Richad Carlson Obituary

Richad E. Carlson II tragically passed away Saturday, September 19, 2015. He was born April 14, 1961 in Chicago Illinois to Richard and Mary Kay (Kreteck) Carlson. He is survived by his son Benjamin Perkins-Carlson. He has one sister Erica Frances (Carlson) Riley. Her husband Frank Riley, and Erica have three children Bridta (Riley), Rowe, husband Brandon and daughter Chella, Robert Kreteck Riley, and Richard Frances Riley.

Rich grew up in Colorado Springs and graduated from Cheyenne Mountain High School in 1979. He first attended University of Oregon at Eugene and then graduated from University of Colorado at Boulder. His studies were in environmental science, water quality - limnology, and education. He also taught fifth graders in Basalt, CO and was the general contractor with his father Richard E. Carlson on several projects in Ridgway, Co and Colorado Springs, CO. In addition, he constructed a green house where he grew organic vegetables in a sustainable environment. He lived in a boxcar starting in the early 90s in the natural splendor of the woods above Ridgway and later with his son, Ben.

Rich was a worldly traveler, a master chef, a prolific gardener, a music aficionado, ceramicist, nature lover and family man. Rich was a free spirit who transformed a boxcar into a home where he and his son had many great memories. Rich's zest for life enveloped everyone from around the globe, and anyone who knew him knows this.

A service will be held at Sacred Heart Church at 2030 W. Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904 on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at 10:00 am. A reception will follow immediately at the rectory.