Obituary of Cyrus Norwood Carter
The death of Cyrus Carter occurred peacefully on December 4th in Istanbul, Turkey following a brief illness.
Cyrus was born in 1957 in Saint John, NB to Margaret Ann Ireland Nagel and Norwood Carter. Cyrus is survived by his wife Dilek Yakar of Istanbul; his sister Nicola Carter (Jeff McInerney) of Saint John; his nephew David Carter (Evelyne Szaryk and daughter Emma); his nieces Jennifer Dow (Dale and daughters Destiny and Aleigha), and Jessica McInerney; his great-nephew Tallis Carter; extended family members Thomas Nagel of New York City and Katherine Nagel of Rochester, NY; and close family friend Elizabeth Burridge of Toronto. He leaves a large circle of friends and relatives around the world.
Cyrus was pre-deceased by his mother and father; his stepfather Walter Nagel; his brother Erskine Carter; his step-brother Andrew Nagel, and his nephew Ben Carter.
Cyrus began his career as an educator in Toronto, teaching English as a second language. In 1990, Cyrus moved to Turkey where he lived and taught for 33 years. He worked first at Uskudar American Academy for 9 years, where he also served as the Secondary School Principal for 2 years. He became the founding principal of MEF’s international school and was head of the English Department at Koc Schools for 5 years. In 2006, Cyrus began teaching at Robert College where he remained for the last 17 years. Robert College is Turkey’s most prestigious and well-established private school, preparing students for entry into the best English-speaking universities in the world. Cyrus is remembered by colleagues, students and friends there as a “legendary teacher” who touched countless lives with his warmth, wisdom, and unwavering enthusiasm for education.
Cyrus’s frequent travels took him to all but one continent. With his energy, fearlessness and enthusiasm for learning, Cyrus was the ideal travelling companion. He made a point of connecting with family and friends when they were abroad, and was a generous host in his home country. Cyrus’s guided tours of Turkey allowed friends and family to see his chosen home from a unique perspective. Cyrus relished his trips back to Canada where he could reconnect with nature. The summer of 2022 was his last visit to New Brunswick. The two weeks here were filled with road trips, hiking, kayaking, relaxing at the lake, great meals, and, as always, lively conversations. Cyrus said that this was his best visit ever.
Cremation has taken place. There will be no public service. Cyrus ended his time on earth listening to “Lark Ascending” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, a beautiful piece which evokes Cyrus’ free spirit and a lifetime of shared memories.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506 634-7424). In keeping with Cyrus’ wishes, a private interment will take place in Saint John, NB.
Online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.
