Ronald Fred Carlson

Ronald F. Carlson was born on August 14, 1950, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and was raised by loving parents, Leonard Fred and Melba Brown Carlson. His childhood was plentiful — full of family love, sports and dreams. He was first a Skyline High School football jock and then went on to obtain a pre-med degree from the University of Utah. His free time as a handsome young lad was spent skiing — either ski patrolling on Solitude’s slopes or water-skiing behind a boat on Utah’s lakes. He married the love of his life, Lynn Duffin, on September 15, 1972, in Salt Lake City. They moved to the wine country of Northern California to chase his career as a pharmaceutical rep. Later, after starting a family and wanting to move back to Utah, he shifted gears and spent most of his career working for Quality Press, Inc., making long-standing friendships around the city. His real legacy wasn’t in the hours spent in the printing industry; it was in the time spent leading his family as a man with endless amounts of love and kindness.

Ron will be remembered in our hearts as a gentle giant — giant in height and personality, with the softest heart. He had a booming voice that would carry across a baseball field, a golf course, a quiet chapel or just about anywhere else. But behind that loud voice was a heart full of tenderness, kindness and love. He was a man who loved deeply, cared endlessly and never hesitated to give his time, attention or heart to the people around him. He lived loudly and unapologetically, and he did so with such grace and selflessness.

For more than 50 years, Ron shared his life with his beloved wife, building a family of four sons and one daughter. Together, they created a beautiful marriage and family, cultivating a lifetime of memories. Family was always at the center of his world; he would drop anything at a moment’s notice to serve his own children and tirelessly help in any way he could. His children and grandchildren were truly his greatest joy. A man of his size and stature cradling one of his grandbabies was a touching sight. He spent his final days here on earth caring for his family rather than worrying about himself and his own health. He had a way of making everyone feel loved, supported and important. Ron was a coach in every sense of the word. He never missed an opportunity to add his supporting voice to a loved one’s lofty endeavors. He was known for proudly boasting about his children’s accomplishments. This left his kids to argue over who was his favorite and who was the most athletic. He was generous with his time and attention, always ready to lend a hand, offer advice or simply be there. Selflessness is what he embodied, and he lived an incredible life looking outward.

Ron loved a good laugh, a good joke and perhaps most of all… laughing at his own jokes. He never took himself too seriously, and his unmistakable chuckle is one that will forever be remembered by those who knew him. He was also a wealth of knowledge and facts, always ready with an interesting tidbit, a piece of information or a story full of embellishments. “Exaggeration” was his specialty. And if you ever needed to know what the weather was going to do or how bad traffic would be for your commute, Ron was your man. Affectionately known as “Weatherman Ron,” he always seemed to have one eye on the forecast and the road to ensure everyone was safe and sound. Accompanying this was his great ability to worry. It drove us all mad, but we sure knew his worrying showed us how deeply he loved and cared for us. It was rare to catch Ron in a bad mood; he spent his days optimistic and happy, and his children can attest to never hearing him raise his voice or get angry. He was quite sarcastic, which made for a good time. He never took life too seriously, yet when the trials came, he handled them with dignity. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met because of his genuine curiosity to get to know and love them. He always saw the good in people, putting others before himself and loving unconditionally.

On any given day of the week, you would find Ron on a golf course. He loved the game more than most and dedicated hours to the sport. He was happiest with a golf club in hand, whether alongside his best friends at their standing weekly tee time or crammed in the golf cart with his sons. Outside of his family, few things brought him more fulfillment than his love for the game. If he wasn’t on the course, you would find Ron on the sidelines of a baseball game, coaching at a decibel level heard only in Rice-Eccles Stadium. A devoted Utah Utes fan and long-standing ticket holder, he proudly cheered on his Utes, never missing a game, whether on the sidelines or on the couch in front of the television. “A Utah man am I! Will be ’til I die. Ki-Yi!” His coaching turned into the role of a loudly loving, cheering grandpa, whether on the sidelines of his grandkids’ games or giving private golf lessons on the front lawn. He took great pride in his garden and had quite the green thumb. He was known in the neighborhood for having the best tomato crop, which he would so kindly share. Ron’s most treasured memories were certainly made at Crystal Cove, where the family beach house provided the backdrop for countless vacations, sunburns, dolphin sightings, stories, cheese Danishes, laughter and time together. It was a special place that Ron held so dear to his heart; his dying wish was to return to the sand and ocean one more time.

His presence filled a room, his laughter brought people together, and his heart made a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. The memories he created, the stories he told and the love he gave will live on through the many lives he touched. Our hearts are comforted knowing he has been reunited with his son Bret. He will be missed beyond measure, but his laughter, larger-than-life personality and enormous heart will never be forgotten.

A celebration of life will be held in his honor on Sunday, November 22, 2026, at the Cottonwood Country Club, 1780 Lakewood Drive, Holladay, Utah 84117. The open house will run from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Please join us in honoring Ron, celebrating his life and sharing memories of him! Light desserts will be served.