Jack Carlson
Jack David Carlson, 75, died on Thursday, January 7, 2021. His cancer was of relatively short duration, diagnosed just this past fall. He was born and raised in Fort Bragg and was a lifelong resident of the coast except for attending UC Davis and being drafted into the Army, where he pitched for a softball team.
Surviving him are his wife of 50 years, Joan Carlson; his sister, Arleen Carlson Fraser and her husband, Charlie Fraser; and his sister-in-law, Sue Bunting, and her husband, Denny Bunting. He was also close to his nieces and nephew, Karen Fraser, Anna FraserHulthage, Chris Bunting, and Tracy Bunting. And he enjoyed Anna and Jacob’s three children, Maya, Kai, and Nora Hulthage. Jack will be keenly missed by his family.
Jack was primarily known on the coast as a very longtime salmon, crab, and albacore fisherman on the Sea Wolf, his Makela Brothers wooden boat. Many of his old friends come from the Noyo fishing fleet. He was also an avid golfer and leaves many friends from the Little River Inn Golf Club. His family is grateful for the support and steady rota of wonderful meals that generously arrived during these past few months from golf club members and staff, his very helpful neighbors, and other friends.
Jack had varied and numerous interests. He participated as a player in many sports in the past and was a supporter of coast boys and girls school teams for decades. He was also an avid sports fan, especially of the S. F. Giants and the Warriors. He was an enthusiastic reader and, over the years, poker player.
Jack also maintained interest in his Finnish heritage and the Fort Bragg/Mendocino coast Finnish community. All four of his grandparents were born in Finland and immigrated to Mendocino County, as did his father, Ilmar Carlson. His mother, Elmi Bom Carlson, was born in Redwood Valley, in a sauna, and came to Fort Bragg when she married.
If you wish to donate, memorial contributions may be made to any organization or cause of your choice. Jack’s family is appreciating all your sympathy and memories.