CARLSON, Eric Lee

Eric Lee Carlson, 84, passed away on December 31, 2011 following a short stay at Y.R.M.C. He was born to Emil and Bertha (Clark) Carlson on August 13, 1927 in Salem, Oregon. Eric graduated from Salem High School. He enlisted in the U.S Navy during World War II and was stationed on the USS New Jersey. He then attended Oregon State College earning a B.S. in Business. He was employed by the Personnel Division of the State of Oregon and then became the Chief Examiner for the Marion County Civil Service Commission until retirement. Eric married Audrey Arlene Sheldon in 1948. Their union produced six children. They divorced in 1979. Eric married Nancy Gregory in 1980. Eric and Nancy were snow birds for thirty years. They loved exploring the country in their motor home visiting family and friends along the way. Nancy's children, Gregory Bryant, Scott and Steven Hinson, Kimberly Nida (deceased) became family to Eric. Nancy passed away on March 29, 2010. Eric found joy again in his relationship with long time friend, MarVelle Kaltenbach in February of 2011. They shared a love of travel, golfing and a wide circle of friends. Eric presented MarVelle with a Christmas card inscribed with: "You can march through life or you can dance." Eric danced. Eric is survived by his children, Cynthia Carlson Janet Moore , Philip Carlson, Marcella Rush, Charlotte Woodward and Steven Carlson (OR); grandchildren Marieke, David, Conrad, Carissa, Stephen, Michael, Thomas, Christopher, Britt-Marie, Alex, Aaron and Amanda; Nancy's-children, Gregory, Scott and Steven and great-grandchild, Lovely. A celebration of life will be held 10 a.m. Saturday at Gila Mountain United Methodist Church, 12716 N. Frontage Road in Yuma. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Mt. Shadows Artists Assoc. (Nancy Carlson Scholarship) or Gila Mountain United Methodist Church. Published in The Yuma Sun January 7, 2012