Thursday, September 1, 2011, Calgary, Alberta – With deep sadness SAIT shares in the loss of Clayton R. Carroll, a beloved member of this institution’s community. Carroll’s name became forever-linked with SAIT in 2002 when the newly-built Clayton Carroll Automotive Centre was named in gratitude of its primary donor.

As a SAIT alumnus and benefactor, Carroll’s near-constant presence and support at SAIT events touched many.

“Clayton gave so much to SAIT,” says Irene Lewis, SAIT President and CEO. “His contributions went far beyond his generous monetary donations. He gave his time, his spirit and most importantly, his confidence in what SAIT has been, and in what it strives to become.”

Carroll’s relationship with SAIT began long before he was in a position to be the philanthropist that he—together with his wife, Norma Carroll—eventually became. In Neville, Alberta, in the late 1930s, with depression, drought and grasshoppers devastating life on prairie farms, Carroll worked bailing hay for 30 cents a day, and saved enough money to attend SAIT (then called PITA). 

In 1940, after completing the Automotive Service Technology program, Carroll’s skills as a tradesman were in short supply. Rather than join the Royal Canadian Navy as he had planned, Carroll supported the allied war effort by building naval guns at the Munitions Plant at Ogden shops, where he quickly rose to foreman.

When the war ended Carroll entered his chosen career in the automotive industry, working at Hammill Motors and the White Motor Company, where he met James F. Burns Sr., Carroll’s future business partner. Together they started Pioneer Paving Ltd., and helped shape the city by working on vital roadways like Deerfoot Trail, Blackfoot Trail and the road leading to the Calgary International Airport. 

Carroll’s entrepreneurial ambition took him in many directions throughout his life, including mining, urban land development, cattle ranching and oil and gas. His drive was not limited to business pursuits, however. Carroll’s humanitarian interests motivated him to give back to the community through donations to organizations like the Rotary Club, Calgary Hospice, Calgary Philharmonic and Heritage Park. 

As the namesake of the Clayton Carroll Automotive Centre, Carroll’s endowments to SAIT Polytechnic, which total more than $1 million, will be remembered, just as his warm hearted-nature will be missed. His generosity came from a place of genuine care for the students of his alma mater, and he was heard to say that he only gave to SAIT with the intention of helping future generations succeed, as he did, as graduates of the polytechnic.

SAIT will lower its flags to half mast on September 7, the day of Carroll’s memorial service. Please join the SAIT community in extending condolences to his wife, Norma, and to his family.

SAIT Polytechnic is one of Canada’s most exciting destinations for post-secondary education, offering more than 100 career programs that position people for success in technology, trades and business. A leader in innovation, SAIT also collaborates with industry on applied research and delivers corporate training worldwide. SAIT is a member of Polytechnics Canada and one of Alberta’s Top 50 Employers for 2011.

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