In the 1980s, Carter was among the first geologists involved with the US-China cultural exchange program. He and Ursy visited China several times for field research and hosted multiple Chinese scientists.
After a long and prestigious career at the U.S. Geological Survey, Carter became Scientist Emeritus at the USGS and Smithsonian Institution, where he continued to curate research and mentor colleagues throughout his life.
Ursy noted with gratitude how much Carter enjoyed CCA river trips, and the family fun they all enjoyed at the CCA Potomac Downriver Race each year, where Carter and other Hearn family athletes were frequently on the podium.
Carter is fondly remembered by his many CCA friends:
Alf Cooley has endless fond memories of river days with Carter, floating past a random rocky outcropping that would inspire an impromptu geological lesson. (Alf also wants to apologize for the one time that he fell asleep in Carter and Ursy's living room during a presentation of one of their adventures, and dropped his beer on the floor.)
Mike Aronoff remembers Carter "paddling in the damnedest places, on his knees!" He was, Mike says, "such a great human with an impact on us all—one of a kind," and Mike feels "blessed to have been in his sphere a little bit."
Barb Brown delights in her time with Carter and his family: "I have known Carter all my life since Cathy, Davey, and Bill were young. The biggest highlight was three weeks in Ecuador and Galapagos. What adventures we had! After spending 10 days paddling whitewater in Ecuador, Carter and Ursy attended a professional academic conference while I adventured in the wilderness. We then regrouped and had a marvelous time exploring the intricacies of Galapagos. Each day was an education as we learned geology and geography while exploring the beauty of the area."
Larry Lempert recalls an interaction that stuck with him over the years, indicative of Carter's personality: "At a pool rolling session, Carter—who didn't know me from Adam—saw me foundering in my open boat (trying to bring my paddle up on the wrong side, as it turns out), waded over unasked, and spent about an hour helping a not-very-talented novice roller."
David (Cotton) Cottingham pulled this from among his many endearing memories of paddling with Ursy and Carter: "In the early 1990s when I was planning a Colorado River run through the Grand Canyon in an open canoe, I knew I had to learn how to roll it. I went to the community pool in Springfield several Sunday mornings in the winter where Carter taught me how to roll. He was the only C1 person there who could teach me as all the other folks were kayakers. He was very patient with me as I struggled, eventually becoming proficient at rolling my Blue Hole Sunburst in the pool. Carter's teaching gave me the confidence to paddle at the upper limits of my comfort zone, even though I never did successfully roll my Blue Hole in the swirls and rapids of the Grand Canyon. I will miss Carter, as will many others throughout the DC-area paddling community."
Tom McEwan was another admirer, recalling how on a trip to paddle Canada's rivers together, Carter had a knack of choosing the most challenging path down a hard rapid, staying in full control despite the sudden appearance of the biggest waves, and then taking time at the bottom of the rapid to carefully review not only his chosen route but various others as well. That combination of talent, courage, and thoughtfulness left a lasting impression on Tom.
Ed Gertler laughingly recalled enjoying Folklore Society house concerts at Ursy and Carter's home with them and their many paddling and non-paddling friends. Music, art, food, and friends mixed easily together to make many perfect evenings.
As a geologist, Carter excelled at finding diamonds. But I think his CCA friends would agree that Carter was the diamond, rare and precious. He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed. CCA extends our condolences to his wife Ursy and his children, grandchildren, family, and many friends.
The Smithsonian Institution will host a virtual memorial for Carter at 2:00 p.m. June 22. Details to be announced.
Photos—Above
- Carter in 2015
- Carter and Ursy in Ecuador circa 2016 (photo by Barb Brown)
Photos—Below
- Quintuple family medals in the 2010 Downriver Race—Jennifer (wife of Davey), Davey, Jesse, Ursy, and Carter
- Father's Day paddle, Davey and Carter at Sycamore Island, 2021
- Carter in Ecuador circa 2016 (photo by Barb Brown)
- Carter and Ursy at Yellow Falls on the Potomac (photographed by a stranger to whom Ursy handed her camera)
- Carter at the 2016 Downriver Race (photo by Keith Edmondson)