Obituary of Norman and Connie Carlson

Obituary Norman and Connie Carlson It is with broken hearts that we announce the unexpected sudden passing of our parents, Norman and Connie Carlson. Norman passed away unexpectedly at Peace Villa with Tammy by his side on February 5, 2022. He was so heartbroken with the loss of mom just so recently. We have great comfort in knowing they are together again. Dad was born in Hythe, Alberta on May 12, 1934 to Ernie and Amelia Carlson. His mother passed when he was a young child. Grandpa and three more small children were left behind. There were many hardships on the farm in the Valhalla area, but Dad loved his family and the friends and neighbors that helped them out in this time of need. His dad was a carpenter and moved west to this area for work on the Alaska Highway. Most of the family followed. Dad spoke of working for Ma Murray as a young boy, and when we were kids, Dad took us to see her. Dad spoke of how sick he was when he was stricken with polio at the age of 21. He was quarantined to the Pouce Coupe Hospital for some time. Dad was passionate about many things, but the love of music was high on that list. He learned to play the saxophone at an early age. He spoke highly of Gene Forester who was his music instructor. Dad was in the Northern Lights Orchestra and was offered many musical opportunities. He played his sax until a couple of years ago. Always loved it when he played (In The Mood). Dad was a mechanic for years in Fort St. John. He worked at Bowes and Herons, Fort Motors, and Murray. His vehicles were always immaculate, and we were grateful to have Dad service our cars regularly. Many of the family followed in his footsteps and were naturally mechanical. Dad had many hobbies and interests. He was an artist, woodworker, built small airplanes, collected western memorabilia. He was always active. He skated and rode bikes with Mom and his grandchildren. He loved watching his grandson Brandon play hockey. They enjoyed camping and going to the rodeos in Grande Prairie with family. Dad took part in everything he could until he was unwell. Dad had great strength and mastered his challenges. We were proud of his accomplishments and the pride he took in them. Dad is predeceased by his siblings: Irvin Carlson, Oscar Carlson, and Maureen Scharf; and his nieces: Debbie, Shelly, and Kelly. Connie passed away at the Fort St. John Hospital with family by her side on January 9, 2022. Mom was born on the homestead in Rose Prairie to Hokan and Millie Anderson. She was delivered into the world by Mrs. Young. She grew up on the farm with 4 siblings — Larry, Shirley, Sharon, and Lynda. Mom shared many memories with us of her farm days. Grandpa always told us that her little farm hands assisted him in every aspect of the farm and she loved it. It broke her heart when Grandpa retired from the farm and moved into town. At 16 years old, mom started working in the old Providence Hospital alongside the Providence Sisters. She continued to work in the new hospital in 1962 as a nurses aide. Mom met Dad (Norman) through their love of music, with Mom playing the accordion and singing and Dad on the saxophone. Three children were born in the following years, Chris, Tammy, Rhonda. Mom and Dad always insisted we had a summer holiday every year and we did. We have a lot of memories of camping and visiting Aunty Lynda and her family in the Okanagan. Times were not always easy, but we never did without. Mom was our solid foundation. She was so loving and gentle. Mom continued to work at the hospital, completing 45 years of dedicated work. Her last 35 years she managed the central sterilizing processing department. Well... mom's home was sterile as well. She never slowed down at all. Mom and Dad had several years of travel. They had a lot of the the same interests in music and hobbies. They loved yard work and camping, and took pride in doing their own renovations etc.. Both of their Dads were from Sweden — the adventure to Sweden was long overdue and brought them much happiness. They were blessed with lifelong friends and family. For many years they shared their Faith in God and shared their love of Gospel music, Mom playing the piano and Dad the saxophone. They played in church and gospel jamborees and were amongst many wonderful people. They volunteered playing at care homes and manors. They loved this and felt blessed to be able to share. There were many emotional moments for us as we listened to them throughout the years-- It was our life. Mom was a care giver. We were so blessed to have mom. We saw her dedicated strength and love to look after her mom and dad throughout the years. She never missed a graduation, band recital, or Christmas concert for her, us, or her grandchildren. There was always non stop cookies and fresh pies for Dad, friends, and grandchildren. Mom would mail cookies to the great grandchildren, they couldn't be left out...even from afar. We will miss all of our personal Birthday cakes. Mom looked after Dad until she couldn't. It broke her heart to be separated in such an uneasy world. Thanks Mom, for all of your prayers!! We promised you that everything would be okay. You will rest easy in the Lord's hands!! Mom is predeceased by her parents, Hokan and Millie; sister Sharon; brother Larry; and grandson Ernie. Mom sadly leaves behind Dad, (Norman); children, Chris Carlson, Tammy Bulmer (Barry), Rhonda Solheim (Colin), Kim Carlson (Maxine); sisters, Shirley Becker and Lynda Ross; and sister in law Madeline Carlson; grandchildren, Amber, Jenna , Brandon, Ryan, Amy, Adam, Jessica, and Randy; more grandchildren and great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. A special Thank you to Dr. Hamill. Thank you to Brittany and Kaitlin who gave mom special care. Thank you to my Mom and Dad's special friends who visited them. Thank you to the neighbors for helping mom. Thank you for your prayers. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on May 28, 2022 at 1:30 pm, at the Evangelical Mission. For those who are unable to attend, the service can be viewed through the following link, just prior to the service. Click here Those wishing to make donations in memory of Norman and Connie can do so to the Fort St. John Palliative Care Society - Click Here Services Celebration of Life Saturday May 28, 2022 1:30 PM Evangelical Mission 8220 89 Avenue Fort St. John, BC V1J 5S5