It is with great sadness that the club have learned of the death of Peter Carton.
He passed away peacefully after a long illness, aged 7O years old. Peter’s association with the sport he loved started early in his life running for Belgrave Harriers in London. Growing up in Dulwich he was immersed in Sports excelling at cricket, football and athletics. He was part of a very strong Belgrave youth team in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Peter represented English schools over 800m and he was a contemporary of many of the UK stars at the time, regularly beating them over a variety of surfaces. He still holds the Belgrave U/17 5000m record set in 1969. After completing his further education he worked in the famous Savoy Hotel in the accounting department.
Around 1982 he moved to Glasgow to be with his future wife Angela. By a chance meeting with Bill Scally in Kelvingrove Park, during a lunchtime jog, his fire for the sport was relight. Joining Shettleston Harriers his skills in administration and organisation were soon put to use serving as club secretary from 1993-2007 and Club President 1993-2007, as well as a numberof other roles within the club. These skills would be important to the whole athletic community in Scotland as he moved into administration at the highest level later in his life.
Like all good club men he regularly turned out for his club over the country, road and on the track. He helped his club win team titles at County, District and National level as well as his own many individual successes. He was proud he represented his new city when winning the Nuremberg Marathon. His club mates will remember a generous, outgoing person during his time at the club. His involvement in the club centenary year 2004 was invaluable, as well as his work incorporating girls into the club. He was awarded Honorary Membership of the Club at this time.
His talents were recognised and he started to serve on various committees at District and National level for Scottish athletics. By this time his working life had taken him to Central Box in East Kilbride and as Financial Director the company sponsored key events including The Edinburgh to Glasgow Relay, Scottish 10km championships and his own clubs Allan Scally Memorial Relay. On a personal basis Peter also supported a number of talented athletes at this time with financial support.
Serving on the West District Committee of Scottish Athletics he quickly moved to be Finance Officer for Scottish athletics, Vice President and finally President of Scottish athletics in 1998. Modern day athletics in Scotland which is the envy of the other home countries is in part due to Peter and his good friend Ron Morrison as they worked on the Vision and Business Documents which allowed us to develop our sport in Scotland. During his time as chairperson for Scottish athletics he navigated the joining of the SCCU, SAAA, SWCCU and SWAAA as the one body, no easy task. He was awarded honorary life membership of Scottish athletics which he was immensely proud off.
Everyone in the club would like to send their condolences to Peter’s wife Angela and his family still based in London. The club is indebted to Peter for his work over many years. He will be missed by his many friends and fellow athletes in the sport. At a National level the sport is in a better place for the work he was part of.
Funeral Details
Monday 8th January 2024 – Coffin received into St Cadoc’s Church, Rosebank Drive, Halfway, Cambuslang, G72 8TD at 6pm
Tuesday 9th January 2024 – Funeral Mass at 10am at St Cadoc’s Church, Rosebank Drive , Halfway, Cambuslang G72 8TD going to South Lanarkshire Crematorium, Sydes Brae, Blantyre, G72 0TL for 11am