did not make it and I had a ticket with her name on it and I wanted to change it to my son's grandmother to attend the wedding in place of my deceased wife. But 9/11 problems made this near impossible. I found it impossible to explain the name change problem to anyone at Northwest Airlines or to get them to understand what had happened. And, of course, everytime I tried to get it sorted out, I broke down with grief and tears because I had to go thru the story all over again about my wife's passing, not making it to the wedding, substituting mother in law, etc. Finally, a friend - Bill Richeson of National City Bank - reminded me that I could call John as he knew the Northwest airlines people well. I did so, and after some difficult and heart wrenching explanation to John, he simply said "leave it with me." I had no idea what he was going to do or how he was going to do it, but he called me back the next day and said "all done, problem fixed." He had lifted what was a huge, complex, emotional problem off my sholders and solved it quickly and gracefully. This may not sound like much to the average reader, but to me it was a very thoughtful, kind personal jesture which I shall remember and appreciate for the rest of my life. Walter J. Borda
Submitted by Walter J. Borda on August 10, 2009, 10:23 am.
It was a shock to lose John, who was the embodiment of the Regional Economic Partnership. There was also a personal connection from my childhood vacations in Bayfield, Ontario, where my grandparents retired in 1953. John always had a ready stock of stories about Bayfield. Nancy, I'm so sorry for your loss. John's great legacy will live on, in part, through you. In the meantime, I'm sure he's already getting the Heavenly Chamber organized!
Submitted by Steve Ormond on August 10, 2009, 9:01 am.
Rarely in life do you get the pleasure of knowing such a quality individual as John Carroll. John gave us all an outstanding example of how to treat others. As a result, he had friends in every circle of life that he walked. We feel blessed for having known and learned from him. Our best to Nancy and his family. John no doubt left you with many fond and warm memories. Sincerely, Kevin and Patty McKervey.
Submitted by Kevin McKervey on August 10, 2009, 8:14 am.
John was a true professional he worked hard but knew how to keep the group loose after hours when we travel. I enjoy several business trips with John and also working with him on a few projects. Telling stories and enjoying each others company at dinner after a long day will never be the same without John.
Submitted by Mark Adams on August 9, 2009, 11:21 pm.
John was a great guy and a great champion of business - both big and small - in this region. I could always count on his support for our work at the Small Business Administration. In fact, I had talked to him just a few weeks ago about an idea I had in response to his column in the eDetroiter, and he was going to pursue that. John was always upbeat with a positive attitude about S.E. Michigan, and we can ill afford to lose people like him. My condolences to his family and colleagues. John Carroll will truly be missed.
Submitted by Richard Temkin on August 9, 2009, 10:37 pm.
I have always admired John for his commitment and passion for our region's ecomonic growth and business development.I am proud that he considered me a friend and our organization (BTWBA) one that he was always willing to help carry-out it's mission.I will miss his mild manner and words whenever we talked regardless of the topic or subject matter..
Submitted by Bill Ross on August 9, 2009, 1:23 pm.
To "John's Girls" (Nancy and his daughters), Dick, Tammy, Marnita and the whole Chamber staff, I am so, so very saddened by John's transition and return to his Keeper in heaven. But I just know John had that great BIG smile of his on his face when he met the Good Lord at the pearly gates! When I think of John, I think of a man who loved and admired his wife dearly and openly and took great pride in his daughters throughout the years. He just absolutely loved "his girls" as he used to tell me from time to time. I know you miss him badly, but just know that he is with you and watching over each of you every single day. You should also know that John was a the role model as a "relationship guy" in my opinion in every aspect of his life as husband, father, friend, colleague, supervisor and community servant. Optimistic is the second thing that always comes to mind when I think of John. He was always a "find a way" kind of person, no matter what the topic of discusion or problem he dealt with. Strong promoter is the next thing that comes to the forefront when I think of John. He unabashedly promoted Michigan, Southeast Michigan, and Detroit throughout a long series of rough years in Michigan when others cast blame, grumbled and complained, and bad-mouthed our region and state. You NEVER heard anything like that come out of John's mouth. He fought through very difficult circumstances and was always a "glass half full" professional in everything he did. He was that way with his personal battle to the very end too. I also think of John as a caring and protective mentor and supervisor of people who worked for him. He challenged them from time to time, but always cared about them personally. I have seen, on more than one occassion, John absorb criticism directed towards one of his employees when he didn't agree and yet kept the relationship positive with the person offering the criticism. John was a friend first and colleague second in my mind. We met through business connections, but grew a great fondness for one another and that doesn't happen a lot in today's society. I will miss John a lot and DREP meetings and other Chamber events won't be the same without his cheery attitude and smiling face around. But I will always remember my friend and smile every time I do. We could all learn from John and smile a little more each day to one another. May God bless Nancy, John's daughters and those others who held John near to their hearts. Gary Corbin
Submitted by Gary Corbin on August 9, 2009, 10:52 am.
I am so very sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a most kind and considerate gentleman. I first had the pleasure to work directly with him years ago when Detroit was hosting the National Chambers of Commerce Convention here in Detroit and we were busy creating tours, planning events and entertainment for that week. He was the kind of person who rolled up his sleeves and dug in to help - no matter what needed to be done. Just a wonderful and warm human being. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and collegues.
Submitted by D. Stafford Nelson on August 8, 2009, 2:58 pm.
I admired his conviction to contribute and to make a difference. I also admired how he interacted with his colleagues at the Chamber. At the first Chamber staff meeting I attended, he led one of the discussion groups with openness and optimism. He was a class act. My condolences to his loved ones everywhere.
Submitted by Patti Jones on August 8, 2009, 12:41 pm.
God Bless John and his family. A great family man, a great businessman, a great Detroit suporter, and a great friend. I will always treasure the time we worked together at DEGC, his enthusiasm and his everlasting smile. John you will be missed a lot.
Submitted by Art Papapanos on August 7, 2009, 5:56 pm.
He was always friendly and smiling. He loved to talk about his home in Canada. A very sad loss, gone way too soon.
Submitted by Jason on August 7, 2009, 4:42 pm.
I\\'re really sad not to be able to enjoy John friendship. We have always remember such a good friend as John. I met him years ago and had the chance to travel with him to Mexico City. He enjoyed having tequila in a traditional Mariachi plaza. We had the chance to share several times with John and Nancy in their home or boat. We kept always in touch and will miss him so much. We\\'re proud of his restless work to promote the industry and improve the economy in Michigan. His charming personality, smile and easy going character is unique for us. Our prays and thoughts for Nancy and their daughters.
Submitted by Antonio & Cecilia Ortega on August 7, 2009, 4:26 pm.
I worked with, and then for, John at the DEGC going back 20 years and more. We both left in the same year, 1996. He was a great guy and I new he would make a great mark on the region with his enthusiasm, realistic approach and nurturing management style. We played Croquet together down at the Riverplace and had fun times there. He was also a wonderful family man and I know he spent important time with Nancy and his daughters and their families. John was a very admirable guy. I am deeply saddened by John's passing and offer my sincere condolences to the family.
Submitted by Chuck Holmes on August 7, 2009, 4:22 pm.
John was a great friend to all the members of The Consular Corps of Detroit. While he was constant in his efforts to promote the Detroit Region as a great place to invest and live, he went out of his way to develop friendships with all those who represent foreign governments in Detroit. He was an internationalist. He knew implicitly that trade and investment is a two-way street and that partnerships bring strength and vitality to regional development efforts. We will truly miss his warm and friendly manner, his bright and engaging smile and his willingness to make us all feel so at home in Detroit. As a Canadian, I felt a common bond with John. He knew my country so well which probably came from spending a lot of time with Nancy at their place in Bayfield, Ontario on Lake Huron. For me he was a source of always useful insight into the ways and the workings of South East Michigan. I will miss him. To Nancy and John\\\\\\'s family go our heartfelt condolences. Please know our thoughts are with you.
Submitted by Robert Noble, Consul General of Canada, Dean of the Consular Corps of Detroit on August 7, 2009, 4:17 pm.
My condolences to John's family. Though I only worked in Detroit for three years, I forged a memorable and lasting relationship with John. He will be greatly missed.
Submitted by john hutar on August 7, 2009, 3:51 pm.
To the Carroll family: John was one of God's finest! Always upbeat and smiling, and I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of you during this difficult time.
Submitted by Greg Clark on August 7, 2009, 3:49 pm.
I was saddened to hear of John's death last night shortly after receiving the message that he had taken a leave. I hope he had the opportunity to spend the time with family and friends that he sought with his leave. John was the consummate business development professional - personable, charismatic and responsive. When I worked to rebuild the Business Attraction functions at DEGC, John provided me with some great contacts and sage advice. With his encouragement, he helped me make the case to the DEGC leadership to start participating finally in the DREP events and missions. I have always valued my engagement with the Partnership, with all of you and with him. He will be missed. Corey
Submitted by Corey Leon on August 7, 2009, 3:42 pm.
My condolences to you and others at the Detroit Regional Chamber on the passing of John Carroll. He was a class act. Jeff Paulsen
Submitted by Jeff Paulsen on August 7, 2009, 3:36 pm.
I worked with John for over 17 years in helping to promote the region and attract investment here. He was extremely effective, a real team player and a good friend. John excelled in his role in promoting and growing the special things that make this region unique. I will miss John, his "can-do" attirude, his love of Detroit and his creative spirit. It is always difficult to lose such a strong and effective leader... and friend. My deepest sympathy to his family. He was proud of you all, and you were always close to his heart.
Submitted by Joe Melnick on August 7, 2009, 3:29 pm.
Mrs Carroll and Family: Please accept my deepest smypathy on the loss of your beloved John. I have known John for over 20 years and consultated with him on numerous occasions for his assistance in helping us book conventions and trade shows at Cobo Center. His insight and wise counsel were always greatly appreciated. Please know that I am keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers. Tom Tuskey, Cobo Center
Submitted by Tom Tuskey on August 7, 2009, 3:17 pm.
I always knew I would get a straight answer and true opinion out of John. He gave good advice and had such a warm personality. It was professionally and personally rewarding working with him. His commitment to family and community were clear. My thoughts go out to his family.
Submitted by Lisa Katz on August 7, 2009, 3:10 pm.
John made a myriad of friends in México and in many other countries. We will all always remember his cheerful smile, enthusiasm and optimism embossed into his activities. John was always ready to offer a helping hand and many of our achievements were accomplished because of his guidance. We have lost not only a great friend but a singular, energetic and exceptional human being. May the Lord bless his family. We will always keep John in our prayers.
Submitted by Miguel Leaman on August 7, 2009, 3:03 pm.
It has been my great pleasure to be able to interact with John, both in his capacity of attracting business to the region and in his co-chairmanship of the Keep Michigan Working initiative. He was an effective champion for the city and the region, and always ready to effectively and ardently convey the many resources and opportunities that business can find here.
Submitted by Tom Anderson on August 7, 2009, 2:58 pm.
John always had his ready smile and it spoke volumes about his enthusiasm for his work and for this region. For him, the region was spelled with a capital R.
Submitted by bill connellan on August 7, 2009, 1:40 pm.
I had the opportunity to market and publicize many of the events and publications John and his team have developed for the Detroit Regional Economic Partnership in the three years I've worked at the Detroit Regional Chamber. Most recently, we produced a video for the World Trade Month Executive Breakfast, in which I interviewed John about Yousif Ghafari and his role in global business. From all of my experiences with John, he was always a great professional to work with and never hesitated to lend a helping hand, a quality sometimes forgotten by executives of his stature and with a schedule as busy as his. He will be missed by all of us at the chamber.
Submitted by Steve Poole on August 7, 2009, 1:25 pm.
John was the first person I met and spoke with at the very first Road To Renaissance meeting and he was the first Regional Chamber member I ever met and my first friend in my journey towards "getting involved" in helping the region. He was also a friend and just a great guy. He and his family and friends are in my prayers. Best wishes, Mark Beyer
Submitted by Mark Beyer on August 7, 2009, 12:59 pm.
Displaying 44 entries.