Honoring Rey Carr, Executive Coach, Peer Mentor, Publisher Extraordinaire
PROCLAMATION
Whereas… Rey Carr has been a vital contributor to the evolution of the coaching profession, thus exemplifying the work of Lee Salmon, and
Whereas… Rey Carr exemplifies the qualities of a compassionate leader in all of his professional works, and
Whereas… the work of Rey Carr contributes to a sustainable world, and
Whereas… Rey Carr willingly offers his mind, body and spirit to fulfill the needs of others, and
Whereas… The Library of Professional Coaching wishes to recognize Rey Carr’s dedication to the field of professional coaching and to a sustainable world with a meaningful, long-lasting tribute;
Be it therefore resolved that The Gordon Lee Salmon Sustainable Leadership Award is hereby presented to
Rey Carr.
PROCLAIMED this 8th day of September, 2020.
[Update:] We are heartbroken to share that our dear colleague Rey Carr passed away on November 8, 2020.
5 years ago, the Library of Professional Coaching established the Lee Salmon Sustainable Leadership Award, in appreciative memory of our dear friend, Lee, an exceptional colleague who contributed to the sustainable leadership of the coaching profession. Lee passed away after serving as one of the leaders of the professional coaching movement of the first two decades of the 21st century. Lee was noted for his stewardship of this field and for always pointing to the ultimate purpose of an effective professional coaching practice – sustaining our world.
We are excited to honor Rey Carr because his own work and vision is directly aligned with that of Lee Salmon. Rey is also a steward of our field, offering both support and criticism when needed. Like Lee, Rey cares deeply about the world in which we live and the often-wounded human beings who populate this world. Rarely, do we find someone with as much heart and wisdom as Rey Carr. That is why we wish to pause for a few moments to let Rey know that we think he is wonderful! His work and research and publications in the fields of coaching and mentoring have contributed tremendously and had an impact on the coaching world.
We gathered by zoom to honor Rey due to the reality of the global pandemic; photos and videos below. Evidence of the impact Rey has had on so many lives is the enthusiasm of those who attended his award event, spoke on his behalf, and submitted the testimonies below. Please take the time to watch the video to get the full sense of the Rey Carr we know and love: truly a gentleman and a scholar.
Rey Carr, M.A., Ph.D. modestly describes himself on his website as: Reader, writer, editor, publisher, mentor, peer coach, researcher, grandpa. His humility is one of his super powers. Here’s what those who’ve known him throughout his 40+ years of contribution to the fields of coaching and mentoring have to say:
I am Rey’s wife, and I too think Rey is wonderful! I have had the privilege of witnessing his creative work process, and the many ways he acts on his caring about other people and our world. Everything I know about coaching I’ve learned from Rey Carr! This honor is a surprise and deeply meaningful gift for him, a recognition of his lifetime passion and career. Thank you for organizing this honor, this incredible tribute. Rey was very moved, and I too. It’s beautiful to see such heartfelt appreciation while he is still alive! And reminds me how blessed I am as his partner, and him too! So many comments were stories or people I know well, so I knew the backstories of their relationship with him, and the ripples of their work out in the world. Deeply meaningful. I’ve absorbed some of Rey’s teachings and research over the years, I read everything he writes (as his editor), though I could not replicate much of it. He’s a star. I know he appreciates everyone’s comments today, acknowledging his contribution to the legacy of coaching.
Rey Carr was a thought leader before we called them thought leaders, an influencer before we called them influencers, a pioneering online aggregator before there were aggregators, the one-man-Wikipedia who would tell you where to find a grant, a book, a product, an idea, a plan. All this with zero grabs for your wallet. Rey never charged rip-off prices, never an effort to upsell, cash in, fleece the flock.
Rey’s pure intention and integrity create the impression of a saint on earth, but anyone who is getting a halo polished up for him should get a load of his devilish sense of humor. Rey is a source of wisdom. Yet he has mostly curated and disseminated the wisdom of other voices in coaching, mentoring, and personal development.
In my opinion, no one person has given greater service to these fields, no one person has performed a greater labor of love in creating a body of work. How many times has he said he was going to do less? His sense of duty to the work kept calling, thank goodness.
It would be impossible to gauge the impact of Rey Carr’s contributions, the ripples in the pond are too great for us to imagine. What comes to mind is Genesis 26:4, I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed.
I am so grateful to be among those who have been given much by Rey, grateful indeed to be so blessed. Amen.
~Ruth Ann Harnisch, President, The Harnisch Foundation
About 30 years ago I created and began facilitating a course on Coaching and Mentoring at the University of British Columbia. Soon after the program was published, the dean of the business school received a letter from Rey Carr enquiring about the program, it’s legitimacy and credibility of the instructor. My enquiry as to who the said gentleman was, opened a new world to me – that of the one and only Rey Carr. I discovered that Rey had been a stalwart in the area of self-directed help especially among youth. At the time he was a professor at the University of Victoria, and unlike most consultants in the area, had done a considerable amount of research in addition to many years of real experience. In addition, Rey had establishes an institute for professional mentors and produced a publication which grew over the years to be the most of its type available anywhere. The publication was full of stories as well as academically substantiated research. I immediately took advantage of subscribing to the institute and its publication and received free copies after my 20th years of subscription. Over the years Rey and I have corresponded. He was generous enough to recommend my services whenever he saw an opportunity compatible with my skillset. He asked for nothing in return. Happily, I got to meet Rey in person at an outdoor café in Victoria, BC a number of years ago He arrived on his bicycle for an informal and warm conversation. I was struck by two attributes that distinguish Rey from many of his peers – authenticity and humility. Rey has wanted to slow down and curtail his work many times allowing him more time for family. But, each time he seems to swing back to stay in touch and contribute his knowledge and wisdom to his many admirers. His generosity can be seen when he advertised free books to be left in his mailbox for anyone interested. Typical for one who simply enjoys giving. Most would describe Rey and a scholar and a gentleman. I’d like to add the word mensch!
~Cy Charney, President, Charney & Associates Inc.
Here’s more of what those who’ve known him throughout his 40+ years of contribution to the fields of coaching and mentoring have to say:
Rey is a true pioneer in both coaching and mentoring at the global level. Over 20 years ago I was introduced to Rey by colleague and friend Sylva Leduc. Not only did Rey play a huge part in the global evolution of coaching and mentoring, he played a big role in my development as a coach and human being. To me Rey Carr is a true pioneer with a generous spirit, an ability to envision the future, and a commitment to what is right. We collaborated on projects and became friends. It was his integrity and willingness to be a thought partner (as well as an instigator and provocateur) in the early days that gave me the courage to take a stand and speak out for what was in the best interests of coaching.From the Sourcebook of Coaching History I published in 2012, here’s what is said about Rey Carr:
Rey Carr, the CEO of Peer Resources, has a PhD in metaphysics and a Masters in clinical-school psychology. In the 1970s he conducted some research into how extensively high school students were making use of their school counseling services, and found out they weren’t. This evolved into an awareness of the potency of the peer group in helping each other deal with a variety of concerns. From training students to be peer mentors or coaches, it evolved into working with communities and community organizations to provide similar programs. Eventually it reached the business world by becoming a bridge between employee assistance programs and the employee. The key skills being used were listening, asking key questions, and sharing experiences – which Carr (2006, pers. com.) refers to as “natural helping skills”. In 1981 Carr co-founded Peer Resources to provide Canada-wide peer mentor resources and training for students using five- to eight-day formats plus experiential opportunities (Carr, 2006, pers. com.).Coach resources and training were added in 1997 to support the development of a variety of coaches and coaching resources, while at the same time working to prevent the factors or conditions that interfere with natural coaching. Officially recognized by the Canadian government as an educational institution, Peer Resources also acts as a clearinghouse for relevant literature, responds to service needs of practitioners, and creates and distributes resources to enhance standards and practices. A continuously updated website for peer, coach, and mentor information is maintained at www.peer.ca.
This honour could not be more perfect for the modest and inspirational Rey Carr. Rey has been a professor, mentor, colleague, coach and friend since 1975. He has always been a curious connector. You could say he’s a quiet and sensitive ‘Cheerleader’ unleashing personal power and potential his entire life! He has been a pivotal influencer for me and so many others, happily supporting us in our journey to become our best selves. Rey’s gentle presence, humour and INCREDIBLE listening skills are well known. He is the ‘No Matter What’ kind of Mentor/Coach!! If ever there was a model of ‘walking the talk’ ~ it’s Rey. The award is so well deserved. Thanks for all of it Rey!With love, admiration and joy,
In the mid 90s, I was working hard to collect resources that would help people to help each other. I kept feeling that there was so much untapped wisdom in all of us, but that we were so used to relying on experts – and then calling that “learning.” Remember that, back then, phrases like “peer learning” and “peer coaching” were very rare. So I began putting whatever I could find or write myself, up on the Internet. But I was quickly growing frustrated and disillusioned. We didn’t have robust search engines like Google back then. Somehow I ended up talking to a woman in British Columbia and was complaining about my lack of progress. I could almost hear her chucking on the other end of our phone call.
She said, “Do you have a pencil and paper?” I said, “Yes.” She said write down the name “Rey Carr”. Of course, I asked, “Why?”. She replied, “He’s developing a website that will be ‘the pot of goal at end of your rainbow’.”
She wasn’t exaggerating. Not only were all the materials there that I had dreamed of, but more importantly they were even carefully vetted and catalogued. I called him to express my appreciation, and quickly realized his deep humility and sincerity in his work. He was doing it, not for personal visibility or acclaim, but out of a deep dedication to help – to help parents, coworkers, colleagues and organizations of every type.
Fast forward 25 years, and Rey is still doing that. Except now there’s a very large number of people who, when you mention the website peer.ca, you always get a reaction of deep warmth and appreciation. Rey Carr is the real deal. If there’s a heaven, he’ll walk right in.
~Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD, Authenticity Consulting
Even though Rey and I have similar professional experience and interests, our focus has been on nurturing a strong loving personal friendship. Rey is one of the most humble, loving, accomplished, kind hearted, generous and most importantly humorous human beings I know. He has the curiosity of a 7 year old and the wisdom of an old wise ageless soul. Before Covid, we’d meet often for breakfast or lunch; only “rule“ is we needed to block off a couple of hours. Our time typically flew by, toggling between “musing about nothing“ George and Jerry in the dinner style to rich in-depth spiritual, humanistic, philosophic discussions. This of course included what we were binging on and in-depth analysis of plot lines/characters etc. What I love about our time together is I always come away richer AND always have lots of homework, from the various ideas to further think about/research share with others etc.Of the many accomplishments and honors Rey holds, the one I’ve been most impressed with is his post doctoral studies and mastery of “sheltering in place”…been doing this for years….way before covid, he decided to embrace and support his neighborhood, the local shops, restaurants, library rec centre as his outer circle and his home/garden as his inner one. He choose to venture out less and less in the world and more and more brought the world to him. He constantly has several books going, courses to explore, movies/tv series AND now Zoom groups to attend. He has an insatiable thirst for knowledge, growth and learning. Another of his mastery skills is saying “yes” to a few things and “no thanks” to most other things. It’s allowed him to live a full and fulfilling life of “want to do”s, rather than “have to do’s”. So honored that one of his want to do’s is spending time together.
Before Covid, we’d meet often for breakfast or lunch; only “rule“ is we needed to block off a couple of hours. We never have an agenda or predetermined topics. We just start talking and often magic happens and our time flies by, toggling between “musing about nothing“ George and Jerry in the dinner style to rich in-depth spiritual, humanistic, philosophic discussions. This of course included what we were binging on and in-depth analysis of plot lines/characters etc. What I love about our time together is I always come away richer AND always have lots of homework, from the various ideas to further think about/research share with others etc.
As much time as we spend, continually am amazing at Rey’s depth and breadth of experience and adventures that I previously knew nothing about. It often leaks out almost as a parenthesis. Couple of examples:
- Casually mentioned that I was heading off for a month to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico a couple of years ago. He then casually mentioned he’s been there…following a question or 2 came to find out “been there” actually meant returning for several years building upon his experience and love for advanced dressage horse riding training, involving cross country, trick riding etc…was spellbound listening to him share stories of him and his group of riders in traditional garb, majestically making their way into San Miguel’s town square as sun was setting…images of Don Quixote and his crew are an apt analogy. Can only imagine Rey is in thousands of photos/videos of people taken by this scene.
This is the same guy by the way, who would have tears running down his face when he was led around a ring for a kids pony ride. Rey literally got back on the horse to face/embrace his fears and turned it into a passion.
- Another example was when we were talking about whatever and Rey folded into the conversation that he played baseball as a kid…nothing unusual there until I probed and found out he was referring to playing 1st base and right field for the UCLA varsity baseball team. Really??….he said this so casually as if anyway could have made and played on the team.
- To demonstrate where our conversations and homework to follow occur, will share another short story. Rey in a followup conversation a few years later about his baseball days, said he was curious about a distant memory and mystery if I could help him solve. He mentioned that at one point his baseball team did an east coast road trip and came to Harvard (where I attended many years later). The team had a tour of the school and at one point visited the aquatic center, where a bunch of students appeared to be taking a swim test. He was told it was a mandatory undergrad requirement to know how to swim and he never knew if that was true….I didn’t either. Off to google we went and uncovered a fascinating story.
- Apparently, at different points at Harvard, it was a requirement for students to learn to swim and pass a swim test,. The origin of this requirement was widely attributed to major benefactor, Eleanor Elkins Widener who had given Harvard its library in memory of her son who perished in the Titanic on condition that all students would learn to swim, because Mrs Widener believed that if her son had been able to swim, he would have survived.
- As intriguing and compelling this story was, came to find out a few weeks later, in prep for this testimonial, that the story was inaccurate. Policy was in place apparently prior to the son being born. Unfortunately fake news been with us a long time.
We never seem to know where our conversations/curiosity would lead us. Can go on with many more examples but sense you get the picture of the richness and diverse rabbit holes and rainbows we follow.
Have a deep love and respect for Rey. When thinking about the meaning of “Real Wealth” in life what comes to the top of the list are soul enhancing, bountiful relationships like the one I have with Rey. Feel truly blessed to be a part of his life and journey.
Here’s more of what those who’ve known him throughout his 40+ years of contribution to the fields of coaching and mentoring have to say:
Congratulations to Rey Carr for receiving the Lee Salmon Award for 2020. As I watched the Awards Ceremony, I had to dab at the grateful tears in my eyes. Rey is the perfect recipient for the Lee Salmon Award for “sustainable leadership” in the coaching industry. The key word is “sustainable” which to me means courageously renewing the industry so that it becomes more and more effective. Rey Carr is a Saint in the coaching world because he does what is right for the industry, not for himself. He fosters renewal by encouraging inclusiveness.
For example, as we are all aware, there are many governing bodies in the world of coaching where one may go to receive a credential. Over the years as many RFP’s were issued from governments here in Canada they would often state that the applicants must absolutely have a coaching credential from a given governing body and they would name the governing body. Doing the right thing, Rey would immediately write to these RFP issuing governments and state that this type of exclusiveness could be in violation of the Canadian Competition Act. In his letter, he would always clarify that he himself was not applying to the RFP. As a result of Rey’s courageous action, inevitably the government would re-issue the RFP so that Coaches who have their credentials from various other global governing bodies could also apply. This helped shift the mind-sets of organizations who believe that there is only one governing body worthy of giving credentials. So from the bottom of my heart, I thank Rey for fighting for what is right. Here at CLI we call him the “Watchdog of the Coaching and Mentoring Industries”.
Thank you Rey for your commitment to this industry as it gives all of us Hope that one day our industry will be pure and inclusive.
~Betska K-Burr, The Guru Coach®
I have known Rey Carr for over fifty years, through high school and graduate school. Like a fine vintage wine or a fine Merstham pipe, he has aged well and given the world of Mentoring a powerful voice, and a research-based point of view. His articles are myriad.
He has also added his voice to causes outside of mentoring always to promote the greater good of citizens locally and around the world.
From a friend’s perspective, he has remained a humble family man without ostentation; he has always demonstrated willing to help the less fortunate,
~Edgar Gallardo
I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing Rey through his Peer Resources Network, his Peer Bulletin, as a collaborator at the International Professional Coaching Publications Association, and his many contributions to (and support of) the Library of Professional Coaching. His wickedly fun sense of humor and kind heart are only surpassed by his incredible intellect, and we are delighted to present this award to Rey today.
~Suzi Pomerantz, MCC, CoFounder of the Library of Professional Coaching, CEO of Innovative Leadership International, LLC
Rey, Congratulations! Due to a client commitment, I will not be able to attend this well-deserved reward. While you and I have not met, I still remember that you were the very first person to comment on the the newly-minted magazine “The Future of Coaching” which Bill Bergquist and I edit. Your compliment on that first issue meant much to both Bill and me—and the magazine is now in it’s 6th year with 20+ issues. It’s no exaggeration to say that your input created a great deal of emotional momentum for our work. Ours is just one small example of the huge impact you have had on our professions and on so many people and leaders. Thank you and congratulations again!
~Bill Carrier, President, Carrier Leadership Coaching, Inc.
Dr. Rey Carr is a friend, colleague and long-standing mentor for me personally and for my business, Intelligent Leaders. Dr. Carr, with his company Peer Resources, publishes Peer Bulletin and Dr. Carr is the Editor of Peer Bulletin. I have followed Dr. Carr for many years, have taken a number of his training programs through his staff and from him personally in Victoria B.C. It is through his work that I have established the foundations for my company, Intelligent Leaders. His research, articles, and training principles have helped me to form solid guidelines through which to learn and grow. He has impacted my life significantly as a “mentor of mentors.”
I have read, for many years, almost all 231 publications and consider it to be the best international magazine on mentoring and coaching. His magazine, Peer Bulletin, contributes much to foster and nurture a wide range of people interested in peer support, mentoring and coaching. Through Peer Bulletin, Peer Resources sustains a platform that is positive and promotional for beginners, strengthening for practicing mentors and coaches, and challenging for experts who lead in this field.
I particularly like that Peer Bulletin is commercial-free so that I don’t have to wade through marketing in order to find useful nuggets. Peer Bulletin is constantly at the forefront of technology, encouraging their products to be user friendly, and creating a multidimensional magazine that is of the highest interest and easy to access.
In the latest issue there were four different authors featured. Often new programs and approaches are recognized. Many of the contributors have academic expertise and/or practical front line experience to share for the readership. Peer Bulletin is innovative and creative with numerous contributions to those interested in peer assistance, mentoring and coaching. I have found many of these articles to be current, enlightening, informational and practical.
I have trained under Dr. Carr and now have my own Peer Mentor business through which I make numerous references to the work of Dr. Carr and to the many appropriate articles from Peer Bulletin that offer support and solutions to others.
It is with the highest respect that I offer this reference for Dr. Rey Carr. Peer Resources and Peer Bulletin have provided the number one, most influential magazine source internationally in peer assistance, mentoring and coaching. I highly recommend Dr. Rey Carr for this Professional Coaching Award..
~Wayne Townsend, CEO, Intelligent Leaders
~Norm Smookler recorded this 22-second fanfare in honor of Rey’s award…enjoy!
Screenshots of the gathering and zoom ceremony in honor of Rey Carr:
The ceremony opening and agenda
Welcome, everyone! Thank you for being here today for the Library of Professional Coaching’s award ceremony honoring our dear colleague, Rey Car. We will be recording today’s session.
I’m Suzi Pomerantz, one of the founders and stewards of the Library of Professional Coaching, which Bill Bergquist and I have been building and stewarding for the coaching community for 13 years now, and which has just crossed the threshold of over 1000 vetted documents online that anyone can access.
To set the context for today’s ceremony, we must remember Lee Salmon: 5 years ago, the Library of Professional Coaching established the Lee Salmon Sustainable Leadership Award, in appreciative memory of our dear friend, Lee, an exceptional colleague who contributed to the sustainable leadership of the coaching profession. Lee passed away after serving as one of the leaders of the professional coaching movement of the first two decades of the 21st century. Lee was noted for his stewardship of this field and for always pointing to the ultimate purpose of an effective professional coaching practice – sustaining our world.
We are excited to honor Rey Carr because his own work and vision is directly aligned with that of Lee Salmon. Rey is also a steward of our field, offering both support and criticism when needed. Like Lee, Rey cares deeply about the world in which we live and the often-wounded human beings who populate this world. Rarely, do we find someone with as much heart and wisdom as Rey Carr. That is why we wish to pause for a few moments to let Rey know that we think he is wonderful! His work and research and publications in the fields of coaching and mentoring have contributed tremendously and had an impact on the coaching world.
When my partner Bill proposed that we present the Lee Salmon award to Rey, it was a stroke of genius. I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing Rey through his Peer Resources Network, his Peer Bulletin, as a collaborator at the International Professional Coaching Publications Association, and his many contributions to (and support of) the Library of Professional Coaching. His wickedly fun sense of humor and kind heart are only surpassed by his incredible intellect, and we are delighted to present this award to Rey day.
I’m sure we could all speak for hours upon hours about our dear Rey, but we know many of you have set aside only one hour for today’s ceremony, and we will do our best to honor that time commitment. We will however keep going beyond the hour for any additional comments anyone would like to make.
Here’s how today’s ceremony will unfold:
First, we will present the award to Rey.
Second, we will hear a few words from those of you who submitted (and I will manage our time as best I can so we have time to hear from everyone). We have about 8 people that I know of who would like to say a few words:
- Steve Goldberg
- Ida Abbott
- Cy Charney
- Vikki Brock
- Carter McNamara
- Sally Glover
- Edgar Gallardo
- RuthAnnHarnisch
Rey Carr will have the opportunity to say whatever he wants to say to all of you.
Then, I understand some of Rey’s family members are here as well, and we will open it up to any additional informal comments afterwards.
After today’s event, we will be creating a special segment of the LPC for Rey’s award that will include the video of this session, so if you need to leave early, that’s not a problem. Once it’s posted on the LPC, you will be able to comment on the site directly, and we invite your comments there as well.
Now I’d like to hand it over to Bill to present the Lee Salmon Award to Rey with our official proclamation.
Please keep our comments succinct so we have time to hear from Rey after all our comments.
Our first speaker on Rey’s behalf is Steve Goldberg
- Ida Abbott
- Cy Charney
- Vikki Brock
- Carter McNamara
- Sally Glover
- Edgar Gallardo
- RuthAnnHarnisch
Rey comments
Open it up for additional comments (22 people remain)
- Bill Dueease
- Carolyn H
- Betska K-Burr
- Garry Schleifer
- Anneli Driessen
- Sarah Carr
- John Lazar
- Ron Jorgenson
Officially close: Thank you everyone for your heartfelt comments and support of Rey’s work. Especially, thank you Rey for everything you’ve done for the coaching world. We love you.
Open it up for additional comments (9 people remain)
- Karen Ledger
- Rey Carr
- David de Rosenroll
-Rey’s Facebook post, Sept.8, 2020 –
“In a fabulous Zoom ceremony today I was given the Lee Salmon Award for sustainable leadership in the coaching field. The Award is determined by the #LibraryofProfessionalCoaching.
Many of the people I’ve worked with over the years, who have become near and dear to me, contributed their perspectives on my work during the ceremony. Many were people I’ve mentored or have mentored me (or both), and I worked with when peer helping was in its infancy. Beloved family members also attended and made the event even sweeter.
Today’s ceremony was exceptionally moving and powerful, and I’ll be dancing and singing all week. One person even gave me the accolade of being a “mensch,” which in my family meant someone of great esteem, compassion and caring.
I encourage everyone to find a way to gather together your friends and colleagues and have such a ceremony BEFORE you’ve left this world. The power of the comments is so up-lifting. Such a gathering reinforces the fact that you’ve become the person you always wanted to be.”