The world lost a great man. Our husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother, Don Rickie Carlson, 70, returned to his Father in Heaven on July 1, 2020 after a valiant battle against cancer. Rick was born December 10, 1949 in Provo, Utah to Don E. Carlson and Lauralie Jones. Growing up, he lived in several cities across Utah and California. He was a champion at marbles and had a large collection of the top baseball cards. He had excellent aim and won the State Rifle tournament. He loved sports and played baseball and football in high school. He was a top athlete but moved a lot in his high school years so his dreams of becoming a professional baseball player was difficult to obtain.
He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the New Zealand North Mission. He loved his mission, the country, the people, and the food. Many years later, he was able to return and was initiated into the Tarawa family in traditional Maori custom. They loved him and he loved them.
After his mission, he served in the US Armed Forces in the Army National Guard. His sharp-shooting skills continued and he was among the top in the Army artillery unit. Rick was a proud American and very patriotic.
He then attended and played soccer at Brigham Young University. He graduated with a degree in Sociology and Psychology with a minor in Physical Education and later earned a teaching degree. While at BYU, he met the love of his life, Linda Lee Taylor. They were married soon after on February 22, 1973 in the Salt Lake Temple.
While they were expecting their first child, Rick was diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkin’s Disease (cancer in the lymph nodes). He was one of 5 out of 352 diagnosed with the dreadful disease to survive. He was told they would never have more children because of the radiation treatments yet they were able to have 5 more.
He chose a career in education teaching middle and high school. His love of sports is what made him want to be a coach. He coached soccer at Hillcrest High School and they took 2nd in State. He was so proud of his team and loved them. He was asked to be a Principal but did not want to give up coaching so he remained a teacher where he could have a better influence on the students.
Rick loved his children and worked several jobs to support their hobbies. He was their #1 fan and attended all of their activities, coached their teams, and let them know they were capable of anything. He loved his grandchildren and continued attending and supporting their events when he could.
In 2009, he was diagnosed with Stage IV Colon and liver cancer. He battled through chemotherapy and was given a few months to live. He defied all odds again and was blessed with 11 more years allowing him to meet 10 more grandchildren, remodel his home, go to Paris with his sweetheart and travel to many bucket list locations.
He was a man of many trades and talents. He could build anything from furniture to home additions. He loved working with wood. He was a small business owner which included handyman, painting, siding installation, real estate agent, and merchandising. He especially loved his landscaping business and running his tractor. One of his highlights was working for the 2002 Olympics at Deer Valley skiing competitions and being a part of that exciting experience. Rick was always willing to be of service to anyone. Since his passing, we have learned of so many instances when he helped or showed up for others in their time of need even without being asked.
Rick loved the outdoors, especially the mountains. He took his family on a lot of fun camping trips to Yellowstone, Calgary Canada, The Redwoods and all over the Wasatch Front. He also loved fishing, golfing, water skiing, snow skiing, hiking and riding his horses. He loved his horses and dogs but his Beagle, Lady, saved his life during his second battle by wanting daily walks and knowing when he needed comfort.
In April, Rick was diagnosed with Stage IV Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma of the liver and multiple Myeloma in his spine. He faced cancer just like he faced everything else in his life; with courage, faith, optimism, and dignity, with gratitude and love for all those on his team fighting for him. Throughout his suffering and even up to the very end, he always had a smile, thumbs up, or a wink. He never complained about anything thrown his way. He taught us all about endurance, courage, and of trust in his Father in Heaven.
Rick is survived by his wife, Linda; his children, Tami (Darren), Ranie (Colin), Josh (April), Jolinda, Joni (Garrett); 13 grandchildren, Canon, Blaze, Pierson, McKay, Evan, Kaylee, Kendyl, Kourtney, Kyler, Raylee, Lexi, Laney, and Caden; mother, Lauralie; brother, Randy (Laurie); sister, Lori. He was preceded in death by his cherished daughter Tonya and his loving father, Don.
We would like to thank all of our family and friends for the outpouring of love and support during this time. Rick, you are so loved and will be incredibly missed until we meet again. Heaven needed a hero.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, UT. The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 pm Monday evening.
Please share a memory or story of Rick for the family at larkincares.com.
What a remarkable man! I knew about some of his talents but there’s so much more! I’m so sorry for your loss. May we all live up to the great example that Rick was to all of us. Sending you a Texas-sized hug XOXO
What a remarkable man. Rick, Linda, and their children were a second family to our children. Always kind, always compassionate, raising our kids alongside their own. We cherish those times and the memories of those years.
Dearest Linda and Family,
I am so very sorry for the loss of Rick. I wish I had known him better. My sincere condolences to each of you.
Micky Odenwalder
Rick was a man of kindness, courage, love and faith. He lived close to the Lord and I could see the Light of Christ in his eyes. Thank you for being a part of our life.
We raised our children in the same neighborhood, and were in the same ward for many years. I was always amazed at Rick’s ability to continue with a positive attitude despite his various and many painful ailments. What an example to us all!
I’ve watched this couple since college. I’ve watched these kids since just after college. I’ve watched Rick’s love for Linda and their children for a very long time. I’ve admired Rick’s strength of character, always. I’m so sorry for such a loss. May the Lord be with you at this time and always.
We were so saddened to hear of Rick's passing. Glad we got to visit in the hospital after his stroke.
We are so sorry for all your family has been through, and for your loss of this wise and faithful husband, father, grandfather and son.
I can't find words fitting to honor such a great man. I know as our bishop how much he loved us, and our family loves him.
I personally am so grateful for his love and concern for our son David. I truly believe that Ricks wise council and guiding hand as David's bishop has helped make David the man he is today.
I don't believe I have known a man with more trust in the Lord than Rick. During his fight with many health issues. He always put it in the Lords hands.
Linda, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Jay Archibald family.
Carlson Family - just wanted to extend my deepest sympathies to each of you for passing of Rick. I would be amiss if I did not share with you my profound gratitude for the impact ‘Coach Carlson’ has had on my life both as a student and as one of his former players. He taught me how to never give up, how handle both victory and defeat with honor. I am eternally grateful for my coach and friend to which I want to celebrate his life and his legacy. #6
WHAT A GREAT MAN, GREAT SMILE , AND ALSO THERE WITH A HELPING HAND. IT WAS MY HONOR TO KNOW YOU!!! GARY M HUNTSMAN
I know how much Rick loved New Zealand and the wonderful Maori people. And they loved him. If the Maori were here they would say: Tihei mauriora! E te totara e takoto nei. Haere atu koe i runga ite ara karere e kore e hoki mai. Haere atu ra, haere atu ra moe atu ki roto i te Ariki. Ahakoa te heketanga o nga roimata mete hunga o nga Manama e te hoa, te matua, te korua. Haere atu ra, haere atu ra haere atu ra.
You the great totara who has fallen; you now travel on the path that no messenger can return from. Go, go on your journey beyond the veil and there sleep with the Lord. Although tears are falling and hearts are mourning, farewell to you my friend, farewell to you father; farewell to you grandfather.
Excellent man, great ambassador for the priesthood.......will be missed, but I am certain he was called home for another assignment.
Oh, how we loved Rick! Ever since we moved in, he was such a help. One of the best of the Lord's servants. Just this past spring, he came outside of his home and gave Rachel basketball pointers ( He had driven the lady diggers to a few basketball games as a bus driver, and was able to stay and watch them play). She has incorporated his 'hook shot' advise. He was a great Bishop and friend. He will be missed!
Flora and I would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to the family on the loss of a truly great, honorable and righteous man. He was a wonderful example of Christlike love and service to others. Many as us feel a hole in our heart with his passing. He was loved and admired by all who had the honor of knowing him.
I was blessed to know Rick during my teenage years, while living in the same Latter-day Saint Ward. Rick was a great leader and mentor. I remember the wonderful times camping with Rick as a Boy Scout, where he spent his time teaching me, his son, Josh and and the other 20 or so boys my age values and skills that have and will forever bless my my life. I remember the many hours he spent in the gym with me and other boys in Jr. Jazz and Church Basketball. I recall my shot release being pretty terrible at that time. Rick had me lay on the court and practice my follow through. He was so very patient with me! Most of all, I am grateful to Rick for being a dedicated and loyal servant to the Lord. I look back on those years with fondness for Rick’s Christ-like example of service to all around him. He was a man I looked up to. I witnessed and felt the love he had for the Savior. I admire Rick for the gentle and kind man he was and is. He was so devoted to his dear wife and family. He was one of the most instrumental Priesthood leaders I had as a young man. He showed me how to minister to the other young men my age and other members of our ward. This proved to be a great blessing to me, as I went on to serve a mission, marry in the temple and now raise a family. My deepest sympathy and condolences to his family. I love you. May the Lord bless you with comfort and peace. -Mike Tsantis
Dear Linda (and your sweet family), I so appreciated Bishop Carlson as my Bishop and you as his sweet wife and Relief Society President who were there for me during my trial as a single mom with little children. Those little girls are now almost 18 and 20. Bishop made sure that I had what I needed to make ends meet. He was wise and did his best to do what the Lord who have him do to best watch over his sheep. I learned alot from him and will be forever grateful. Sending my heartfelt prayers to you in your time of loss. May you rely on the Lord and hold sweet memories close and dear.
Deepest sympathy for the Family ❤️🙏🏻 Love and Prayers.
Year 1970 This young man got off the bus in our home town the city of Tauranga in New Zealand. My dad being a taxi driver knew he was a Missionary from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterdays told him to get in and dropped him home. From their on Rick spent his time proselyting amongst the people both Maori and pakeha , members of the Church. He loved sports indoor basketball, volley ball, enjoyed our Maori culture song and dance. Always happy to assist in events and activities that involved bother young and old. Had so much fun with him. All missionaries were invited to our home anytime they were hungry. A relationship was formed where Rick became like another son added to our family. He was so loved by everyone . Thank you Haki Mcdonald who also is another missionary that we grew to Love during his time serving the Lord and our people for sending Rick off in beautiful Maori tradition. The Totara tree is classed as Chiefly, resilient, tall, strong , durable of noble rights . These qualities got him through the toughest of times while battling his illness with Cancer. A beautiful tribute So deserved. We will miss him dearly. Imagine the reunion he will have reuniting with all those people who love him.May Heavenly Father share the blessings of serenity., comfort and lLove to all of his families. God Bless. The Tarawa Whanau.
So sad to hear of your loss. We remember your family with fondness. Rick certainly knew what is was to persist. He was amazing through all his trials. What a good example of hope, endurance and love. We send our prayers to you at this time.