David James Carter, 65, of Bethel, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2014 with his wife and family by his side.

He was born in Rumford, Maine on April 3, 1948 to parents, Thomas Richard Carter and Fern Lyndell (Cotton) Carter.

He attended Gould Academy in Bethel from 1964 to­ 1967, and the University of Maine at Orono, where he graduated in 1972.

David and his wife, Anne have owned and operated Carter’s Cross Country Ski Center in Oxford and Bethel as well as Carter’s Farm in Oxford for over 35 years. Dave was a long time member of the Oxford Hills Rotary and the Maine Farm Bureau, where he served as president for the last several years. Among his greatest accolades was his recent induction into the Maine Ski Hall of Fame.

Cross Country Skiing was Dave’s true passion. He was dedicated to getting as many people on skis as possible, and believed wholeheartedly it could change the world. He lived his dream of skiing until the very end. To know him was to love him, for his passion and enthusiasm were contagious. He will be remembered for his charming smile and mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

Dave is survived by his wife, Anne, daughters, Jessica, Sarah, Emily, their husbands, Erik, Jesse, Matt, and grandchildren, India, Veda, Fern, and Gus. He leaves behind his brothers, Thomas, Timothy, and Stephen, and their families as well as numerous friends and family whom he cherished dearly.

A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational church at 17 East Main Street in South Paris on March 16 at 2 p.m. with light refreshments afterward.

The family would like to thank everyone at Androscoggin Home Health and Hospice, the Dempsey Center and Central Maine Medical Center, as well as Dr. John Wain at Massachusetts General and for all of the loving support of our friends in the community. The family would like extend a special thanks to Kim Corely, who has cared for Dave and been so supportive to the whole family.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you please send a donation to the Dempsey Center or to Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice.