David Lawrence Carlson

Born on December 28, 1961 in Everett, Washington to Larry and Joan Carlson, Dave brought an undeniable energy into the world from day one. He grew up with a natural flair for leadership and brilliance, graduating with honors from Cascade High School, where he served on ASB and played on the varsity basketball and baseball teams—Go Bruins! Dave carried that same dedication and pride into his professional life. He spent a couple of decades as a proud member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 66—years he reminisced about often and fondly—before transitioning into a successful business career.

Brilliant, charismatic, and full of personality, Dave had a way of captivating everyone around him. With his extraordinary mind, natural gift for conversation, and a love for the beach, he brought energy wherever he went. Whether cheering on his favorite teams, making people laugh, or captivating a room with one of his stories, Dave lived with passion, curiosity, and humor, leaving an impression no one could forget.

That passion was especially evident in his love of sports. A lifelong fan of the Seattle SuperSonics, the Seattle Mariners, and “The Shark”. Dave enjoyed a good round of golf and spent many years coaching his children’s teams as they grew up. He also found peace and happiness at the beach. You would always find him in a Hawaiian shirt, and to those who knew him best, his ultimate defining story—his thing—was “the whale.”

Dave’s interests extended beyond sports to a profound love of music. His playlist spanned generations, from grunge bands like Soundgarden to the timeless melodies of The Beatles and the classic grooves of Hall & Oates, to the raw energy of Linkin Park. Like Dave himself, his musical taste was distinctive and entirely his own.

Above all, Dave’s greatest joy was his family. He lived in the moment, loved having fun, and believed in making the most of life. Through family vacations, adventures, and the traditions they shared while growing up, he created a lifetime of memories with his children.

Some of the most treasured memories came from simple moments, including countless hours playing video games, geocaching, and believing in aliens with his son, Parker; donning the Christmas tree star every year and enjoying blackberry ice cream at Mukilteo Beach with his daughter Madison; bonding over their love for movies, music, and talking about their favorite new band with his daughter Autumn. Whether competing, joking around, or simply enjoying time together, they turned ordinary days into unforgettable experiences. Those memories will remain with his kids and the entire family for generations. His grandson Jaxon especially loved Easter with Grandpa Dave, who was a master at hiding eggs—a special tradition filled with memories that will forever hold a place in his heart. Along with countless other moments, these are the pieces of Dave his family will treasure most.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Carlson; his father, Larry Carlson; his brother, Jeff Carlson; his three children, Autumn Jennings, Madison Carlson, and Parker Carlson; his son-in-law, Michael Jennings; his beloved grandchildren, Jaxon, Rowan, and Ellie Jennings; his stepsons, Brandon Jarvis and Matthew Jarvis; his first wife and friend, Shelli Carlson; and his nieces and nephews, Ashton Doran, Christina Owens, Ryan Carlson, and Kohlton Owens. The family will hold a memorial service at a later date.

Dave’s warmth, brilliant wit, unmistakable charisma, and unforgettable tall tales will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him. His stories will continue to be told, his personality will be remembered, and the love and memories he created will never fade. He leaves behind a legacy of family filled with memorable traditions, and a presence that will never be replaced.

In honoring his memory, his family holds close the words that resonated so deeply with him:

“When my time comes, forget the wrong I’ve done, help me leave behind some reasons to be missed… And if you’re feeling empty, keep me in your memory, leave out all the rest.”