Richard Ray Carlson

July 30, 1945 - January 6, 2026

Richard Ray Carlson, age 80 passed away at Fieldstone Memory Care Facility in Marysville, Washington on January 6, 2026.

Rich was born on July 30th 1945 to David R. Carlson and Clara L. (Dunford) Carlson

Rich was a graduate of Everett High School class of 1963and also attended ECC. His interest in photography lead him to work for Bob Benson Photography. Later on he did work with Pete Kinch Photography.

Rich served two years in the Army, serving in Korea and Germany.

Rich's career was drag racing photography. He started his career at National Hotrod's Association in 1963. He was asked if he wanted to take pictures at the Arlington drag strip because their photographer was unavailable. Soon after, he became the Northwest Division photographer for NHRA, covering Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, British Columbia and Alberta Canada, along with many yearly trips to the National events in Phoenix, Las Vegas and Pomona. Rich held that position for 52 years, retiring in 2015. Early on in Rich's career he also had two camera stores, one in West Seattle and another in Sliver Lake.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents and stepson Christopher Newton.

Rich is survived by his Wife Elaine Carlson, Brother-in-law & Sister-in-law Russ and Barb Meeker, Brody (Katherine Hillmann) Meeker and Rhiannon (Terry Dizzard) Meeker and many friends from all the drag racing communities.