Charlie Rodger Carlson

Nov. 7th, 1931 – Jan. 22, 2025

It is with heavy hearts the family of Charlie Rodger Carlson is announcing his passing on Jan. 22, 2025.

Charlie was predeceased by his wife Joan Carlson, his mother and father Vandela and Angus Carlson, and his 7 siblings. He is survived by one sister Mary-Lou Kelly of Thunder Bay.

Left to remember him are his sons Kim (Lynn), Kris (Diane), Russ, Ralph (Sandie), six grandchildren Tasha (Jason), Ange (Tyler), Brittney (Rob), Bryce, Jonathan, Kendra (Dylan), seven great-grandchildren Brook-Lynn (Davis), Kennedy, Kash, Layne, Sunna, Ayla and Hudson and one great-great-grandson Wyatt.

He frequently bragged about his quest to win the heart of Joan Marilyn Ward, and they tied the knot on July 11, 1953. Together for seventy years, they raised four sons, all of whom have returned to live in the Kenora area.

A self-made man who worked hard his entire life, Charlie became an entrepreneur at a young age collecting coke, (partially burnt coal) from what fell off the trains and reselling it to local businesses. His early employment included working for Midland Fruit and Vegetable Company as a delivery driver and Department of Highways as a road labourer. He began his career at Boise Cascade in 1954 and retired after 30 years as a respected crane operator.

With four boys and a whole crowd of their friends, Joan and Charlie became known as the neighborhood parents. On weekends, they'd load up the family station wagon with kids and head to the beach. Charlie earned a reputation as the local Mr. Fix-It, repairing everything from tricycles and bikes to lawnmowers and cars. He was also the go-to barber, giving out brush cuts to the neighborhood kids. In his younger years, Charlie loved playing hockey, and as he got older, he became a passionate armchair spectator. Both Joan and Charlie had a fondness for tropical vacations and visits to casinos.

Charlie was a true lover of good food and drink, though his culinary skills were mostly showcased in his famous cabbage rolls and Christmas turkey. His favorite time of year was always Christmas when the whole family gathered at his home to celebrate. The love and laughter from those moments will forever live on in our memories.

He fought a tough battle this last year without Joan, experiencing a number of health issues.

The family would like to thank the medical staff of Lake of the Woods District Hospital for making his final days comfortable. A celebration of life will be held a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Carlson family may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com