Obituary: Carlson, Richard Wade

CARLSON, Richard Wade

Richard Wade Carlson, (52) passed away on August 17, 2012 at the Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 25, 2012 at 11:00am in the Becker Auditorium in Bonners Ferry, Idaho with interment following in the Grandview Cemetery.
Rich was born on May 12, 1960 in Bonners Ferry, Idaho to Carl and Myrna Carlson.

He was raised in Bonners Ferry, Idaho and graduated high school in 1978.

During his high school years he played football (wider receiver) and track as a stellar sprinter.

He married his high school sweetheart Nancy Morice August 25, 1979.

Rich is the epitome of a family man, spending time in the outdoors hunting, fishing, camping with his wife Nancy and their two boys and enjoyed woodworking.

Rich’s fish career was with Louisiana Pacific for 24 years.

Rich was in the position of 2nd shift supervisor when he left the company.

Rich started his career with Customs and Border Protection in June of 2002 at Eastport, Idaho Port of Entry.

Rich truly exemplified all of the standards that a CBP Officer should seek for themselves.

Rich headed up several collateral duties in the commercial area.

Rich has received awards from both his supervisors and peers for his outstanding work.

In 2011 Rich served as an acting Supervisor at Eastport.

Rich was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August of 2011.

He worked between chemotherapy treatment for the past several months, before going on medical leave and finally passing away.
Rich was very involved in the community.

Just a small glimpse of his many contributions to this county are his instruction of Hunter Safety for Idaho Dish and Game for 17 years, Cub Scout Leader, he worked with the Boy Scouts for 17 years from when he was awarded the “Silver Beaver Award”, which is the highest award given to Boy Scout leaders, assisted in the Pinewood Derby for AWANA at several local churches.

He has built projects for the local Elementary and Middle schools worked helping local residents in need.
Survivors include his wife Nancy at home in Bonners Ferry, Id; sons Gregg Carlson of Rathdrum, Id.

; Kelly Carlson of Mukilteo, WA; mother Myrna Watkins of Bonners Ferry, ID; brother C. Wayne Carlson of Tioga, ND; four nieces and one nephew.

He was preceded in death by his father C. Warren Carlson, step- father Willie Watkins and sister-in-law Linda Carlson and his grandparents.

He loved his family and friends and he will be sorely missed.
Family and friends are invited to sign Rich’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.