WelCom March 2023
John Ellis Carde was raised in Whanganui district. His early education was at the Holy Infancy Convent, Aramoho, and the Marist Brothers Whanganui, then on to Secondary School at St Joseph’s College Masterton. At school he was a talented rugby player and was selected to captain rep teams. Aged 18, he went to Holy Cross College, Mosgiel, to study for the priesthood. He was ordained in July 1958 at Whanganui by Cardinal Peter McKeefry.
John served in various parishes in Taranaki, Palmerston North, Wairoa (Māori Mission), Nelson, Lower Hutt, Mount Victoria, Seatoun and Paraparaumu before retiring to Summerset Aotea, Silverstream Home of Compassion and Vincentian Home where he died on 30 January, 2023. He was a gifted sportsman, first in rugby, then golf, and latterly enjoying walking and aqua jogging. A noted preacher, his pastoral work reached many.
John spent six years as an army chaplain, including time in Singapore and Vietnam. He received various medals for his time in the army and Vietnam including an MBE (Military) 1974, for services as a chaplain.
John Ellis Snook, John Carde’s nephew said at his funeral: To his family John was son, brother, uncle, great-uncle. Fun-loving and adventurous, he enriched the extended Carde whānau with his spirit. Generous to a fault, somewhat argumentative (which just meant that he fitted in well!) and patient (I know this personally as he taught me how to play chess). The family would like to thank his friends and caregivers who visited him over the last few years of his life – he loved those visits.