An icon of Carleton Place society has passed. James “Art” Quartermain passed away on November 30, 2024 at the age of 88.
“Art Quartermain was pretty much known by everybody as someone who gave constantly including his years on council,” said Mayor Toby Randell.
Quartermain served two terms as a Carleton Place councillor from 1995 until 2006 but long before he entered the political arena he was a well known and extremely active member of the community.
Originally a Perth native Quartermain was a strong hockey player with the Perth Blue Wings and went on to earn a full scholarship to Clarkson University in Potsdam. He had a great run as a hockey player wearing the Number 10 jersey and was a proud member of the Clarkson University team contributing considerably to their undefeated season and helping to capture the bronze medal at the NCAA Championships in 1957 against Harvard. There are still numerous newspaper clippings from the 50s that mention Quartermain’s scoring contributions to his team.
Upon his return to Canada he went into teaching and naturally coached hockey but like so many strong athletes, he had numerous athletic interests. He was also a keen canoeist, who would coach and become a major figure in Carleton Place’s canoeing/Sprint Racing community.
He served as Commodore of the Canadian Canoe Association, and was the Canadian representative at the 1984 and 1988 Olympics. He served as Canoe Ontario Treasurer, and official at six Canada Summer Games. Quartermain was honoured with the K Edward Gilbert Award in the Builder category by the Canadian Canoe Association and was an avid member of CP Old Puckers and the CP Curling Club.
As an educator he is fondly remembered by students at Carleton Place Highschool where he started in 1964 and later as vice principal of CPHS, Almonte, Perth and Smiths Falls high schools. He is remembered by students who have posted their memories of his commitment and passion for instructing and leading on social media.
“One of the best teachers,” wrote Norma Rotzal
“Thank you Art Quartermain for teaching me discipline. Sitting me by the window overlooking football practice during detention for a week sorted me out,” wrote Ryan Carey on his Facebook timeline back in 2022.
Recognized for his dedication to learning and teaching Quartermain was awarded the Marjorie Laphen Merit Teachers Award, the highest honour for a teacher in Lanark County. He also served as a Trustee with the Lanark County Catholic School Board for 25 years, serving as Chairman for two terms while working towards his Masters in Education.
Art was an active member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church community and was a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus.
Qautermain is remembered by all whose lives he touched and survived by his wife of 66 years, his six children, 14 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
