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History of Gerri Carrol founder of Soul's Harbour Mission House
Gerri Carroll
(1947 - 2006)
A life of Faith. A legacy of Love.
On March 31, 2006 Olga (Gerri) Carroll entered peacefully into her eternal reward with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
April 12, 1947 on the family farm north-east of Ituna, Saskatchewan Gerri was borne to Tony and Mary (nee Doroshenko) Ardell. Gerri came from a large family; she was one of fifteen children. Vicky, Irene, Nettie, Nellie, Margaret, Anne, Elsie, Sophie, Johnny, Mike and Matt survive her. She is predeceased by her father Tony (1986), her mother Mary (1975) sister’s Dora (1995) and Marie (1987) and brother Eugene (1990).
It was a near death experience 20 years ago that would provide direction for the remainder of her life. While working as a cook at the Sears café, Gerri had a heart attack. After her recovery Gerri committed her life to serving those who were less fortunate than she. Gerri was a firm believer that the Bible was a book to be lived out, not just read. The words of Christ in Matthew 25:35-36 would change her life forever: "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you brought me together with yourselves and welcomed and entertained and lodged me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me with help and ministering care, I was in prison and you came to see me.” From her conviction came a vision, Souls Harbour. Souls Harbour would be exactly that, a safe refuge where people could experience the love of Christ.
Opening in 1990 with a prayer, a pot of coffee, and a few wooden milk crates for chairs, the Mission recently celebrated its fifteenth anniversary. From humble beginnings it has grown dramatically in size and service to the needy. Gerri poured her life and resources into Souls Harbour and people who worked, volunteered and came there. Souls Harbour truly had a city-wide impact as evident by the support received from local churches, businesses, politicians and citizens.
Gerri was often recognized for her tireless work serving her city. Along with countless television interviews, newspaper articles, and civic ceremonies, Gerri was the recipient of a number of distinguished awards. On April 26, 2001 Gerri was presented by the Saskatchewan Order of Merit with the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. On September 26, 2005 Premier Lorne Calvert awarded the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal to Gerri. Gerri was often invited to meet with local and foreign dignitaries, including a special luncheon with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, during the 2005 Royal Visit to Saskatchewan.
Although grateful and appreciative of such honours, Gerri longed to serve and please only her heavenly King.
A large and loving family survives Gerri: Her daughter Jana and five grandchildren Christopher, Angela, Marina, Andrew, James. Her eldest son Robert. Her Daughter Trina, her son-in-law Ian and two grandchildren Ethan and Caleb. Her youngest son Donovan, her daughter-in-law Bonnie and her four grandchildren Matthew, Miranda, Rebecca and Anna and one on the way. Finally, her husband Brent.
Gerri Carroll was known and loved by so many people in the city of Regina, because she loved freely, lived passionately and served selflessly.
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