Carl Andrew Provost, 48

Carl Andrew Provost, 48, from Wareham, MA, passed away on February 26, 2024 after a long and courageous battle with gastric cancer, with his devoted sister by his side, who provided unwavering support and care during his illness. Carl faced this challenging journey much like he lived his life—with dignity, grace, courage, and humor.  His loss was not unexpected, and his family is profoundly saddened.

Carl was born on January 28, 1976 to Wilfred and Janet Provost in his beloved town of Wareham, MA at the head of Buzzards Bay.  He was the youngest of three siblings: Melissa and Matthew, and devoted uncle to Jeffrey, Brianna, Sullivan and Shiloh.  His cousin, Tiffany Perry, who was practically a sister to him, shared an exceptionally close relationship with him since childhood.  He bore a striking resemblance to his namesake and maternal grandfather, Carlton Crapo, both in looks and temperament, though Carlton had passed away a few months before his birth.

He was a 1994 graduate of Wareham High School and briefly attended Westfield State University before moving west and graduating from Arizona State University.  It was in Arizona that he built a wonderful life and community, establishing lifelong friendships in the desert southwest.  He spent decades working for the U.S. Postal Service in various capacities before health issues prompted his early retirement and subsequent return to his beloved Massachusetts.

Carl was a remarkable son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend who embodied the best of qualities:  loyal, strength of character, integrity, courage and an unending kindness that made him special and endearing to those lucky enough to know him.  He was exceptionally funny and had perfect comedic timing, often leaving family and friends in stitches with a witty quip, joke or glance.  He did everything on his own time, never beyond first gear, and possessed the gift of being present, always.

He had an immense passion for travel and the natural world and was exceedingly adventurous, as evidenced by his epic backpacking trips to Southeast Asia, Australia, Central and South America.  He was particularly fond of the east coast of Costa Rica, where he planned to move with his brother and live amongst the sloths, his spirit animal.  He criss-crossed the United States multiple times and had a particular fondness for America’s national parks. 

Carl was a talented gardener and spent his summers carefully tending his expansive garden.  He was an equally-gifted shellfisherman and enjoyed searching for quahogs along the sandy shoreline and gently lapping waves of Little Harbor Beach, his favorite hunting grounds.  The bountiful fruits of his labors have graced the tables of family and friends for years and will be sorely missed. 

He proudly held many family records including most goals scored, tennis matches won and most stripers caught, but not the biggest; and bragged about being the tallest or most handsome Provost in family history.  His encyclopedic knowledge of sports was remarkable and he threw a nasty curve. 

His gentle spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. We hold dear the memories we shared, the laughter we enjoyed, and the wisdom he imparted. His legacy is one of true kindness, patience, generosity, resilience, and fun.  His illness and premature departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound, and it is gravely felt by his entire family and countless others who loved him deeply.  

Carl is survived by his parents, Wilfred & Janet (Crapo) Provost of Wareham, MA; sister and husband, Melissa & Michael Kauranen of Wareham, MA; brother, Matthew Provost of Annapolis, MD; nieces Brianna Kauranen and Shiloh Provost; nephew, Jeffrey Kauranen and his wife, Whitney and their daughter, Riley;  nephew, Sullivan Provost; and many cousins, aunts and close friends.  He was predeceased by his nephew, Jared Kauranen.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, March 7, 2024 from 4:00-6:30 pm at Chapman Funerals and Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. (Rt. 28), Wareham, MA 02571.  Family remembrances will commence at 6:00 p.m.  A celebration of life reception will immediately follow from 7:00 -9:00 p.m. at Fisherman's View Restaurant, 20 Freezer Road, Sandwich, MA 02563.  All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to help cover expenses to spread his ashes in Costa Rica.  https://gofund.me/a31d83bd

For directions or to leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com