John R. Carlson

By: Christina Woods (Daughter) Our father had a colorful life with many adventures and stories that came with it. He enjoyed gardening, camping, the beach and tinkering, he could take anything and create a beautiful piece of art. We grew up on the best ghost stories and fairy tales, us kids sitting around a campfire or when a storm would roll in lights out except for the flashlight dad would use as his microphone. Filling our heads and imagination never knowing what would happen next. He had a free spirit and would do anything to help a friend in need. He worshipped the sun in the summer months, his skin turning a golden brown. Us kids grew up on many summer bbqs, dancing and singing to dad\u0027s favorite song\u0027s camping every chance we could get. His wishes were that we all stick together no matter our differences and to remember we are all brothers and sisters to the end, to always take care of one another. Our father taught us many things he was a wealth of knowledge from the not so practical to the omg!I\u0027m glad he taught me that. He will be greatly missed. He was taken to soon to fast. Just remember- He is no longer in pain He is flying in the sky He is drifting down the rivers He is sitting by the fire He is watching the waves He is on top of the mountains He is everywhere we all will be never forgotten but finally free... By: Sean Carlson (Son) John Carson Sr. was a strong, wise, stubborn, and a hardworking man. He was a man who worked very hard to provide for his family. Working hard was an important virtue of his. Up before the sun and off to work Monday through Friday, and home just before its setting. No matter the job or task he always did his best, always did the job right because if not done right it\u0027s not worth doing at all. This was the case even into \u0027retirement,\u0027 he was always working on a project, always keeping busy, alway problem solving. He liked to keep his hands busy, liked to stay active as he was able. The great outdoors were his playground. From serviceman, fisherman, and outdoorsman, he liked to be in the fresh air. The fresh air and a good cigar made him happy, and maybe some scotch too. A man of many talents, cooking wasn\u0027t one. He once cooked shrimp with some sort of jam on toast, a \u0027savory\u0027 dish. While not a chef he was great with so many other mediums. He could paint and draw the most beautiful abstracts, create and paint figurines, sculpt, work with wood, build just about anything from random scrap, his handwriting was so clean and crisp and his words to the point. Creativity never stopped flowing. Blowing bubbles, making faces, early morning fishing trips, creepy camp stories, conversation, jokes and surprises, he was a fun guy. His other talent was making people smile, making them happy. The charm and charisma ever present could make you feel better even when down on a dark day. A silly joke was always a breath away, always cheerful. John Carlson Sr. will always remain in our memories as a kind, silly, fun, giving man. All he wanted to do was to give to his loved ones, put smiles on faces, and make people happy. That was something he didn\u0027t have to work hard at. He was a father, grandfather, husband, brother, but most of all he was a caring friend to anyone and everyone. Even more important, he is our dad, our Papa, our friend. A great loss, he is truly someone who will be missed and always loved. By: Edward Woods (Son in Law) Grandpa Johns Pulling up to dad\u0027s house is like pulling into a haunted house. The sights and sounds are kind of the same, shrieks and screams accompany zombies, and goblins, soaked next to pickled brains. Age assaults the senses like musty mildew, Or time soaked life wafting through the air. Yet, it\u0027s the big imagination, if I\u0027m being fair, big-pa has, that brings out the imagination in his pad. Tiny figures riding winged beasts, tinkering toys, and his gruff voice precedes a great hug, a big man at heart a boy. Something will catch your eye from above! Pinned to the ceiling will be something silly, like a winged willy. You\u0027ll be asking yourself, \u0026quot;what the hell?\u0026quot; Attached to the wall a quip for us all, something to do with family. Cluttered and cramped packed with debris. Laughter tears, and washed away fears, welcome to: Grandpa Johns."",