Grandpa Carlson

I have put off posting about the passing of my Grandpa Carlson for over 2 months. I just don't want to type the words or deal with the feelings that come when I think about the memories. But, it's time to get it done.

Here is what was written in his obituary:

LeRoy Carl Carlson returned to his heavenly home, and to the Savior whom he loved and served, on March 4, 2010 in Gilbert, Ariz., following a gradual decline in health over the last few years. Roy was born on January 10, 1925 in Salt Lake City to Carl and Caroline Strand Carlson. His father died when he was 4 and his only brother died when he was 10. He was raised in a loving home with his sweet mother and four sisters. He graduated from South High School in 1942. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1944 and trained as a bombardier/navigator. After his military service was completed he met and married the love of his life, Joan Crebs, in 1947.

Roy worked as a jeweler in Salt Lake City, Idaho Falls, and Lewiston, Idaho. He then worked as an instrument maker at Dugway Proving Ground, where he designed timing and photographic instruments for government tests. He held many callings in the LDS Church including scout master, high counselor, stake president in the Tooele North Stake, and served as a bishop's counselor and as stake president's counselor in the Orem Suncrest Stake. Roy and Joan also served an LDS church mission to Independence, Mo.

His family remembers all the fun times with him. He was in a dance band in the 1940s and over the following decades his children and grandchildren loved to heard him play his saxophone. He loved to fish and was never happier than when grandchildren caught their first fish. He enjoyed camping, water sports, sleigh-riding, dancing the swing, and BYU sports.

Roy lived as though the Savior walked beside him every day. He never did an unkind or dishonest thing in his life. His family is grateful for such a loving and sweet father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Joan, and their four children: Leanne (Clay) Riding, Robert (Gaynelle) Carlson, Nancy (Bert) Brinton, Susan (Arnel) Brown; their 17 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren; two of his sisters, Ruth (Dick) Dangerfield and Ann Null; as well as Carol Nelson, who is like a daughter, and her family. Roy was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Henry; two sisters, Margie Burgener and Elsie Bauer; and a grandson, Chris Carlson.

His funeral will be held at Wasatch lawn Mortuary on Saturday, March 13 at noon. There will be a viewing Friday Night from 6-8 p.m. and on Saturday at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers please make donations to LDS Philanthropy, PO Box 27188, Provo, Utah 84602.