John de Carteret, who passed away at the age of 68 on 4 October, will be remembered by many as a larger-than-life character who loved Jersey and fought for the underdog as a politician in the 1970s and 80s.
Born at Millbrook Nursing Home in 1947, Mr de Carteret grew up in St Lawrence and was educated at the parish school before moving to St John’s School, where he became head prefect at the age of 14.
He went on to work for several local companies, including shipping company JW Huelin, Mascot Motors and later Building Materials (Jersey) Ltd, and his keen sense of public duty also led him to serve as a Constable’s Officer and Centenier in St Helier’s honorary police force between 1971 and 1974.
One year later he made a successful bid for another public office and became a St Lawrence Deputy at the age of 28.
Shortly after his election it became obvious that Mr de Carteret had an appetite for even wider public service, and after just one term as a Deputy he competed for a Senatorial seat, topping the polls in 1978.
He spent one six-year term in the role and during his time as a States Member served with a wide range of public bodies, including Harbours and Airports, Housing and the Island Development Committee, and was also vice-president of the Resources Recovery Board.
A minute’s silence was held in the States Chamber earlier this month, where his contribution and service to the Island were honoured.
Outside the political sphere, Mr de Carteret served as a member of the St Helier lifeboat crew from 1964 to 1969, was founder and chairman of Coin Varin Youth and Community Centre and was also a past president of Fort Regent Swimming Club.
And along with lifelong friend Barry Shelton, he contributed to The Island Eye, a satirical newspaper of the 1990s.
His widow, Denise de Carteret, said: ‘John just enjoyed life really.
‘Everything he did he did with great gusto.
‘He was a larger-than-life character who liked to be looked at wherever he went.
‘He was very proud to be a de Carteret, and he was just proud of being a Jerseyman, always working for the underdog.’
Mr Shelton said that Mr de Carteret’s passion for Jersey and his heritage meant he was fond of telling people, ‘My family have been here for 1,000 years.’
As well as Mrs de Carteret, he leaves behind three children, Justin, Zoe and Max, two stepchildren, Nicky and Alex, and eight grandchildren.
The funeral is due to take place next Tuesday at 10.30 am at St Lawrence Church.
The JEP extends sympathy to Mr de Carteret’s family and friends.
