Bernard Francis Carlson was the eldest son of Ivan and Mary Jo Carlson, of Oregon City, Oregon. Bernie, as he was known, was born in England but spent his childhood in Nebraska and Sweet Home, Oregon.
Bernie is survived by his wife, Kathy Carlson. Together, they have three children, Kristen Hunsaker, Kara Michael, and Jonathan Carlson (all three children are married). He has 4 grandchildren, Darby, Bishop, Ainsley, and Felicity as well as several loving nieces and nephews. Bernie’s siblings are Michael ‘Mike’, Joe, Leila, John, Mary Brown, Gene, Jim, and Kathy Phillips.
Bernie graduated in 1962 from Oregon City High School. He graduated from Carroll College, in Helena, where he played football and earned a degree in Economics. He was a Naval Aviator and served 2 tours in Vietnam. His first tour started in December 1972. He discharged from active duty, and re-enlisted into the Navy Reserves, became Commander of his reserve squadron; fulfilling over 20 years of service. In August 1979, he was hired by Federal Express, now FedEx. He flew for FedEx for 25 years.
Bernie loved working on cars, airplanes, and motorcycles (especially Harleys). Those who knew Bernie, are aware of his ‘9 lives’ and his uncanny ability to survive. Bernie loved his family and after retiring, lived by the motto to Make Time for Family.
CARLSON, Bernard F., “Bernie” age 69, of Kalispell. A Prayer of Adoration of Sacraments will be held at 11:00 a.m., today August 29th, in the Trinity Chapel of Carroll College. A Rosary will be prayed at 11:30 a.m. with a Mass to be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. in the St. Joseph’s Chapel, Borromeo Hall at Carroll College. Burial with military honors will follow the Mass at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison. Please join the family and friends following the burial for a reception that will be held at The Cube in the Rice Room at Carroll College. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or the Disabled American Veterans, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076, in Bernie’s name. Please visit belowto offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Bernie.
Service Schedule
Rosary
11:30 a.m.
Friday August 29, 2014
St. Joseph's Chapel Borromeo Hall at Carroll College
Helena, Montana 59601
Mass of Christian Burial
12:00 p.m.
Friday August 29, 2014
St. Joseph's Chapel Borromeo Hall at Carroll College
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Mass
Friday August 29, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Reception
Following the burial
Friday August 29, 2014
At The Cube in the Rice Room at Carroll College
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Rosary
11:30 a.m.
Friday August 29, 2014
St. Joseph's Chapel Borromeo Hall at Carroll College
Helena, Montana 59601
Mass of Christian Burial
12:00 p.m.
Friday August 29, 2014
St. Joseph's Chapel Borromeo Hall at Carroll College
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Mass
Friday August 29, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Reception
Following the burial
Friday August 29, 2014
At The Cube in the Rice Room at Carroll College
Helena, Montana 59601
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Sharon (Connelly) Albiston, Kalispell MT says
I am so sorry to hear of Bernie’s passing. My thoughts, and prayers are for all his family.
I send special love to Kathy and his children, and each of his sisters and brothers, and his Aunt Shirley & Uncle George. He has been an amazing man and I am in awe and have great appreciation of his service to his country. Sheri & Ron Albiston
Dennis Lavery says
Bernie was a college classmate and friend. He was a great human being. My prayers are with his family.
patty white says
Bernie was a long time friend of my husband, Jim White, and I. They both were naval aviators, and loved talking about their flying days. Last summer jim died and Bernie drove 24 hours to get to the funeral. He was a dear man, and my heart goes out to his family.
Ginnie Stockert Pinard says
I just read of Bernie’s death in Carroll Quicknotes. I was a classmate (’67) at Carroll. I offer you only the best memories of which I am certain you have many. Prayers from New Hampshire.
Bill Darcy says
I had the pleasure of knowing and playing football with Bernie at Carroll. He was a most interesting man, driving some exotic foreign car (an MG maybe). very cool and sophisticated for Helena Montana. I had not stayed in touch with him over the years, but wish I had. I am not surprised that he was a Navy and commercial pilot, as he was a adventurous and composed person.
I am sorry we have lost him and will pray for him
Roberta (Marsh) Boyle says
Bernie and I graduated from OCHS together….many great memories of riding around in his old Ford convertible during our high school years 🙂 . We had lost track over the
years, but it was such a surprise when he phoned me a couple years ago…such a nice phone visit. He will be remembered for the kind, gentle, amazing person that he was.
My husband Hugh and I are so sorry for your loss, and we are keeping your entire family in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeanne Laurs says
Bernie and I became friends while attending Oregon City High School during the 1960’s. Our families belonged to St. John the Apostle Catholic Church and attended the parish school. I would tribute Bernie as having been an extraordinary person with many gifts and talents. He was exceeding kind, loved by all, and treasured his faith.
My family and I would like to express our heartfelt sympathy to all Bernie’s family by having Masses offered in his memory at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Oregon City and at The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, in Portland. May the comfort of God be with all of you.
Kara Michael says
Thank you everyone for your comments about my dad. I love hearing the stories about t his life and sharing them with my aunts, uncles, and cousins.
We are doing a celebration of his life, this Sunday in Oregon City. If you are interested in attending, please feel free to pass this along to others, please call me at 406-270-9731.
Hugs and Blessings to you!
Kara
bobbi says
I am so very sorry to read of Bernie’s passing, I new him when he was stationed in Oak Harbor.. He was a wonderful young man, and I have several pictures of him I would like to send to his family that he had given me It seems he had a wonderful life and I am so happy he did, sincerely Bobbii
Ralph and Lynn Guay says
I’m sorry to have missed Bernie’s passing. I met him at Carroll in a German class and had the pleasure of his friendship while we were there. I haven’t seen him in years, but miss his presence on this earth. Peace to all his family and all who know this great guy…