John Bert Carlson

John  B. “Jack” Carlson was a native of Ft Collins, CO. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family.  His early years were spent in Denver before settling with his parents and little sister in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at age 6.   During summers, he was anxious to go back to Ft. Collins to work on his uncle’s, or his cousin’s, farms where he joined 4H. Over the years, he and his cousin raised farm animals and a Black Angus calf, which they successfully showed at the county fair, winning numerous prizes.  These were fond times for Jack. College summers were spent working for the Forest Service in Arizona’s Kaibab forest.  These youthful days were the source of many stories for years to come. He graduated from the University of New Mexico with a BSEE degree in Electrical Engineering, choosing to work for North American Aviation, in California.  Field engineering took him to Altus, OK and Sioux Sainte Marie, MI.  He and Marilyn Douglass were married in 1963, just prior to assignments in Virginia, where he worked and rode in submarines, and to Charleston, where their first son, Brian, was born.  With their newborn in tow, they adventured to Helensburgh, Scotland, where Jack worked with the UK Navy.  The scenery was beautiful, and other than dodging the milk lorry parked on the narrow road each work day, it was a wonderful experience and gifted the young family time to visit parts of Europe and Scandinavia, as well as the UK. Fullerton was his home since 1967.  Two more sons, Don and Eric, were born, and Jack spent time with them In Indian Guides, and coaching soccer and Little League.  He enjoyed teaching Junior High Sunday school and confirmation class at First Presbyterian Church, where he was a Deacon and served several terms as an Elder. The family loved camping,  especially in National Parks, and an annual summer week at San Clemente State Beach, with several other families.  His favorite assignment of his professional life was to help set up a new company of Rockwell International in Sydney, Australia, working with the Royal Australian Navy.  It was an exciting challenge in an enchanting location.  In retirement, Jack and Marilyn pursued their passion for travel, covering five continents, as well as within the U.S, including volunteer service in Wyoming, New Mexico, and Alaska. Jack is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marilyn, and sons Brian, (Sue ), of Bayfield, CO, Don of Kihei, HI, and Eric, (Katie), and grandson Garret of Fullerton, and his sister, Pat Dougherty of Albuquerque, NM. Remembrances can be made in lieu of flowers to the Arboretum at CSUF,  Fullerton First Presbyterian Church, or Pathways of Hope.