Mountain Carole Obituary

       as published in Exeter Express & Echo 30th November 2011
                             also see November issue RIM

TRIBUTES have been paid to Carole Anne Mountain (nee Wigg) the former Exeter Red Coat, city magistrate and prominent humanist, who has died.

She was born in 1940 and was educated at a boarding school in Guildford.

                                    Guide: Carole Anne Mountain

Together for over twenty years, she and husband Geoff had two sons, Mark and Jon, and a daughter, Helen.

Carole and Geoff retired to Exeter and she took up a number of part-time jobs. She also became Secretary of The University of the Third Age in Exeter and became involved with the Humanist Society, joining the executive and travelling abroad and in this country to attend conferences.

As a Humanist Officiate she was involved with creating some of Exeter and District's first humanist ceremonies for funerals, weddings and baby naming, and also trained others to conduct humanist services.

She also took on the role of magistrate in the city for more than twenty years.

Exeter historian Peter Thomas said: "In 1993, as the tourism promotion officer for Exeter, I interviewed Carole as her interests led her to apply to become one of Exeter's prestigious Red Coat tourist guides working for the city council.

"Intelligent, witty, knowledgeable and easy to communicate with, she was an ideal candidate and undertook the role for ten years wearing her red blazer with great pride. Carole also took on a role as The Duchess of Clarence in one of the city's historical pageants in the 1990s. She promoted the city to hundreds of people during her time with the service and also became a great personal friend.

"After the death of her husband Geoff she was fighting illness and in 2004 decided to join her family in Australia.

"Living in Victoria State she was quick to be integrated into the community and made many friends.

"This lady has left a legacy in Exeter for all those who need support at the most sensitive times in life and they will benefit from her great sense of compassion for her fellow human beings."

Carol had a love for greyhounds click here