Obituary of David Richard Carlson

David Richard Carlson

(January 28, 1944 - October 2, 2018)

Our dearly loved husband, father, and grandfather - David Richard Carlson – passed away suddenly on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at the age of 74 years. 

David was born on January 28, 1944 in Stettler to Richard and Elly Carlson, the youngest brother to Elliot, Birgit, and Elving. He grew up on a farm just outside of Meeting Creek and after graduating high school, left the farm for college. However, when his father fell ill he returned and took over the family farm where he dairy farmed for over 45 years. 

He was a caring husband of forty years to Donna, having been set up on a blind date by mutual friends. Together, they created a lifetime of memories for their family. Memories such as a family trip to Sweden to meet David’s extended family, taking the kids on rides at Disneyland, wrestling on the living room floor, playing catch in the yard, and dinners out in the field during harvest, are even more precious now. 

David loved his family deeply, and was so very proud of his children, never missing an opportunity to share what Ryan or Ashley were up to. He was a loving and caring grandfather, always ensuring to have sweets for the little ones, and enjoyed doing little projects for the grandkids – Cooper, Kolten, Logan and Kaylee. He enjoyed shopping for them and was proud of his finds, including trikes, books and an old school desk. 

David loved to laugh, tell jokes, and most of all, to visit and never missed an opportunity to banter. He was a great storyteller, often sharing memories of curling with the boys, road trip adventures when he was younger, and local snowmobile trips.

He had a passion for sports particularly curling, ball and hockey, and had such fond memories of his time spent in the rinks and on the ball diamonds. He often started the day with the Sports section of the Edmonton Journal and welcomed debate on the current performance of the Edmonton Oilers. In recent years he was a regular fixture at Camrose Kodiaks games. 
David held onto keepsakes and had several prized possessions including his old high school jacket, ball uniforms and glove, and various curling prizes. He enjoyed hunting, farm life and his animals, having lived on the farm for nearly 70 years. He was so very proud of the farm, with one of his greatest achievements being when one of his homebred cows competed at the World Dairy Expo and Royal Winter Fair. He was a proud Swede, always wanting to learn more about his Swedish heritage.  

David left a lasting impression – treat your memories of him as treasured moments. 

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Donna; son Ryan (Meegan) Carlson of Meeting Creek; daughter Ashley (Scott) Harris of St. Albert; and four grandchildren.

David was predeceased by his parents Richard and Elly; brothers Elliot and Elving, and sister Birgit Anderson.

A Funeral Service was held at 2:00 p.m., October 11, 2018, from the CityLights Church, 4920 48 Street Camrose with Rev. Brian Hunter officiating. 

If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the Meeting Creek Cemetery Fund or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.