Carl Nelson Ault

Carl Nelson Ault, age 81, of Cornwall, Ontario passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday September 2nd at the Ottawa Heart Institute, after a lengthy battle with heart disease. Carl is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Marilyn (née Malenfant), daughters Carla Vanderhelm (Martin) of Brockville, Kimberley (Paul) and Katherine (Sandy), both of Whitby, and his son James (Karen) of Maxville; grandchildren Adam and Jessica Vanderhelm, Liam, Noah, and Mara Ault, Euan Archibald, and great-grandchildren Max and Sam Vanderhelm, and Adrianna and Rene Sauve. Carl was preceded in death by his parents Dorothy (née Jarvis) and Earl (‘Scorny’) Ault.

Carl collected friends as a sunflower attracts bees and blue jays, and everyone was important to him. Some were old neighborhood and school friends, with others made everywhere he travelled over the years. Carl was loved by all for his generosity, kindness, and charisma. He could always be counted on to provide sound advice and people often sought him out for guidance ranging from major life decisions to engine repair. When he retired from Domtar in 1999, Carl and Marilyn embarked on numerous worldwide adventures by car, RV, cruise, and everything in between, visiting China, Alaska, Yukon, Russia, Central and South America, Ireland, Scotland, England, and Spain, to name a few. Carl and Marilyn moved to Harrisons Corners in 1987 – this being the first time Carl lived anywhere other than Seymour Avenue in Cornwall. While living at “The Farm” Carl and Marilyn hosted BBQs and parties, for new friends and old, at every opportunity – no gathering was too large, no weather too unpredictable, and any accomplishment or event was celebrated.

Over the years, Carl was an avid angler, hunter, and boater. He traveled to Grosse Île, Quebec, for snow geese; Nipigon for Moose; Vermont, Northern Tier, New York, and Harrison’s Corners for deer; Victoria Island for Artic Char; and anywhere the perch were biting.

Upon retirement, Carl was joined almost daily in his back shop by his other retired friends. This group, lovingly known as ‘Team Geriatric’, repaired and painted each other’s vehicles while solving the problems of the World and mysteries of the Universe. They would wrap up at 4 pm, gather in front of the shop to discuss the following days events over a few beers.

Carl was a long-time, active member of the Eastern District Masons, Cornwall Lodge No. 125, where he was elevated to the status of Master Mason following which he joined the Shriners and the Royal Order of Jesters. Carl found great joy as a Shriner and could always be counted on to contribute in their activities, which ranged from proudly driving a parade firetruck, sporting his cheeky grin while ringing the fire bell, repairing organization vehicles, or cooking at events.

Carl loved to cook and take care of people, treating friends, family, and anyone who like to eat, at home and beyond. He was often the resident chef at the Bonville Lions Club and friends’ weddings. He loved smoking game, producing sausages, salami, chili, bisques and fish mulligan for everyone.

Carl was always busy, and his life ran out before he could finish all his projects; he was still giving James lists to be completed, and issuing orders and instructions to everyone visiting or attending him at the hospital. Carl died as he lived; dignified, stubborn, and on his own terms. He was a kind, loving and caring father, partner, and friend right until the end. He will be terribly missed.

A Memorial Service for Carl will be held at the Lahaie and Sullivan Cornwall Funeral Home 20 Seventh Street West, Cornwall, ON on Saturday October 1, 2022 at 11 am, with visitation from 9 am to 10:30 am, followed by reception at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Ottawa Heart Institute, Cornwall Community Hospital, Cornwall Masonic Charitable Foundation, and the Karnak Shriners. Messages of condolence may be left at www.lahaiesullivan.ca.

The Brethren of Cornwall Masonic Lodge 125 are requested to assemble at the Funeral Home Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 10 a.m. for Service for our late brother, Carl Ault.